Purebred dogs play a special and important role in our lives. On May 1, the American Kennel Club invites you to join us as we honor the pride, predictability, and purpose of purebred dogs and promote the preservation of these breeds.
The May 1st National Purebred Dog Day movement was created by Colorado resident and Puli fancier Suzi Szeremy to celebrate the amazing diversity, heritage, and predictability of these breeds. In 2015, the Colorado General Assembly became the first state to pass a resolution designating a National Purebred Dog Day.
Resolutions commemorating May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day have been introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate. The Illinois resolution was introduced at the request of the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners; the Senate resolution was introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Read AKC’s Legislative Alert for more information and how you can help us support this important resolution!
The resolutions specifically note the value of all dogs but set aside May 1 to acknowledge the special contribution and role of “Purpose-bred dogs, (which) due to their recorded lineage, represent the predictability of size, temperament, coat, type, energy level, and trainability that were specifically bred for those tasks that are now invaluable to humans…”
The Senate resolution further:
- Honors responsible breeders of purebred dogs that dedicate their lives to improving the health and well-being of dogs and preserving unique breeds of dogs; and
- Calls for the celebration and preservation of the purebred dogs for future generations.
Join us in the celebration!
We invite you to join us in celebrating National Purebred Dog Day by:
- Contacting your US Senators and asking them to support Senate Resolution 447. Visit the AKC Legislative Action Center and type your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box to find the name and contact information for your U.S. Representative.
- If you live in Illinois, asking your state representative to support House Resolution 1144 and let them know how important purebred dogs are to you! Visit the AKC Legislative Action Center and type your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box to find the name and contact information for your State Representative.
- Helping us celebrate the predictability, preservation, purpose, and pride of purebred dogs by posting one of our sharable graphics on your social media pages.
- Sharing a photo of your purebred dog on social media on May 1 using the hashtags #purebreddogs and #nationalpurebreddogday.
- Sharing the AKC article “How to Find the Perfect Puppy”, which discusses how to find the right dog and all the AKC does to advocate on behalf of purebred dogs, and also includes a video on “what responsible breeders really do.”
Throughout history, purebred dogs have been depicted in paintings, sculptures, books, and many other media, demonstrating the unique bond between humans and dogs, and the essential role that purpose-bred dogs have played in our lives for thousands of years. Purebred dogs are a part of our heritage, and a window into the culture that created them. The AKC is proud to celebrate National Purebred Dog Day on May 1.
On May 1, the American Kennel Club invites you to join us as we honor the pride, predictability, and purpose of purebred dogs and promote the preservation of these breeds.