A day dedicated to celebrating the Purpose Bred dog.
While I love all dogs no matter the breed, May 1st is about celebrating the purebred dog.
There are currently 189 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Most purebred dogs were developed with a specific purpose in mind that helped people in their daily lives. For example, Retrievers to retrieve shot game for the hunters (you knew I would use retrievers as an example), Terriers to eradicate vermin, Herding breeds to herd and tend the flocks.
There is predictability in the purebred dog, so you know what you are getting. Reputable breeders strive to improve and preserve their breed for future generations. They take breeding very seriously and protect their rights to do so. Just as those who choose to purchase a purebred dog from a reputable breeder reserve that right.
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.
On April 12, a resolution was introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives at the request of the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners to commemorate May 1 as National Purebred Dog Day in Illinois, and soon Congress is also expected to introduce a federal resolution marking this day.
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 resolutions further:
- Honor 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
- Call for the preservation of the purebred dogs as a treasure to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. ~ Posted by AKC
- Show the love by sharing a photo of your purebred dog on social media on May 1st using the hashtags #purebreddogs and #nationalpurebreddogday
Tina and the Brown Dogs
Misty Shores Chesapeakes 