A Tail-Wagging Tradition Begins

National Dad Dog Day was unleashed upon the world in 2019, when a group of overly enthusiastic dog dads in Boulder, Colorado, decided Father’s Day wasn’t quite enough. After all, who’s going to appreciate your dad jokes, your cargo shorts, and your mastery of the grill more than your loyal labradoodle? Since then, this paws-itively heartwarming holiday has been celebrated every year on the Saturday before Father’s Day—just in time for backyard barbecues and awkward family photos with matching Hawaiian shirts (yes, the dog wears one too).

Now Celebrated Worldwide-ish

What started in one crunchy Colorado town has now spread to over 14 countries and two very confused alpacas in New Zealand. Pet parents across the globe now spend the day tossing tennis balls, sharing ice cream cones (don’t ask), and Instagramming their dogs with captions like “Who’s your doggy daddy?”

Dogs: Man’s Best Therapist, Workout Buddy, and Sandwich Stealer

Let’s be honest—dogs are the best. They love you when you forget to fill their bowl, they comfort you during life’s roughest moments, and they never judge your questionable fashion choices (probably because they can’t see colors properly). They’re loyal, fluffy, and often smell like Fritos for mysterious reasons.

How to Celebrate Like a True Dad Dog

Fire up the grill, toss on some white sneakers and high socks, and get ready to honor the pup who always has your back (and your socks). Consider a dad-dog photo shoot, a beer for you and a puppuccino for them, or just a nap on the couch while watching reruns of Home Improvement.

This National Dad Dog Day, hug your pooch, tell a terrible pun, and remember to try, every day, to be the best dog dad ever.