National Dog Day: Tech And Startups Helping Us Care For Canines
National Dog Day: Want to find your new best friend? A guide to canine companionship
National Dog Day is celebrated every year on August 26, and it’s a great time to think about adopting a furry friend. But how do you know which dog is right for you? Experts say it depends on your lifestyle, but here are the top dog breeds for 2024.
Rover.com, a website for pet care, partnered with Ancestry to find out which dog breeds are most popular in the U.S. and what their personalities are like. This is the sixth time they’ve done this survey.
Dogs are our loyal companions throughout life, so it’s no surprise that about 65.1 million Americans own a dog, making them the most popular pet in the country, according to Forbes.
“Anyone who’s had a dog knows the joy of coming home to a wagging tail,” said Phil Tedeschi, a professor who studies human-animal connections at the University of Denver.
In July 2024, Rover surveyed 1,000 U.S. dog owners to learn more about the most popular breeds and their typical traits.
So, what are the most popular dog breeds in America?
According to Rover, the top eight breeds are:
- Mixed breeds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Goldendoodles
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- French Bulldogs
- Dachshunds
Knowing your dog’s breed can help you understand its behavior better. About 88% of dog owners said learning about their dog’s breed mix improved their understanding of their pet, and 56% said it strengthened their bond. Also, 62% of those surveyed said breed is an important factor when choosing a dog.
While breed is important, it’s also crucial to know a dog’s personality, according to Tedeschi, who is also a member of Rover’s Pet People Panel. A dog’s breed can suggest what environments they might thrive in, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Getting to know your dog personally is key. Each dog, regardless of breed, has its own unique traits and needs.
Tedeschi pointed out that we often spend our best quality time with our pets when we’re relaxed and bonding with them. This connection plays a big role in the “human-animal connection,” where pets respond to our moods and help us feel understood.
During the pandemic, many people realized how important these connections were when they felt isolated. Pets provided social support and comfort, highlighting the deep bond between humans and animals.
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