The American Kennel Club Celebrates National Purebred Dog Day On May 1st

An annual celebration of the purpose and legacy of the purebred dog.

The American Kennel Club^® (AKC^®) invites you to join us on May 1^st as we celebrate pride, predictability and purpose of purebred dogs and promote the preservation of these breeds. This year, two Congressional resolutions designate May 1^st  as National Purebred Dog Day^® (NPDD). Senate Resolution 144 introduced by Senator Thom Tillis and House Concurrent Resolution 46, introduced by Congressmen Ted Yoho, Kurt Schrader and Ralph Abraham highlight the role that purebred dogs and breeders of purebred dogs have played in the history of the United States as well as the numerous ways purebred dogs have served U.S. citizens as search and rescue dogs, guide and service dogs, military working dogs and more, all while providing one-of-a-kind companionship.The designation of National Purebred Dog Day was created by Colorado resident and Puli fancier Suzi Szeremy to recognize the heritage and diversity of purebred dogs and to highlight and celebrate all the ways purebred dogs better our lives. In March of 2015, Colorado became the first state in the country to recognize May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day^® by joint resolution of the House and the Senate, and with the endorsement of the American Kennel Club^®. Since then, both Houses of Congress and numerous states have recognized National Purebred Dog Day. In addition to these new Congressional resolutions, the states of Connecticut and Georgia also recognized National Purebred Dog Day for the first time this year.

The resolutions note the value of all dogs but set aside May 1^st to specifically acknowledge the special contribution and role of “purpose-bred dogs”. Due to the recorded lineage of purebred dogs, factors like size, coat, temperament, energy level, and trainability are vastly predictable. Many of the tasks that these dogs are bred for are invaluable to humans and have contributed to the betterment of our country.

“The American Kennel Club is proud to support National Purebred Dog Day,” said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Purebred dogs have loyally served the people around the world in various capacities throughout history and we greatly value the responsible and devoted breeders that have worked extremely hard to preserve and advance purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership. We extend our thanks to Senator Tillis and Representatives Ted Yoho, Kurt Schrader & Ralph Abraham for recognizing the importance of this day.”

Throughout history, purebred dogs have been depicted in paintings, sculptures, books, and more, demonstrating the unique bond between humans and canines, and the vital role that purpose-bred dogs have played in our lives for thousands of years. Each breed is a representation of the culture that developed it. AKC is proud to advocate for purebred dogs, breeding for type and function, the sport of purebred dogs, and for breeders who are dedicated to the protection, health and wellbeing of dogs.

Help show your support of National Purebred Dog Day by sharing images of your purebred dog and reasons you love purebred dogs with the hashtag #NationalPurebredDogDay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.