Do dogs know it's their birthday?

While dogs don't understand the concept of birthdays, they absolutely pick up on the extra excitement, attention, and treats. Dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions, so when you're celebrating, they feel the joy too. A birthday celebration is a wonderful way to bond with your pup and show them extra love.

How do I find out my dog's birthday?

If you adopted your dog, check adoption papers or ask the shelter for an estimated birth date. If the exact date is unknown, many pet owners celebrate their dog's 'gotcha day' (adoption anniversary) instead. You can also ask your vet for an age estimate based on teeth and physical development to pick an approximate birthday.

MEET HAMPTON: A 10-YEAR-OLD LONG DISTANCE RUNNER WHO'LL WIN ANY STARING CONTEST

April 09, 2026

Meet Hampton, affectionately known as "Hampton LeChien," a 10-year-old ball-chasing, apple-loving athlete who's still logging long distance runs (an impressive feat at his age). When he's not out on the trail, Hampton's other signature move is the staring contest, locking eyes with his dad Ray with an intensity that says he's got all the time in the world. And that's kind of Hampton's whole philosophy: slow down, celebrate the small things like a sunny patch on the floor or a walk around the block, and greet the people you love like they've been gone a lifetime, even if it's only been five minutes. Through Ray's hardest days, Hampton has been a quiet kind of strength, never trying to fix everything but somehow making everything feel lighter just by being exactly who he is.

QUICK FACTS

Age: 10
Next Birthday: October 23, 2026
Nickname: Hampton LeChien
Special Talent: Long distance running (at his age!!)
Favorite Quirk: Staring contests
Instagram: @hamptonbentleythewesties

GETTING TO KNOW HAMPTON

What's Hampton's favorite toy?
Any balls

What's his favorite treat?
Apples & Sweet Potatoes

What does he love to do?
Running

What's his favorite quirk?
Staring contests

A CONVERSATION WITH HAMPTON'S DAD, RAY

What's the most important lesson Hampton has taught you?
Hampton has taught me that love doesn't keep score. It shows up—tail wagging, eyes soft, fully present—whether I've had a perfect day or an absolute mess of one.

My little buddy has taught me to celebrate the small things like they're fireworks: a walk around the block, a sunny patch on the floor, the simple joy of being together. And maybe the biggest lesson of all… to forgive quickly, nap often, and greet the people you love like they've been gone a lifetime, even if it's only been five minutes.

How has Hampton helped you through challenging times?
Hampton has been my quiet kind of strength—the kind that doesn't try to fix everything, but somehow makes everything feel lighter anyway.

In the middle of hard days, when my thoughts were loud and the world felt a little off-balance, he showed up with his steady presence. No questions, no expectations—just a warm weight beside me, a soft nudge, a reminder that I wasn't alone in it. He has this way of turning chaos into calm, just by being exactly who he is.

He's taught me that healing doesn't always look like big breakthroughs. Sometimes it looks like a walk, a deep breath, a moment of stillness with someone who loves you without condition. Hampton didn't just help me get through challenging times—he sat with me in them, and somehow made them gentler.