International Dog Day 2025: History, Theme, Significance & Indian Army Dog Breeds

International Dog Day 2025: History, Significance & Theme

International Dog Day is celebrated every year on August 26 worldwide to honor dogs, promote adoption, and recognize their contribution to human lives.
In 2025, it will be observed on Tuesday, August 26.

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History

• Founded by: Colleen Paige, a pet & family lifestyle expert, in 2004.
• Purpose: To encourage dog adoption from shelters and raise awareness about animal welfare.
• Significance of August 26: It was the day Colleen’s family adopted her first dog when she was 10 years old.

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Significance

• Celebrates Companionship: Highlights the unconditional love and loyalty dogs provide.
• Promotes Adoption: Encourages adopting stray and shelter dogs instead of buying.
• Recognizes Service Dogs: Honors dogs serving in the military, police, and rescue missions.
• Spreads Awareness: Advocates for better treatment and prevention of animal cruelty.

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Theme for International Dog Day 2025

The official theme for 2025 has not been released yet, but based on previous years, it usually revolves around:

• Adopt, Don’t Shop
• Protect and Love Dogs
• Honoring Service Dogs (I can fetch the latest official theme when it’s announced.)

Important Types of Dog Breeds Used by the Indian Army

The Indian Army relies on highly trained dogs for tracking, detection, rescue, and security. Here are the main breeds:

1. German Shepherd

• Roles: Guarding, sniffing explosives, patrolling borders.
• Features: Intelligent, obedient, strong scent detection.

2. Belgian Malinois

• Roles: Detection of explosives, narcotics, and security.
• Features: Extremely agile, strong work ethic, often used in counter-terrorism units.

3. Labrador Retriever

• Roles: Explosive and narcotic detection, search and rescue.
• Features: Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable.

4. Great Swiss Mountain Dog

• Roles: Heavy-duty operations, especially in snow regions.
• Features: Strong, muscular, suitable for carrying loads.

5. Mudhol Hound (Indian Breed)

• Roles: Guard duty, reconnaissance in rough terrains.
• Features: Lightweight, agile, sharp senses.

6. Cocker Spaniel

• Roles: Detection of explosives in crowded areas.
• Features: Excellent sense of smell, quick, and adaptable.

7. Tibetan Mastiff

• Roles: Guarding in high-altitude regions (Ladakh).
• Features: Strong build, adapted to extreme cold.

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Quick Facts

• Indian Army dogs are trained at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College, Meerut.
• They play a key role in anti-terror operations, avalanche rescues, and disaster response.