The M Word: Mixed Breeds, Not Mongrels, at Westminster Masters Agility

We all know that the East End is well-known for its compassion for animals. Residents can always be counted on to open their hearts, wallets and purses for animal rescue efforts. Dan’s Papers has been an avid supporter of these causes as well.

With that in mind, on Saturday February 8, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., the First annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster was held at Pier 94 in New York City. I am so excited about this that I could pee my pants. I am also so mad at some members of the mainstream media that I could kick some journalist butt!

My joy comes from the fact that this year, according to the Westminster Kennel Club website, “The Masters Agility Championship at Westminster will be open to dogs competing at Excellent and Master level. That includes purebred dogs, mixed breeds registered in the AKC’s Canine Partners program, miscellaneous breeds not yet eligible for conformation competition, Foundation Stock Service recorded breeds and Purebred Alternative Listing dogs (purebred dogs that cannot be fully registered)” and, most importantly, “The mixed breed category is especially significant, bringing non-purebred dogs to the Westminster event for the first time since the very earliest days of the show.”

It’s a good start. So in that regard I give my support.

What has me so mad? Now that mixed breeds are being allowed, many journalists are referring to them as “mongrels.” Why not just walk around the Hamptons spewing racial slurs? None of my dogs nor any mixed breed, rescued or otherwise, are mongrels.

According to the Urban Dictionary, one definition of a mongrel is, “a rather unexplainable term used when you really don’t like a person. Marked by ugliness, rudeness, fatness, etc.” Does this describe our beloved mixed breeds of the Hamptons? Hell no, I say!

Personally, I have been blessed with three rescue dogs—Zeus, Apollo and Hercules. And although I can’t drive around town with a bumper sticker that reads, “My dog is a purebred,” I can say with no hesitation that my dogs are some of the sweetest creatures on the planet. I am truly blessed everyday with their unconditional love.

Given the influence of our island paradise, I propose that East Enders unite and do all they can to eradicate the use of the term “mongrel” when referring to man’s (and woman’s) best friend.

Let’s kick some journalist butt!

Westminster is calling mixed breeds “All American” dogs. What is the correct and least offensive word for a dog of mixed origin? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!