Celebrating International Doodle Dog Day

Every year on May 1st, doodle dogs everywhere get their moment in the spotlight—and frankly, they deserve it. Fluffy, playful, and personality-packed, doodles have taken over parks, Instagram feeds, and hearts across the globe. But did you know there’s an entire holiday dedicated just to them?

What Is International Doodle Dog Day?
International Doodle Dog Day (IDDD) is a tail-wagging celebration of all poodle-mix breeds and the people who love them. Whether you’re raising a Goldendoodle, Aussiedoodle, Bernedoodle, Sheepadoodle (or one of the dozens of other curly-coated cuties), this day is all about embracing the joy that doodles bring to our lives.

The holiday is more than a hashtag or a walk in the park—it’s a chance for doodle owners to connect with each other, swap stories (and grooming tips), and show off their adorable companions through playdates, parades, and doodle-themed parties.

Who Started It?
International Doodle Dog Day was founded in 2016 by Jeannie North, the dog mom behind Ripley & Rue, a bold and playful dog accessory brand. Inspired by her two doodle dogs—Ripley and Rue—Jeannie created the day as a way to bring together the doodle-loving community.

"The first year we had 75 cities celebrating with doodle meetups and events," Jeannie shared. "It was amazing to see. The doodle community is very active!"

And that community has only grown stronger since.

Why May 1st?
Because one day simply isn’t enough to contain the joy of a doodle, but we had to start somewhere. May 1st marks the official celebration, giving doodle parents across the globe a unified date to throw paw-ty hats on and gather in honor of their pups.

What Happens on Doodle Dog Day?
Expect belly rubs, frisbee battles, bandana fashion shows, and more doodle Zoomies than you can count. Events vary from city to city, but popular activities include:

• 🐾 Group doodle playdates at local parks

• 🐩 Poodle-mix parades and costume contests

• 🎉 Doodle parties hosted by pet shops and brands

• 📸 Photo booths and giveaways for the fluffiest attendees

It’s also a time to support local rescues, raise awareness about responsible doodle breeding, and share your favorite #doodlelove moments on social media.

Where Does Ripley & Rue Come In?
Ripley & Rue is Jeannie’s brainchild—an unapologetically fun, fashion-forward brand for dogs and the humans who spoil them. Known for their vibrant walk gear, cheeky apparel, and attention-grabbing bandanas, the brand reflects everything this holiday stands for: community, celebration, and dog-obsessed joy.

So mark your calendars, grab your fluffiest outfit, and get ready to celebrate International Doodle Dog Day this May 1st. Your doodle deserves it—and let’s be honest, so do you.

Follow @internationaldoodledogday and @ripleyandrue for all things doodle, dog mom, and day-making.