Prepare yourselves for an overdose of cuteness, because March 23 is National Puppy Day! Established in 2006, National Puppy Day is a paw-some day for all dog enthusiasts to celebrate unconditional love and fawn over the undeniably cute furballs that bring so much happiness into this world. While we’re all softies when it comes to our four-legged friends, today is also designed to raise awareness about puppy mills and help prospective pet owners consider adoption.
When is National Puppy Day 2025?
Man’s best friend is celebrated on National Puppy Day on March 23. All the cutest and most adorable puppies are put in the spotlight and get the royal treatment on this day!
History of National Puppy Day
Founder, Colleen Paige’s mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show off your dog’s supermodel side and give them some extra cuddles for all the joy they bring. So sit back and indulge in the endless stream of adorable puppy photos, but keep in mind that today might be the best excuse to bring home your own fluffy canine as your next best friend!Colleen Paige first brought adoption awareness to a national level with National Dog Day in 2004, which was later adopted by the New York State Legislature in 2013. This day is celebrated on August 26 and is the day Colleen adopted her first dog, “Sheltie” when she was 10 years old. Since then, Colleen has inspired millions with her compassion and has brought worldwide attention to animals in need. She has shone a light on dogs putting their lives on the line every day for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom, and for our safety.National Puppy Day and National Dog Day are now great opportunities to adopt a dog because shelters typically have the highest intake of dogs around summertime. With 30 to 40 animals entering the shelter daily, we need public support to help save lives, and these national holidays do just that — by encouraging and reminding people to adopt, donate, and love their animals more every year.
National Puppy Day timeline
The Dogs Playing Poker Oil Painting by Cassius Coolidge was created.
President Harding’s “Laddie Boy” becomes the White House’s “First Dog”
Hollywood gets its first glimpse at Lassie with “Lassie, Come Home.”
Snoopy makes his first comic strip appearance.
Colleen Paige successfully created the world's first holiday to celebrate all the great things dogs do for us and to promote adoption.
Traditions of the Day
There are no specific traditions on National Puppy Day. It is all about loving and cherishing your pet pup and having a fun time. Puppies are lavishly treated to their favorite treats and even given spa treatments by some. It’s worth noting that pet marketing agencies are often offering freebies and deals on this day, so keep your eye out for something nice for your pup. Personalized toys are very popular, and pet clothing lines have gone mainstream as well. Puppy flicks like “Wishbone” and “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo” are aired on television, so owners enjoy getting cozy with their beloved pets to watch them. Donations are also made generously to animal shelters and organizations working specifically for the welfare of dogs.
By the Numbers
909,394 – – the number of hours puppies spend sleeping.
350,485 – – the age at which puppies become ‘adults.’
25–34 – – the largest litter born to a mastiff breed dog.
80 million – – the age at which puppies start teething.
24% – – the number of puppy mills in the U.S
6 – – the estimated number of puppies per breeding female per year.
1 in 59 – the year when the world’s first canine was cloned.
1 in 34 – the weight of the giant puppy sculpture in Bilbao, Spain.
1 in 145 – the number of flowers covering the giant puppy sculpture in Bilbao, Spain.
4 – the estimated number of dogs kept solely for breeding purposes in USDA licensed facilities.
31% – the estimated number of puppies produced by USDA licensed facilities every year.
National Puppy Day FAQs
What do you do on National Puppy Day?
Plenty! Play with your dog, have a photoshoot, enjoy a spa day. If you don’t have a pup, maybe it’s time you consider getting one!
What day is National Puppy Day in Canada?
National Puppy day is on March 23 anywhere you want to celebrate it!
What is considered a puppy?
Though they’ll always be puppies in our hearts, in general puppies become adults after they reach a year or two of age.
National Puppy Day Activities
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Teach your pup a new trick
At their young age, puppies are always open to new things and teaching a trick can be a great learning experience for both of you. Activities like these can help further develop your puppy's social skills and even strengthen your companionship — your pup will enjoy the extra treats along the way too!
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Pamper your pup
Sometimes your pup is worthy of a 5-star spa treatment. Start with a bubble bath and end with a grooming session to bring out their baby soft coat. An extra belly rub can't hurt too — your pooch will be sure to thank you later!
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Look at photos and videos of adorable puppies
Puppies are often the best medicine, no matter your state of mind. There are so many you might be at it for a while.
5 Im-PAWS-ible Puppy Facts
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Jolly Green Puppy
In rare cases, the fur of a light-haired puppy can get temporarily stained by a green pigment in the mother’s placenta, making them appear green at first.
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The Tiniest Tea-cup
According to Guinness World Records, the smallest puppy in the world was a Chihuahua named Milly, measuring as an adult at 3.8 inches tall.
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Bilboa’s Botanic Puppy
Since its opening in 1997, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa, Spain has been home to a 40-foot tall puppy statue adorn with 37,000 flowers.
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Spotless Puppies
Dalmatian puppies are born without any spots and instead accrue them over time.
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Sleepy Puppy
Though their energy picks up pretty fast, much like human’s newborn puppies sleep on average of 15-20 hours a day.
Why We Love National Puppy Day
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They're Great Listeners
Puppies are a judge-free, guilt-free zone. No matter how big or how small the problem, they're always there to comfort and lick your problems away.
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They Sniff Out Health Problems
Studies show that babies raised in close contact with a puppy get sick less often than those who aren't. Not only do they help build up our immune system against allergens but their strong sense of empathy promotes a stress-free, nurturing environment. Puppies can help shed and sniff your way to better health.
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They Keep Us Active and Stress-Free
Let's face it, puppies can be a handful, but chasing them has surprising health benefits. They keep us constantly exercising, which helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Who knew puppies could help us revamp our workout routine?
National Puppy Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 23 | Thursday |
| 2024 | March 23 | Saturday |
| 2025 | March 23 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 23 | Monday |
| 2027 | March 23 | Tuesday |
