If you’ve ever owned a mixed-breed dog or mutt, you know that they can be affectionate, lovable dogs that make wonderful companions. However, if you were to take the average mutt and try to train it to herd sheep, pull a sled, or follow the scent of a wanted criminal for miles, most would come up short.

Those jobs, and many others, are typically best left to purebred dogs that do things most other dogs can’t. This is why dog lovers everywhere celebrate National Purebred Dog Day on May 1st. National Purebred Dog Day is a day to celebrate the purebred dogs who have long been serving humankind (and today mostly make fantastic pets). Read on to learn more about this special day, who started it, and what you can do to celebrate National Purebred Dog Day with your favorite breed.

Who Created National Purebred Dog Day, and When?

It was in 2013 that Susi Szeremy had the idea to create a national holiday celebrating purebred dogs. Szeremy believed that purpose-bred dogs had left an indelible mark on society, and many pet parents agreed with her wholeheartedly.

Why Was National Purebred Dog Day Created?

Like many purebred dog enthusiasts in the early 2010s, Susi Szeremy was tired of being cast as the “villain” for championing purebred dogs. She wasn’t alone, either. Responsible dog breeders across the United States had been vilified for decades for “profiteering” off of purebreds when, in fact, the opposite was true; most were trying to save the purebreds from becoming a weak and diluted shadow of themselves.

Szeremy’s reasons for championing purebred dogs are the same held by many pure breed enthusiasts; to promote responsible breeding, prevent the dilution of all purebred dog breeds, and protect the legacy those breeds have developed, often over centuries. It’s not that the people who celebrate this purebred-centric day don’t like mutts; they simply believe purebred dogs deserve their accolades and deserve protection.

Why is Maintaining Purebred Dog Breeds Important?

Most purebred dogs today aren’t bred to provide a function, service, or job but to be faithful pets and companions. Yes, some dogs, including the Alaskan Malamute and the Australian Shepherd, are still bred to be working dogs. Most, however, are leading a pet’s life far from the need for their specialized traits and skills.

Their traits and skills, passed down from generation to generation, deserve to be protected. These unique skills served humanity, allowing the human race to spread, endure, and survive. Even the breeds that didn’t provide a service were still part of the fabric of American life and, for that reason alone, must be preserved as they were back then.

At the end of the day, it’s all about preserving the legacy purebred dogs have created, from the Akita to the Yorkshire Terrier and all 400 others in between. That’s what National Purebred Dog Day is all about.

What are the Top 10 Purebred Dogs?

The Top 10 purebred dogs include the following breeds:

1. French Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Poodle
6. Bulldog
7. Beagle
8. Rottweiler
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Dachshund

The 4 Ways to Celebrate National Purebred Dog Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Purebred Dog Day and have a great time championing purebred canines. Below are several of the best, but with a little imagination, you can easily make up something as unique as your favorite breed.

1. Volunteer at a Shelter

Volunteering always has a way of making you feel good about the world. There are likely several shelters around your city or town, and all will need help. Giving your precious time to a shelter is a great way to spend National Purebred Dog Day!

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2. Donate to a Purebred Rescue

Many organizations around the United States help rescue purebred dogs, keep breeding within normal limits, and help purebreds find forever homes. Most, like animal shelters, need as much help as they can, including finances. On National Purebred Dog Day, donating to a local purebred rescue is a great idea and will be much appreciated.

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3. Spend the Entire Day with Your Purebred Dog

In today’s mile-a-minute world, spending the entire day with your dog might be impossible, even if you want to. However, on National Purebred Dog Day, schedule the day around your favorite purebred pup and shower them with attention and affection.

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4. Adopt a Purebred Dog

If you have the opportunity to adopt a purebred dog, doing it on National Purebred Dog Day would be perfect! Remember to check your local animal shelter since, once in a blue moon, a purebred dog shows up and needs a new home.

What Does the Term “Purpose Bred” Mean?

The term “purpose-bred” means a dog has been bred to perform a specific job, task, or service. They’re bred “on purpose” to have certain attributes and skills. Alaskan Malamutes are purpose-bred dogs because they’re bred to be sled dogs in harsh, cold environments.

Golden Retrievers are bred to be service dogs because of their intelligence, dedication, and affectionate nature. In short, any dog bred for a specific reason, whether to work or to provide companionship, is a purpose-bred dog. Some fantastic examples of purpose-bred dogs include the following:

Final Thoughts

National Purebred Dog Day is a day to celebrate the many good things purebred dogs have done for us over the millennia. From the Alaskan Malamutes that saved an entire Alaskan town to the Pointer helping its master bring home a meal for the family, National Purebred Dog Day celebrates them all. It’s a day to acknowledge the profound impact purpose-bred dogs had (and are still having) on modern society. If you have a purebred dog, be sure to lavish it with love and attention on May 1st, National Purebred Dog Day!

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