- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AppreciationDogPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Second Sunday of September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐶
National Hug Your Hound Day arrives every second Sunday in September, a special occasion to honor the loyal, loving dogs who enrich our lives. Take time to shower your furry best friend with affection, treats, and extra playtime. Go for a long walk, teach them a new trick, or simply cuddle up on the couch to reinforce your bond.
Want to sponsor National Hug Your Hound Day? Learn how
Expected National Hug Your Hound Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Hug Your Hound Day often brings delightful deals from pet supply retailers and food brands. Look for discounts on premium kibble from brands like Purina and Blue Buffalo, special offers on toys and accessories at stores like PetSmart and Chewy, and subscription box deals from services like BarkBox. Local pet boutiques and groomers may also offer special rates or themed treats. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Hug Your Hound Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HugYourHoundDay. Film a heartwarming video of you and your dog cuddling or playing together.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHugYourHoundDay. Share adorable photos or reels of your dog enjoying their special day.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HugYourHoundDay. Post a picture of your beloved dog and share a story about why they’re your best friend.
National Hug Your Hound Day Hero
Konrad Lorenz
History of National Hug Your Hound Day
National Hug Your Hound Day was started by Ami Moore, the “Dog Whisperer of Chicago.” She created the day to celebrate the long and lasting bond between a dog and its owner. Ami Moore is best known for her exceptional qualifications that have led to her being one of the world’s most famous dog experts. She was trained as a Native American Medicine Woman, and her expertise has been testified by a series of degrees and honors. She works with the singular purpose of increasing the health and happiness of canines all over the world. Along with medical and behavioral help, she aims to achieve that through Hug Your Hound Day celebrations.
Ami has a long history of working in canine behavior and problem-solving. She’s best known for pioneering the concept of positive reinforcement using electronic dog training equipment to encourage a dog’s natural drive to follow a strong leader. Through the development and use of her techniques, Ami has helped better the rowdy behaviors in dogs all over the world, creating a better relationship between them and their owners. Some of the issues that Ami has successfully treated are a dog’s tendency of destroying furniture, jumping on guests, experiencing separation anxiety, and socializing them so they’re no longer aggressive to people and other dogs. Needless to say, her expertise has made the world a better and safer place for dogs and dog lovers. Hug Your Hound Day is about bettering your relationship with your pet by learning humane techniques and being patient with your dogs during their learning period.
National Hug Your Hound Day timeline
Probably the most famous pet dog is born in Odate, Japan.
Laika the dog becomes the first animal to go to space.
The first episode of “Scooby-Doo” airs on TV.
One of the most popular dog movies starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston is released.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Hug Your Hound Day
Local pet stores, groomers, and doggy daycares can host special ‘hug your hound’ events, offering discounted services or free treats for visiting dogs. Restaurants with pet-friendly patios could feature a special ‘Pooch Patio’ menu. Veterinary clinics might offer free wellness checks or dental consultations, encouraging preventative care. Even non-pet businesses can participate by setting up a water station outside or donating a portion of sales to a local animal shelter, showing community support for our furry friends.
National Hug Your Hound Day FAQs
When is National Hug Your Hound Day?
In 2026, National Hug Your Hound Day falls on Sunday, September 13, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to celebrate your beloved canine companion.
How many dogs are there in the U.S.?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are approximately 83 million dogs living in U.S. households, making them incredibly popular pets.
What are the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.?
The American Kennel Club consistently ranks breeds like the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle among the most popular in the U.S.
Why do dogs make great companions?
Dogs are cherished companions due to their unwavering loyalty, playful nature, and ability to offer emotional support. They often reduce stress and encourage an active lifestyle.
How To Celebrate Hug Your Hound Day
Hug your hound
You should hug your hound several times every day, but remember to hug them extra hard today! We advise giving them kisses, cuddles, and belly rubs too.
Adopt a dog
For those of you who don’t have a dog yet, consider adopting one on Hug Your Hound Day. Drop by a local animal shelter to see which dog is compatible with you.
Volunteer at an animal shelter
You can also drop by an animal shelter and volunteer your time to help out the dogs and other animals. You can also donate to charities that look after stray dogs.
5 Facts About Dogs That Will Blow Your Mind
No two dog noses are the same
A dog’s nose is the equivalent of a human fingerprint. They have a unique pattern of ridges and creases.
Dogs aren’t actually color-blind
Dogs don’t see the world in black and white, they can actually see a spectrum of color.
A golden retriever has been mayor
Max the golden retriever became the very first mayor of Idyllwild in 2012.
Three dogs survived the Titanic
Two Pomeranians and one Pekingese survived the sinking of the ship, Titanic.
Dogs have an exceptional vocabulary
Dogs can learn over 1,000 words.
Why We Love National Hug Your Hound Day
Dogs are man’s best friend
Hug Your Hound Day celebrates the deep bond that humans share with dogs. This is the day to cherish the friendship that we share with animals.
A day to spend with your pet
An entire day to spend with your pet has got to be the best thing ever. Dogs love spending time and playing with their owners, and today is the day to have the most fun with your pet.
Encourages us to be better pet parents
Since Hug Your Hound Day is also about learning more about a dog’s health and behavior, the day helps us become better pet parents by sharing important knowledge with us.
National Hug Your Hound Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 14 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 13 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Hug Your Hound Day
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