The Underdog: A Celebration of Mutts

Behold the mutt, not only the most popular “breed” in America—comprising 60 percent of the dogs owned by this nation of dog lovers—but also one of the hottest. A lively magnum opus of mutts, The Underdog marries appreciation and practical care in an unexpected book, illustrated throughout with soulful work from artists and photographers like Bruce Weber, Mary Ellen Mark, Robert Risko, Marisa Acocella, and Danny Gregory. Learn mutt history and lore and meet famous mutts, past and present. Celebrate cinematic and literary mutts. Discover the “Mutt Family Tree”—profiles and photos of 75 classic mutt types, from the Rottie mix to the “Heinz 57” (your guess is as good as anyone’s). Plus how mutts differ from their purebred cousins (they tend to live longer, for one thing) and how to be the very best mutt parent you can be, with a comprehensive nuts-and-bolts primer beginning with how to choose your mutt. An appendix connects mutt owners to a universe of products and services, from the only dog seat belt worth buying to the ritziest doggie day care facilities.

As fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi said, “A mutt is couture—it’s the only one like it in the world, made especially for you.”