National Purebred Dog Day
Many purebred dogs offer invaluable services to mankind, from sheepherding to hunting to guarding and search-and-rescue, so give some love to purebreds.
Mutts are adorable, and there is no denying that—their floppy ears, patches of different-coloured fur, and deep loving eyes. For those who just need a friend, someone who will be thrilled to see them when they get home, snuggle on cold evenings and always be up for an adventure, a mutt is the perfect pet.
But over the millennia, there have been many other reasons people have needed dogs, to do many things they could not do alone, and those jobs required a special type of dog to do them right.
National Purebred Dog Day is here to celebrate those special dogs with unique dispositions and skills!
How to Celebrate National Purebred Dog Day
For all of the ways dogs make our lives better, they are fans of simple pleasures like a game of fetch, a good meaty bone to gnaw on, or a long belly rub, so if you have a dog, spend some extra time with it today to show your love and appreciation.
Why Celebrate National Purebred Dog Day?
As lovable as 25-pound mutts are, they don’t make very effective herding dogs, being too small to be taken seriously by both wolves and cows or sheep.
When an excellent sense of smell is required, nothing beats the nose of the bloodhound that can follow scents both on the ground and in the air with its 300 million scent receptors. What dog could possibly be better suited to pulling a sled though ice and snow than the resilient, independent husky?
Due to the occasional puppy mill horror story we see on TV, dog breeders get a bad rap these days. And granted, there are breeders who care only about making money as fast as possible, completely disregarding the welfare of their dogs and the genetic flaws that are passed on from one dog to the next in the general rush to sell the next litter of puppies.
Many dog breeds, however, have made enormous contributions to society, and National Purebred Dog Day is about celebrating these majestic, loyal creatures that have helped humans in so many ways.
History of National Purebred Dog Day
National Purebred Dog Day was officially created by a woman named Susi, a writer-editor, in 2014. This event was actually born out of years of frustration of responsible dog breeders as well as the owners of purebred dogs, who were simply tired of being vilified by the media as greedy and ruthless.
Purebred dogs, they said, have helped people in countless different ways, so why should we not celebrate them?
If it weren’t for Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, the entire small city of Nome, Alaska, may well have died from the outbreak of diphtheria that struck it in 1925.
The dogs saved the inhabitants of Nome from that fate by making a 1,085-kilometer run to bring them the serum they needed to recover. In the 1900s, a St. Bernard living named Barry living in Switzerland rescued over 40 people from from freezing to death in the surrounding mountains throughout his lifetime.
Those stories, however impressive, are just the very tip of the iceberg. Every day, purebred dogs the world over help the blind cross streets, sniff out drugs, and help people recover from serious mental conditions.
National Purebred Dog Day was created so people could remember just how much purebred dogs have done and continue to do for humanity, as well as remind them that dog breeding is not the vile business that organizations like PETA tend to portray it as.
National Purebred Dog Day FAQs
What unique superstitions involve purebred dogs?
People believed that a white Greyhound could ward off evil spirits in medieval Europe.
In rural England, the howling of a purebred Bloodhound was thought to predict storms or even death. These superstitions show the mystical reverence for certain breeds.Â
Did purebred dogs inspire famous works of art?
Yes! Spanish painter Diego Velázquez often depicted Spanish Mastiffs in his portraits, symbolizing loyalty and strength.
Similarly, the regal Afghan Hound inspired sculptures in ancient Persia, embodying elegance and beauty.
How do different countries celebrate their native purebred dogs?
Norway honors the Norwegian Elkhound with local festivals, while Portugal celebrates the Rafeiro do Alentejo with herding competitions. These events preserve each breed’s legacy and cultural importance.Â
Why are some purebred dogs considered “national treasures”?
Japan designates the Akita Inu and Shiba Inu as national monuments due to their historical roles in hunting and guarding.
The Basenji, known as the “barkless dog,” is revered in Central Africa for its ancient lineage.
Which purebred dogs have unusual traits or abilities?
The Norwegian Lundehund has six toes, helping it climb cliffs to hunt puffins.
Meanwhile, the Otterhound’s water-repellent coat and webbed feet make it an expert swimmer. These breeds are perfect examples of purpose-driven evolution.
Are there any historical events tied to specific breeds?
In 1917, Sergeant Stubby, a purebred Boston Terrier, became a decorated war dog for his service in World War I. He warned soldiers of gas attacks and boosted morale on the battlefield.Â
How have purebred dogs influenced folklore?
In Irish folklore, the Irish Wolfhound is a guardian against mythical creatures, especially banshees. Ancient legends also describe the breed accompanying warriors into battle as a symbol of courage.Â
What role do purebred dogs play in modern science?
Purebred dogs are essential for mapping genes linked to specific diseases. The Boxer has helped researchers study cardiomyopathy, and the Labrador Retriever has advanced genetic research on blindness.
How do purebred dogs impact fashion and luxury trends?
Breeds like the Poodle and Italian Greyhound have been symbols of wealth and style throughout history. In the 18th century, French royalty often posed with Poodles in elaborate portraits, showcasing their status.
What are some strange but true facts about purebred dogs?
The Chow Chow is one of the only dog breeds with a blue-black tongue. Another curious fact is that the Dalmatian’s spots are unique to each dog, much like fingerprints in humans.Â
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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