National Puppy Day
Who doesn’t love puppies? Almost no one. These little love bugs are bundles of fun. It makes sense then that there would be a National Puppy Day. On March 23 show your puppy you love them by celebrating National Puppy Day with us!
Puppy Facts! Did you know…
Puppies are cute and adorable, but there’s more to them…
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- Puppies are deaf and blind when they are born. Although they are born with eyes and ears, puppies do not use them until they are about two weeks old. The smell is the sense they use to find their mother. It is no wonder that smell is the sense more associated with dogs.
- Puppies also have no teeth when they are born. All those sharp little puppy teeth don’t begin to develop until they are about four weeks old. This lack of teeth in newborn puppies makes nursing easier for the mom.
- The number of puppies in a litter varies. A litter refers to the number of puppies born at one time. The average number of puppies in a litter is five. However, that number can vary a lot depending on the breed. The larger the dog breed, the more puppies they tend to have in each litter. Miniature and small breed dogs tend to have about three puppies per litter, while large breed dogs tend to have about seven puppies per litter.
- Puppies sleep for 15-20 hours per day. Puppies, like all baby animals, need a lot of sleep. The world is very overwhelming. That is why most puppies sleep around 15-20 hours per day. Some of the most active puppies will sleep at the higher end of that range, 18-20 hours per day.
- Puppies are not considered adult dogs until they are 1-2.5 years old. This is another puppy fact that is dependent on breed. Miniature to medium-sized dogs develops faster. Puppies in these breeds will be considered an adult at one. Large to giant dog breed puppies typically are not fully grown up until two or two and a half. Being an adult means that the puppy has reached its adult size and exhibits adult characteristics.
Why we love puppies
It is no secret that humans love puppies. There are approximately 38.4% of households in the U.S. that have dogs. While some people do adopt an older animal, most people get their dog as a puppy. Thus, puppies are a big reason why dogs are so popular in the United States.
But, why do we love puppies so much? The answer is fairly simple. Most mammals have similar physical traits as babies. They have a large head, big eyes, round ears, and a round body shape. That’s not even counting the cute, unsteady gait of a puppy. It turns out that these physical characteristics are designed to indicate the harmlessness of a baby animal. We essentially are biologically programmed to love puppies.
Let the cute puppy photo deluge begin.
Related: Check out our puppy starter kits!
Dog breeds at a glance
While puppies all have similar physical characteristics, breed matters. The size and personality of the dog that cute puppy grows into will determine how well suited they are for your home. For example, large and giant breed dogs come with extra space and training requirements.
In addition to the size of the grown dog, you should choose your puppy’s breed based on a few characteristics:
Activity
The activity level is important. Some dogs are naturally more active than others. This activity can take the form of being hyper and loving to play or wanting to herd. Working and sports breeds tend to be the most active dogs. Some very active dog breeds include the Australian Cattle Dog, Beagle, Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, Boxer, Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Siberian Husky.
Contrary to what their size may suggest, giant breeds tend to have very low activity requirements. Great Danes, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards are all low activity dogs.
Gets along with cats
If you already have a cat in your home, make sure you adopt a puppy from a breed known for getting along with cats. There are several cat-friendly dog breeds. These are known for having low prey drives. They include the Golden Retriever, Beagle, Pug, Basset Hound, Poodle, and Collie.
Loyal
Loyal dogs love their owners. Puppies may be cute, but you want your grown dog to love having you in their lives. While not all loyal dogs are affectionate, they would do anything to protect the people in their lives. Very loyal dog breeds include the Rough Collie, German Shepherd, Beagle, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, St. Bernard, and Bulldog.
There are more considerations than the ones mentioned here. You should visit Dogtime to learn more about each dog breed.
How to celebrate National Puppy Day with your pooch
Now it’s time to bring the focus back to your amazing puppy. Whether you have a puppy or a dog that is a puppy at heart, National Puppy Day is a time to celebrate with them. Try one of these activities with your pooch this National Puppy Day. Oh – and make sure to give a dog a bone!
- Take a walk, hike, or run together. Most dogs love activity and walking with their owners. Plus, the exercise will be good for you too.
- Throw a puppy party with all of your dog’s friends. You can even bake (or buy) some homemade treats for your four-legged guests!
- Spend some time treating and training. Homemade or special treats are a perennial favorite with dogs. Try something new while you teach your puppy a new trick. Training helps you bond with your dog.
- Take your puppy to the vet for a check-up.
- Go to a park or dog park.
- Give them a brand new toy.
- Donate to an animal rescue or your local ASPCA to show puppies and dogs everywhere how loved they are.
When it comes to celebrating your puppy, there are lots of options. Be creative, and most of all, spend some time doting on your favorite pup.
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