National Dog Mom’s Day - Do you plan on celebrating National Dog Mom’s Day with your furry babies? Learn more about the origin of your furry companion

National Dog Mom’s Day 2024 – May 11, 2024

National Dog Mom’s Day, observed on the second Saturday in May and taking place on May 13 this year, is a day for all pup-loving women across the country to celebrate their special kind of motherhood. Can you imagine that dogs came into our lives between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago? Dogs are descendants of a now-extinct wolf species. Over the years, they’ve lost their wild nature and have become human’s best and most loyal friends. They have even wormed their way into our hearts, creating deep bonds with us and becoming our family members. There are over 350 different dog breeds in the world, each having its own distinct features and abilities. Knowing a dog’s characteristics before adopting to ensure they’re a perfect match for you is always best.

History of National Dog Mom’s Day

The origins of dogs can be traced back to 20,000 to 40,000 years ago when their wolf ancestors began living with our hunter-gatherer ancestors. That was way before humans domesticated plants, goats, cattle, or any other animals. According to scientists, dogs descended from the same species of wolves as the grey wolves in ancient Eurasia. How these wild wolves became domesticated and evolved into breeds like Chihuahuas, Spaniels, or Poodles is still subject to many theories. But what we do know is that somehow, these wolves formed a symbiotic relationship with our hunter-gatherer ancestors, creating immense benefits for both parties.Following the nomadic lifestyle of hunter-gatherer masters, dogs soon spread across the world. According to the multiple-domestication theory, while wild wolves were being domesticated in East Eurasia, another set of wolves also domesticated in the West independently. Around 5,000 years ago, some of the humans in the East migrated to the West, bringing along their dogs. These Eastern dogs out-breed the Western dogs, becoming the dominant breed. That is why only 10% of the dogs today have similar D.N.A. with those now-extinct ancient Western dogs.As humans settled and cultivated the land around them, they began breeding dogs to fit their needs. That was more pervasive during Victorian times. Now, we have tracking dogs, firefighting dogs, rescue dogs, military dogs, guide dogs, companion dogs, and more.In 2018, a dog person’s dating app, Dig, launched National Dog Mom’s Day for dog-loving women to thank dog moms, foster dog moms, and future dog moms for all of the love they give to pups.

National Dog Mom’s Day timeline

20,000 to 40,000 years ago
Dogs Split from Grey Wolves

Ancient dogs separate from their wolf ancestors and form a relationship with hunter-gatherer humans.

10,000 years ago
The Rise of Specialist Dogs

Humans begin breeding dogs for their characteristics, focusing on qualities that fit specific agricultural tasks.

1866
The Formation of A.S.P.C.A.

A former diplomat, Henry Bergh, founds the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.) to protect vulnerable animals from human cruelty.

2018
National Dog Mom’s Day is Born

Dig establishes National Dog Mom’s Day to appreciate present and future dog moms for the love they give to pups.

National Dog Mom’s Day FAQs

Can dog moms celebrate Mother’s Day?

No, dog moms shouldn’t celebrate Mother’s Day. The day is meant for mothers of human babies and not dog babies. That is why National Dog Mom’s Day was created — for dog moms to celebrate their motherhood.

Which gifts can you get for dog moms?

When getting a gift for a dog mom, you need to consider the dog and her responsibilities as a dog mom. You can gift her a dog mom mug, a dog bed, a matching dog mom t-shirt, and bandana, or a custom pet portrait.

Is there a Dog Dad’s Day?

National Dog Dad’s Day takes place annually on June 19. It’s a day set aside to celebrate every dad who has adopted a dog as a kid.

National Dog Mom’s Day Activities

  1. Go for a walk

    Take that walk outside after a hectic day at work. That would not only help you calm your nerves but also relax your nerves and refresh your energy. It can also serve as an exercise, depending on the distance and duration of the walk. Don’t forget to bring along your furry baby!

  2. Adopt a dog from your local shelter

    You are not yet a dog mom? If you have always wanted to adopt a dog, you can use this National Dog Mom’s Day to get around to it. Head down to your local shelter and give a home to one of those cute furry beings or two.

  3. Treat yourself and, of course, your dog

    Even if National Dog Mom’s Day is a celebration of your motherhood, you can’t leave your fur baby out of it. Check Yelp or other business listing sites for the nearest pet-friendly restaurants near you, and treat yourself and your dog to some delicious meals. You can also go shopping and buy yourself and your dog matching t-shirts or anything that would make your life as a dog mom easier.

5 Important Facts About Dogs

  1. They are as intelligent as a two-year-old

    Dogs can learn over 200 words and gestures, which are as much as a two-year-old child is capable of learning.

  2. They hear four times better than humans

    Although dogs are born deaf, their hearing becomes much sharper once they get older than humans.

  3. Their nose is wet for a reason

    A dog absorbs scent chemicals with its wet nose.

  4. Some can outpace cheetahs

    Despite cheetahs being faster than dogs, breeds like Greyhounds can beat cheetahs in long-distance races.

  5. They sweat differently

    Instead of watery liquid, dogs’ skin secretes an oily substance that humans can’t detect.

Why We Love National Dog Mom’s Day

  1. Being a dog mom improves your health

    Aside from relieving your stress and anxiety after a long day at work, dogs can help you keep up with your exercise schedule and stay fit.

  2. Being a dog mom helps you socialize more

    As a dog mom, you get to meet other dog-loving people when you go out for a walk in your neighborhood or at your local park. Having a dog also makes people more likely to approach and strike up a conversation with you.

  3. Being a dog mom makes you more responsible

    Adopting a furry baby is a huge responsibility. Not only do you need to feed it regularly, but you also have to ensure your fur baby stays healthy, its needs are met, and it gets a lot of quality time. If you have managed to juggle these responsibilities and your personal and professional lives, you should celebrate your success so far as a dog mom.

National Dog Mom’s Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 May 14 Saturday
2023 May 13 Saturday
2024 May 11 Saturday
2025 May 10 Saturday
2026 May 9 Saturday