Happy Dog Day!

D- Did you know that while we once thought that dogs evolved from wolves, latest scientific research is revealing that this may not be entirely valid.

 “The genus Canis goes back about seven million years, and although some members of that group, such as jackals and the Ethiopian wolf, lived in Africa, the birthplace of humanity, there is no evidence that the earliest humans tried to domesticate any of these species. Only after modern humans spread out from Africa and into Europe 45,000 years ago did the wolf-dog-human triad begin to form.”

O- Over 90 million US households own a pet.

2025 Statistics show that 51% of them are U.S. dog owning households (68 million). “Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. households acquired a dog or cat from March 2020 to May 2021. Many adopted their canines from a friend, some purchased from pet stores, and a few took them in as strays. The pandemic affected everyone, and Americans added fur babies to compensate for losing social contact.”

G- Gender Stereotyping dogs is common in our society. 

However, “technically, animals don’t have “genders.” Gender typically references social and cultural differences rather than biological ones. Dogs are labeled male or female based solely on their sex, which is determined by reproductive anatomy and biological makeup.”

D- Dog Breed Topics can be both interesting and controversial. 

Breeding in a certified and humane way vs backyard breeders or rescuing a pet from our over filled shelters vs buying one from the local pet store. Regardless of breed, finding every dog a furever home is all that should matter. 

Fun Breed Facts: 

Most popular dog breed in the US - Labrador Retriever. 

The Labrador Retriever has held the top spot for many years due to their friendly, outgoing nature and versatility. 

Smallest dog breed in the world - Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas weigh as little as two pounds, which makes them the tiniest breed in the world. Their small mouths also make them more prone to dental problems than some other breeds.  

Breed known as the “barkless dog” - Basenji 

Basenji are unique because instead of barking, they make a sound similar to a yodel due to the structure of their larynx. 

Heaviest breed - English Mastiff 

English Mastiffs can weigh up to 230 pounds, but their friendly personality makes them a true example of gentle giants. 

Tallest breed - Great Dane 

Great Danes are the tallest breed, with some reaching over 30 inches tall at the shoulder. The tallest Great Dane on record was 44 inches tall! 

A- Animal Instincts can seem like magic passed down from generation to generation. 

Some that us humans wish we had. Remarkable instincts that prove dogs are born with extraordinary gifts are: effortless tracking abilities, pack socialization, immediate maternal care, natural hunting ability, innate territorial awareness, spontaneous play behavior, immediate threat response, automatic scent communication, unlearned guarding behavior, natural foraging skills. 

Y- Young puppies, senior doggies, and all in between make our life that much better with them in it. 

From the moment they pick us, and we take them home, as we unconditionally love and protect each other, until the time we have to say goodbye, our dogs complete us. Why wouldn’t we give them their own special day? Happy Dog Day Furry Babies!