It's been days of endless rain here in Texas, which is how my partner and I found ourselves watching the AKC Agility Premier Cup on ESPN with the kids yesterday, prompted by both boredom and the sheer cuteness of these dogs trying (and often failing) to complete the obstacle course. While we were watching, Frogg won third place for completing the course in just 43 seconds. His breed was listed as an "All-American Dog," and I was surprised that I hadn't heard that phrase before. I'm certainly no dog expert, nor do I watch these competitions often. But I did extensive research before choosing to get my perfect, darling Aussiedoodle as my first pet, and didn't remember hearing anything about this designation.

A quick Google search confirmed that the American Kennel Club uses the phrase to refer to mixed-breed dogs, often referred to as mutts. Before, the phrase was referred exclusivelyto purebred dogs that originated in the United States—like the Boston Terrier, American Foxhound, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever (here’s a 2003 article that references this). But since allowing mixed-breed dogs to compete in AKC, the organization uses the "All-American" designation because it represents the unique combination of different backgrounds coming together to create something distinctly American. These dogs are celebrated for their unique personalities and looks, their increased resilience compared to some purebred dogs, and the way they mirror the diverse, multicultural fabric of the nation.

The show was filmed in May at an army base in Georgia to honor the troops and aired on television over the Fourth of July weekend. While watching, I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. Here we are, celebrating the power and potential of these mixed-breed dogs, while our administration uses the same rhetoric to discredit us because of our differences, prevent others from entering this country, and keeping us separate through discriminatory legislation. What if we learned from how we treat these canine competitors, who are allowed to compete alongside each other regardless of gender or breed, and are celebrated for their diverse backgrounds and abilities? It might sound silly or too simplistic to make this parallel. But I'm always intrigued by how often our society demonstrates that we have the capacity for greater collective care, even in the most unconventional ways.

P.S. – During World War I and World War II, the friendly, hard-working pit bull was known as the "All American Dog." They appeared in posters and served as a military mascot because, like the soldiers serving overseas, they were considered brave and worthy of respect. It's worth learning how their public perception changed alongside shifting sentiments about race and class.

In our weekly installment of 28 Days of Black History, we shared the story of Frederick Douglass’ impassioned plea for America to make good on its promises, and reflected on how this work resonates nearly 170 years later. Read >