National Dog Day is on August 26 and we are getting ready to celebrate all our furry friends in the best ways possible! Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend? It is time to pull out all the cake and pictures of your pup and share your love for them with the world!
History of National Dog Day
Dogs are a man’s best friend for a reason, so why not celebrate them? These furry friends range in all different shapes, sizes, and breeds. There is a dog out there for everyone! Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day.
This holiday was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate. She created this day so that all dogs can be celebrated and also to draw attention to the number of dogs in shelters and to encourage adoption to those who have yet to find a place to call home. August 26 is significant to Colleen because it is the day her family adopted her Sheltie when she was 10 years old.
Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown and is now celebrated across the world. In 2013 the holiday was written into New York legislation and can be seen on the New York State Senate’s website.
To spread the word further, those that oversee the holiday have joined forces with many rescue partners, including The Human Society of The United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Together they draw attention to the number of dogs that are without a home and try to actively encourage people searching for a dog to visit an adoption shelter instead of a pet store.
Since the first day back in 2004, it is estimated that approximately one million dogs have been saved through adoption in the U.S. For dog owners that aren’t looking to add to their family, National Dog Day has become a day for treating their friend like the legend they are and enjoying the connection that we’ve built up with dogs over thousands of years.
Colleen Paige, the founder of the holiday, also uses the day to draw attention to the multiple ways in which dogs contribute towards our society. From putting their lives on the line to help law enforcement track down bombs or drug dealers to providing assistance for those who need it, dogs play an important role. Nowadays dogs can even identify cancer in patients.
National Dog Day has also been using its platform to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and continuously pushes for all dogs to be allowed to live happy and abuse-free lives.
National Dog Day is on an upward trajectory and continues to grow in popularity. It is widely covered in the media each year and rescue homes are the all-important exposure they need to get their message across. Whether you choose to celebrate by volunteering at a rescue home, making a donation to a shelter, or by giving your furry friend an extra big cuddle, make sure you spend this day acknowledging just how awesome dogs are.
National Dog Day timeline
- September 8, 2015
Dog Myths Revealed
It is a myth that dogs are color blind. They can actually see in color but not as vividly as humans.
- August 26, 2004
National Dog Day Invented
This was the day that National Dog Day was invented by Colleen Paige who chose August 26 because that was the day her family brought home her first dog.
- 1929
First Guide Dog School for the Blind
The very first school to teach dogs to help blind people navigate the world was started in Nashville, Tennessee. It was relocated to New Jersey two years later.
- September 17, 1884
American Kennel Club Opens
The world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit all-breed registry is founded.
National Dog Day FAQs
Where can I adopt a dog?
There are numerous ways you can adopt a dog. You can adopt from your local rescue shelter or pet store, and you can even look online for dogs that are in need of a home. There may be a local breeder looking for people to adopt their puppies.
How many dog breeds are there?
In the United States there are about 190 dog breeds. Worldwide there are about 360 dog breeds.
How do I choose if a dog is right for me?
Determine if you are willing to take on the responsibility of having a dog such as feeding, walking, vet and grooming visits. If so, then determine if you want a big or small dog, or a shedding or hypoallergenic dog and look for breeds that fit your needs.
5 Facts About Dogs That Will Blow Your Mind
They sleep in a circle to protect their organs
This comes from when they were wild and vulnerable to predator attacks.
The shape of a dog’s face determines their lifespan
A longer face on a dog means they will have a longer lifespan.
75 million pet dogs in the U.S.
There are more pet dogs in the united states than any other country.
They have an amazing sense of smell
A dog’s nose has 300 million receptors, whereas us as humans have 5 million.
A dog’s nose print is unique
A dogs nose print is just as unique as a human fingerprint.
National Dog Day By The Numbers
3.3 million – Dogs entering U.S animal shelters every year.
670,000 – Dogs are euthanized in the U.S each year.
1.6 million – Shelter dogs are adopted each year.
620,000 – Stray dogs returned to their owners each year
79 million – Pet dogs in the U.S
44% – Households in the U.S with a pet dog.
23% – Pet dogs acquired via an animal shelter
34% – Pet dogs purchased from a breeder.
25% – Dogs entering animals shelters are purebred
10% – Animals received by shelters are spayed or neutered.
National Dog Day Activities
Take your furry friend to “yappy hour"
There are some pet friendly restaurants that will occasionally host a yappy hour, for you to enjoy some snacks with your friends and their pets. Take your furry friend out to socialize and play with other dogs at yappy hour.
Adopt a dog
What better day to adopt a furry friend than on National Dog Day? Take a trip to your local shelter and go look for your new best friend.
Show your pup some love
Show your pup you love them by giving them their favorite treats, going on lots of walks or playing at the dog park.
Why We Love National Dog Day
Dogs keep us happy and healthy
Our relationships with our dogs brings positive feelings, increased activity, affection and security. Coming home to a dog helps to relieve stress.
They comfort us
They give soothing abilities and are there to comfort us when we are sad. They are used as therapy dogs to soothe soldiers and people suffering from PTSD.
They love us more than they love themselves
Dogs love us more than they love themselves. They are always happy to see us and would risk their lives to protect their humans.
Also on Mon Aug 26, 2024...
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