Responsible Dog Ownership Month

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month!

Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Month and learn better ways to be a responsible dog owner. Go to a training class or take your dog to the vet if you haven't been for a while. Always make sure you are prepared and educated about everything having a dog entails before you bring a new friend home!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) created Responsible Dog Ownership Day in 2003. It invites over 5,000 affiliate dog clubs and organizations to host this event. It is meant to educate people about the responsibilities that go with owning a dog as a pet and enhancing the human-dog relationship. The AKC hosts a flagship event in Raleigh, NC every year to celebrate this human-canine bond, this year it will take place on September 28, 2019. The event consists of educational booths, dog demonstrations, games, activities to try with your dog, microchipping, health clinics, and more. However, the American Kennel Club isn’t the only one hosting events, there are many taking place throughout the month of September and you can even host your own!

AKC Responsible Owner Pet Promise

The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884, as a non-profit organization. They are known to have the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and believe in the importance of breeding for type and function. The American Kennel Club advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances in canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.

How Responsible Dog Ownership Month Unites People 

There is no denying that dogs are the most beloved pets to have, but it’s important to keep in mind that owning a pet comes with great responsibilities, and every breed has their own special needs that need to be taken into consideration. Dogs unite families, friends and even strangers. Who doesn’t look at a dog walking by? Who doesn’t try petting them? Everyone is eager to be around them, love them, care for them. Dogs just have a natural ability to spread joy, amusement and loyalty.

Taking care of a pet can be a family bonding experience, because not only does it require a lot of effort, it can be an activity done by all members together, bringing unity into a home. On the other hand, friends can provide an extra hand and extra petting to our beloved dogs, which they will appreciate very much. Dogs are conversation starters with strangers, which is a great way to educate them on dogs, breeds and overall maintenance. Dogs are just bundles of joy that can unite people by merely just being adorable and loyal companions.

Interesting Facts About Dogs

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) Phylum: Chordata| Class: Mammalia| Order: Carnivora| Family: Canidae| Genus: Canis

• Dogs are said to have first been domesticated 15,000 years ago in East Asia; considered the first domesticated animal.
• All dogs are descendants of wolves.
• The American Kennel Club estimates 202 dog breeds and are divided into 7 groups. The British Kennel Club recognizes 211 dog breeds and divides into 7 groups. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organization) establishes 344 dog breeds divided into 10 groups.
• Some dog breeds have black tongues.
• The Basenji dogs do not bark.
• Dogs wet noses help them absorb scent chemicals. Also, a dog’s nose print is unique.
• Puppies have 28 teeth while adult dogs have 42 teeth.
• Dogs have less taste buds than humans (1,700) but have more smell receptors (around 300 million).
• The United States has the highest number of pet dogs in the world.