National Dog Day

A heartwarming image of a person playing fetch with their furry best friend in a lush green park, surrounded by other dogs and dog lovers. The person is wearing casual attire, like jeans and a t-shirt, and there is a joyful atmosphere with wagging tails and happy barks filling the air. The scene is full of positive energy and love for dogs, capturing the essence of National Dog Day. . — National dog day illustration

Who's been a good boy? It's every dog lover's favorite day to give extra belly rubs and cuddles - National Dog Day! And thanks to the internet you must have come across a goofy dog meme or read an inspiring rescue story on this wag-tastic occasion.

When is Dog Day?

It's national dog day on the 26th August.

A Day for the Dogs

Originally leaping off to its start on August 26, 2004, National Dog Day is a day devoted to man's best friend. Founded by animal welfare advocate and puppy lover Colleen Paige, National Dog Day is an event to celebrate all breeds of dogs, from the pedigrees to the mutts, and to encourage adoption.

The Furry Social Media Phenomenon

From funny videos to heartwarming stories of dog-human relationships, the celebration has truly caught on. Our data shows that we caught scent of an impressive 723403 mentions online, and the loudest of those barks happened on 26 Aug 2015 with a spike in the mentions. On this day the internet almost broke with the load of paw-some content and canine appreciation.

How to Celebrate

So what can you do to celebrate your furry friend? Besides posting a pic of your canine companion or making a donation to an animal welfare organization, you could also spoil your dog with special treats or take them on an adventure to a new park. Whatever you do, make sure it’s full of belly rubs and tail wagging fun!

History behind the term 'Dog'

13th century

Origin of the term 'dog'

The term 'dog' can be traced back to the 13th century when it originated from the Old English word 'docga'. The meaning of 'dog' in this context was a domesticated animal kept for companionship, hunting, and guarding. The Old English word 'docga' was derived from the Germanic word 'dukkōn', meaning 'powerful'.

14th century

The influence of French

In the 14th century, the English language underwent significant changes due to the influence of French. This influence led to the adoption of the Old French word 'chien' for 'dog'. The word 'chien' itself had Latin roots, specifically from the Latin word 'canis'. The incorporation of 'chien' into English further solidified the usage of 'dog' as the term for our beloved four-legged companions.

16th century

Standardization of the term 'dog'

During the 16th century, the English language experienced a standardization process, and the term 'dog' became firmly established as the most common and widely recognized word for our furry friends. This widespread usage contributed to the cultural significance that dogs have held ever since. Dogs became synonymous with loyalty, companionship, and the embodiment of humanity's deep connection with animals.

18th century

Classification and breeding

In the 18th century, the popularity of dog breeding and classification soared. This led to the development of various breeds with distinct characteristics and purposes. The term 'dog' became an umbrella term encompassing this vast diversity, reflecting the expanding roles dogs played in society. From working dogs in different professions to lap dogs pampered by the elite, the term 'dog' captured the breadth of canine companionship.

20th century

Cultural prominence and attachment

In the 20th century, dogs solidified their place as beloved companions and earned unparalleled cultural prominence. Their unwavering loyalty, intelligence, and versatility endeared them to people across the globe. Whether as assistance animals, police dogs, search and rescue partners, or simply as family pets, dogs became an integral part of human life. The term 'dog' continued to symbolize this special bond, evoking feelings of love, devotion, and friendship.