Bark to Drool in August!
Image from A Silly Milly Birthday
August—it's back to school for many and still vacation time for others. It’s also National Dog Month, a time to celebrate all furry, tail-wagging companions, everything from their bark to drool, who have the power to make life better.
Whether you're a proud pup parent or just someone who can’t resist petting every dog you see on the street, this month is your excuse to shower dogs everywhere with love, treats, and belly rubs.
Full disclosure—I currently do not have a dog of my own, and I have limited knowledge on different breeds, so I asked AI for a list of the Top 10 dog breeds (out of 201 recognized by the AKC) in America. I’d love to hear from my readers who own dogs to let me know if this list is accurate! Comment your thoughts!
Top 10 Dog Breeds (According to Popularity and Cuteness)
10. Great Dane – Hmm, not sure Silly Milly would agree with this. More on them below...
9. Dachshund – A sausage-like pup with a spicy attitude. They like to hide in blanket buns.
8. Rottweiler – Tough on the outside, teddy-bearish on the inside, they lovingly protect their humans.
7. Beagle – With an excellent sense of smell, they’re your nosey neighbor in dog form.
6. Bulldog – A lovable couch potato with a face only everyone can love. Bonus points for their signature waddle.
5. Poodle – High IQ in a floofy package. Three sizes to accommodate any home.
4. German Shepherd – Smart, serious, and ready to protect the backyard.
3. Golden Retriever – Their resumes say: “Excellent with kids, great at catching tennis balls.”
2. French Bulldog – All sass, no tail, complete with an adorable snore.
1. Labrador Retriever – America’s sweetheart for over 30 years. Loyal, loving, and always down for a game of fetch.
A Few Quirky Dog Facts for August Conversation Starters
A Greyhound can beat a cheetah...in a marathon. Over long distances, they maintain speed much better.
Dogs can smell your emotions. Yep, they know when you’re sad, anxious, or irritated before you do!
The Basenji doesn’t bark. Apparently, it yodels. I’ve never heard it, so I listened to it here.
The Beatles’ song “A Day in the Life” has a frequency only dogs can hear at the end of the song.
As you might know, I have a collection of five books about Milly, my niece's Great Dane. Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds—some can reach over 7 feet tall when standing on their hind legs. Despite their size, they're often referred to as gentle giants. Sweet, friendly, and usually unaware of how large they are, Great Danes are big snugglers. They don’t need a giant yard as much as they need a comfy couch or a cozy human. And watch out for their tails, that could clear anything in its path!
Ideas to Celebrate Dog Month
Try some new dog treats. These sound delish even to me.
Host a doggy playdate at your local dog park.
Take a new walking route (new smells = doggie Disneyland).
Donate to your local shelter or volunteer some of your time.
During National Dog Month, take a moment to appreciate the pure joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you’ve never heard Milly’s song, download it today. It’s her first book, Silly Milly the Dane, set to music, and it showcases antics common to so many dog breeds.
Want to get a deal on Milly’s five-story paperback bundle? Use code DogMonth for 15% off on my website!