September 22–28, 2024 is National Dog Week, an occasion to give thanks (or better yet, a treat) to the hard-working canines in our lives.
National Dog Week was established in 1928 by World War I veteran and canine advocate Captain William Judy. According to Dog.com, “National Dog Week is a celebration of dogs, what they mean to people and the ongoing task of improving life for all dogs. The event focuses on the education of dog owners and the general public, interaction between owners and dog care professionals and particularly on helping lost, abused and unwanted dogs around the country.”
National Dog Week recognizes that dogs play a major role in our daily lives. They assist law enforcement and military personnel, help with disaster recovery and rescue efforts, work on farms, assist the blind and disabled, and provide therapeutic comfort for those in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities.
In addition, National Dog Week encourages the adoption of dogs from animal shelters and rescue centers around the country. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®) reports that approximately 6.5 million “companion animals” enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Approximately 3.3 million of those animals are dogs.
Even if you can’t adopt a dog, making a donation to a local animal shelter or rescue organization is a great way to celebrate the holiday. To find a shelter or rescue group in your area, go to Purina’s Petfinder.com website.
Best Dogs for Seniors
What are the best dog breeds for seniors? See what AARP says:
Did you know?
The breeding of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) for various tasks and purposes has resulted in an animal species that is fascinating in its diversity of size, shape, color, and temperament.
- The International Canine Federation (FCI), an international federation of kennel clubs, recognizes 360 separate breeds of dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 197 dog breeds. View the official AKC list.
- The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. According to Guinness World Records, the tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 44 inches tall. Zeus died in 2014, but he still holds the record for height. The Old English Mastiff and Saint Bernard are two of the heaviest dog breeds in the world. The males of these breeds typically weigh in at 170–200 lb.
- Among the smallest dog breeds are the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian, and the Brussels Griffon. An adult Chihuahua ranges from 6 to 10 inches in height and weighs in at just 4 to 6 lb. Pomeranians are typically 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 3 to 7 lb.
- In 2020, the AKC ranked the ten most popular dog breeds in the following order: Labrador Retriever (1); French Bulldog (2); German Shepherd (3); Golden Retriever (4); Bulldog (5); Poodle (6); Beagle (7); Rottweiler (8); German Shorthaired Pointer (9); Dachshund (10). Since the 1980s, one of the fastest-growing trends in dog breeding is to mix a Poodle with another purebred dog. Currently, there are more than 40 different types of Poodle mixes—or “doodles.” Among the most popular mixes is the Goldendoodle, a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle, and the Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle.
- What is the oldest dog breed? A 2020 DNA study reported that the oldest domesticated dog breed appears to be the Greenland Sled Dog. Other ancient dog breeds are the Basenji, depicted in cave paintings dating back to around 6000 B.C.; the Saluki, the mummified remains of which have been found in Egyptian tombs; the Akita Inu, which originated in Japan; and the Afghan Hound.
Dogs in action …
On the farm
To the rescue
In our hospitals
Below: Atticus “Norris,” a Standard Poodle (left), and Arlo “Pizzolato,” an Australian Labradoodle (and the author’s family dog), get ready to celebrate National Dog Day.
