August 8th: A day for Shetland Sheepdogs

August 8th annually has more anniversaries, observations and commemorations in Japan than any other day of the year. There are more than 70 official anniversaries. Among them, Shetland Sheepdog Appreciation Day シェットランド・シープドッグ ありがとうの日. 

It is a chance to honor one of the most beloved companion breeds in the world. Shetland Sheepdog, or Shelties as they are often fondly called in English, are known for their bright intelligence, gentle nature and their expressive eyes. Originally bred in the rugged Shetland Islands, they worked as nimble herding dogs, guiding sheep. 

The reason that August 8th, 8/8, was chosen as a day to honor Shelties is because their standard number in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) dog classification is no.88.