National Dog Day 2023: 10 fun facts about our furry friends
National Dog Day is just about here.
Each year, our furry companions get the recognition this canine pet group deserves on Aug. 26.
The day raises awareness about dog adoption and gives owners an opportunity to share why they love their four-legged friends so much.
DOG QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR FACTS ABOUT CANINES?
To celebrate National Dog Day, here are 10 number-based fun facts about dogs — some of which you might've never known.
Check these out.
Tens of millions of dogs live in the U.S. (iStock)
1. How many dogs are in the United States?
2. How many dog breeds are there?
3. What is the most popular dog breed in the United States?
4. How did dogs evolve?
5. What is the average dog's lifespan?
DOG ABANDONED AT FRONT DOOR OF ANIMAL CARE CENTER IS UP FOR ADOPTION: MEET LAA-LAA
6. How old is the world's oldest living dog?
7. How long is a dog pregnancy?
8. How tall is the world's tallest dog?
9. How short is the world's shortest dog?
10. Dog ownership: How much does it cost?
'GENIUS DOGS' ARE CAPABLE OF LEARNING WORDS RELATED TO OBJECTS: STUDY
1. How many dogs are in the United States?
The exact dog population in the U.S. is difficult to determine, but pet associations throughout the country have attempted to pin down a number. Each organization's estimate varies.
The American Pet Products Association (APPA), a not-for-profit industry association headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, estimates that 65.1 million American households own dogs, according to the association's "2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey."
Dogs are a four-legged, furry pet that have been one of man's best friends for thousands of years. (iStock)
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a nonprofit veterinarian trade organization that’s based in Schaumburg, Illinois, estimates that there's approximately 76.8 million dogs living in about 48.3 million households throughout the U.S., according to the group's pet ownership and demographics sourcebook from 2017 to 2018.
2. How many dog breeds are there?
The number of dog breeds in the world isn't exact and varies depending on each kennel club and governing body, reports Pet Keen, an animal health and gear publication led by veterinarians.
PET-FRIENDLY PRIVATE JET FIRM AIMS TO MAKE TRAVEL WITH DOGS AND CATS EASIER: 'COST IS COMPARABLE'
"The [American Kennel Club] only recognizes 195 breeds, while the [Federation Cynologique International] recognizes 360 breeds officially," the site reported in an article update on Monday, Aug. 7.
Hundreds of dog breeds are recognized by various kennel clubs. (iStock)
"Then, there are all the experimental breeds."
THESE ARE THE ‘CUTEST’ DOG BREEDS BASED ON ‘GOLDEN RATIO’ BEAUTY MEASURING THEORY
The group continued, "So there isn’t an exact, worldwide, internationally agreed-upon number, but it would be safe to say there are anywhere between 195 and 500 dog breeds in the world."
Even as breeders develop new dog breeds, not all are recognized as official by kennel clubs and associations. Mixed breeds are also on the rise, according to various dog experts and surveys. (iStock)
As of August 2023, canine experts at the AKC recognize 200 dog breeds.
3. What is the most popular dog breed in the United States?
As of 2022, the most popular dog breed in the U.S. is the French Bulldog, which beat out the Labrador Retriever for the first time, according to the AKC.
Labrador Retrievers had held the first place spot on the AKC’s "Most Popular Dog Breed Full Ranking List" for 31 years.
4. How did dogs evolve?
Scientists believe dogs first evolved from wolves about 130,000 years ago, which they’ve based on a published DNA analysis from 1997, according to a report published by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Scientists say dogs evolved from wolves. (iStock)
Historical records show that humans reportedly domesticated wild dogs about 12,000 years ago.
5. What is the average dog's lifespan?
The average lifespan for a medium-sized dog is between 10 and 13 years, says the AKC, while the average lifespan for a small-sized dog is between 10 and 15 years.
COUPLE SHOCKS SISTER-IN-LAW BY MAKING THEIR PETS 'FLOWER GIRL' AND 'RING BEARER' IN PLACE OF CHILDREN
"Small dogs live significantly longer than their larger counterparts, in many cases up to several years longer," the AKC wrote in a report about canine longevity.
Smaller dogs reportedly live longer than larger dogs. (iStock)
"Scientists are not entirely sure why this occurs, although there is speculation that larger dogs develop age-related diseases sooner than smaller dogs."
6. How old is the world's oldest living dog?
The world’s oldest living dog is a 31-year-old Rafeiro do Alentejo named Bobi, according to Guinness World Records.
WORLD'S OLDEST DOG TURNS 31 WITH A TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE BIRTHDAY PARTY: 'BOBI IS SPECIAL'
Bobi was born on May 11, 1992, and he was raised in Leiria, Portugal.
Guinness World Records recognized him and offered a record holder certificate in February 2023 when he was 30 years old.
7. How long is a dog pregnancy?
The gestation period for a dog can range between 58 and 68 days (nine weeks), according to PetFinder, which is one of the largest pet adoption websites in North America.
Most female dogs deliver puppies after nine weeks. (iStock)
8. How tall is the world's tallest dog?
The world’s tallest living dog is a three-year-old Great Dane named Zeus who has a standing height of 3 feet, 5.18 inches, according to Guinness World Records.
Zeus lives in Bedford, Texas.
MAN ASKS IF HE'S WRONG FOR BRINGING HIS DOG TO THE GYM, SPARKING DEBATE ON REDDIT
He was recognized as the world’s tallest living dog in May 2022.
9. How short is the world's shortest dog?
The world’s shortest living dog is a Chihuahua named Pearl who has a standing height of 3.59 inches, according to Guinness World Records.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Pearl, who is from Orlando, Florida, was born on Sept. 1, 2020.
She was recognized as the world’s smallest living dog in April 2023, and weighed 1.22 pounds at the time, according to Guinness.
Pearl is related to Guinness World Record's previous record holder, Miracle Milly, of Dorado, Puerto Rico, who held the world’s smallest living dog title from September 2013 to April 2023.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
10. Dog ownership: How much does it cost?
The estimated cost of owning a dog for 12 years could be between $20,000 and $55,000, according to an analysis credit.com put together.
Caring for a dog over its lifetime can cost dog owners thousands of dollars. (iStock)
The personal finance website based its estimate on responses it received from a pet owner survey.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The survey asked respondents how much they spent on food, health care, toys and treats, grooming and more.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
