National Dog Day on August 26th encourages dog ownership of all breeds. While seeking a new companion, be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, purebreds, and everything in between. 

Whether mixed or purebred, embrace the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. They all give us companionship. Additionally, they keep us safe, and they aid those in need. Dogs play. Well, they play many roles in our lives, too! They keep us healthy, both physically and mentally.

While many days aim to find loving homes for dogs, this day expands that consideration to look beyond the breed. Look into the heart of the animal. The purpose of the National Dog Day Foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs each year.

A dog is man’s best friend.

Breeds

Purebreds are animals whose parents were both of the same breed. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes official breeds, not all dogs with parents from the same breed are considered official by the AKC. One benefit of purebred animals is that characteristics such as behavior and size are predictable.

With mixed breed animals, the genetics becomes uncertain, and some of the predictability is lost. However, when it comes to choosing a dog to add to your family or for training one to join a team, both purebred and mixed breeds may still fit the bill. Both types of dogs, young and old, find their way to shelters.

Many popular breeds fill shelters due to recent films or television shows. Families buy an animal imagining they will make the perfect pet but are unprepared for the training, care, and other responsibilities that come with canine care. Regardless of their genetics, all dogs require care and training. If there’s a particular breed that has captured your heart, check the shelters. You might be surprised to find either a purebred or one that is a mix of the kind you’re fond of.

When dogs find a forever home, their companionship creates lifelong benefits. They bring with them joy, loyalty, and devotion. Eventually, no matter the breed, these pets become family.

Explore More…

• National Cat Day
• Global Cat Day
• Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
• Black Cat Appreciation Day
• National Black Cat Day
• National Kitten Day
• National Hairball Awareness Day
• International Cat Day
• Adopt A Cat Month
• Unconditional Love The Whole Year Through
• Opt – To – Adopt
• Love Your Pet Day
• National Hug Your Cat Day
• National Pet Day
• National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day
• Adopt a Senior Pet Day
• Make A Dogs Day
• Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
• Dress Up Your Pet Day
• Operation Santa Paws
• Hug Your Hound Day
• National Pet Memorial Day
• National Dog Day
• Never Bean Better Day
• Take Your Dog to work day
• National Puppy Day
• National Make A Dogs Day
• National Rescue Dog Day
• National Mutt Day
• National Dog Month
• National Dog Mom Day
• National Checkers Day
• All American Pet Photo Day
• National Pet Fire Safety Day
• National Pet Parents Day
• National Black Dog Day
• Responsible Dog Ownership Day
• National Panda Day
• National Monkey Day
• National Pig Day
• National American Eagle Day
• National Dolphin Day
• National Help a Horse Day
• National Ferret Day
• I Love Horses Day
• National Endangered Species Day
• National Turtle Day
• National Sea Turtle Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDogDay

Listen to Dog Walking by The Knits from their album Pixel Parks.

When considering adoption, adopt, don’t shop. If you have your heart set on a purebred companion, consider visiting a website like bestfriends.org or petfinder.com to find one at a shelter. Learn how organizations like these are changing the way we adopt. As you search for your new family member, get prepared. Keep in mind the needs of a small versus large dog. Until you find your forever companion, consider volunteering at your shelter or becoming a foster parent.

Use #NationalDogDay and post photos of your dog on social media. Take your dog for a walk.  If you do not have a dog, ask to take your neighbor’s dog for a stroll, or volunteer at a shelter.