What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dog
Example
My dog loves to play fetch in the park. [dog: noun]
Example
She trained her dog to sit and stay on command. [dog: noun]
mutt
Example
He adopted a mutt from the animal shelter. [mutt: noun]
Example
Her mutt has a curly tail and floppy ears like a poodle, but short fur like a terrier. [mutt: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dog is much more commonly used than mutt in everyday language. Dog is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while mutt is less common and more specific to mixed-breed dogs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dog and mutt?
While dog is typically associated with a neutral or informal tone, mutt can sometimes be viewed as a colloquial or slang term, depending on the context and audience.
