Category: Articles
The Puli is quite a rare breed, ranking 160th in popularity of a total 193 American Kennel Club breeds. Nevertheless, these dogs are extremely recognizable, sporting a long dreadlock-like coat and bearing an uncanny resemblance to a string mop. An offshoot of dogs like the Komondor and Kuvasz, the Puli …
One of three dogs native to Hungary, the Pumi was conceived by pairing the Puli with Western European herding dogs and terriers. Until the 1900s, however, the Pumi was not distinguished as a separate breed from the Puli. Ranking 151st of 193 American Kennel Club breeds, the Pumi is far …
Hailing from the mountainous border between France and Spain known as the Pyrenees, the Pyrenean Shepherd has been living and working in this craggy region for as long as people are able to remember. Though the Pyrenean Shepherd shares a long and successful history as a proficient herding breed alongside …
As its name suggests, the Rat Terrier is an expert exterminator of rodents, having been bred to do just that. An integral part of protecting a farm’s crops and harvest, the Rat Terrier has served as a skilled farmhand but is far more than just a ratter. Today, the Rat …
The result of pairing foxhounds, bloodhounds, and perhaps the Irish hound has brought us the Redbone Coonhound, a striking dog with a beautiful red coat. During the period of expansion in America, the Redbone Coonhound was instrumental in helping its owners catch raccoons, which were used for their fur and …
Springer Spaniels predate firearms in England’s upland bird hunting history. Before the arrival of guns, Springers worked with hunters using nets or even falcons to take down their catch. Their task was to flush the quarry, then once the bird was down, point and retrieve it. Once guns made their …
With a name that signifies their traditional use in hunting woodcock in England, the English Cocker Spaniel is a renowned bird hunting dog. However, their affectionate nature and fun loving spirit over the years has converted them to a loving family dog as well. These dogs can trace their history …
The 30th most popular dog on the AKC’s breed list, the Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to be a hunting dog but has become a perennial favorite as a companion around the world. One of the many types of Spaniels created to hunt birds, Cockers are so named due to …
The largest of the flushing Spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel is a burly bird hunter. Their history begins to be traced in England in the 1700s, where they were heavily developed by the Duke of Newcastle and named for his home, Clumber Park. This breed later became a favorite of other …
A delightful combination of house dog and dedicated flusher and retriever, the Boykin Spaniel was once the best kept secret of their native home of South Carolina. Prized by Carolinian waterfowlers and turkey hunters, this is a relatively new breed, developed entirely in the twentieth century. Boykin Spaniels are the …
The Xoloitzcuintli, also called Mexican Hairless or Xolo, is an affectionate and loyal breed, best known for its exotic appearance and ancient lineage. The breed is at least 3,000 years old and originated in ancient Aztec civilizations, having been described in the journals of many European explorers, including Columbus. They …
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a gentle and affectionate breed known for their athleticism and hunting abilities. They are distinguished from Vizslas by their longer and denser coat, which allows them to work comfortably in cold and wet weather. The breed originated in Hungary and was bred to be a swift …
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an outgoing and intelligent gundog best known for their trainability and hard-working nature. Bred by banker and hunting dog-enthusiast Eduard Korthals while working in Germany and France, there is debate as to whether the Griffon is a Dutch or French breed. Korthals bred the Griffon …
Bred from the Asiatic Molosser and brought to Europe between 1660-1670, the St. Bernard first served as watchdogs and companions for the Romans. Later, they gained acclaim as rescue dogs for travelers lost in snowstorms in the Alps. Working as a pair, one dog would remain with the victim, lying …
Standard Schnauzers date back to the 15th century and have been crossed with the gray wolfspitz and black German poodles to create the dog we know today. Making their appearance in the paintings of Albrecht Durer depicting rural farm life, the Standard Schnauzer has long been a well-loved, integral part …
The Swedish Vallhund was originally crossed with the native artic wolf and the domesticated dogs from the south, which included Corgis, breeding them for herding, hunting, herd protection and idyllic companionship. Though by 1942, their popularity had simply declined and the Viking-age Swedish Vallhund would have gone extinct were it …
In 1835 England, The Cruelty to Animals Act, which was also known as the Humane Act came about with the intention of putting an end to animal mistreatments and banning all bait-fighting and gambling as with Bear and Bull fighting. Because Bear and Bull fighting could not be concealed easily, …
Dating to 500 B.C., ancient historians wrote about the Spinone Italiano, and later, artists of the 15th century painted them. The Spanish, French, Russians, Greeks, and Celts all lay claim to the ancient origin of this wiry-haired, rugged and versatile hunting and sporting dog. Yet, while there is much speculation as …
Eager, happy, and charming, the American Water Spaniel is affectionate towards his loved ones but aloof around strangers. A bit stubborn, these dogs are upbeat and outdoorsy and are always up for hunting or swimming- characteristics that suit the Sporting breed group well. This muscular, midsize gundog is native to …
Friendly, happy, and deeply devoted to his loved ones, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, also known as the Wheaten, is just stubborn enough to remind you that he is a Terrier. Bred as an Irish farm dog, this merry extrovert got his name from his coat of pale beige and …
Reserved, graceful, and noble, the Sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee), also known as the “Arabian Greyhound”, is a member of the Hound breed group. He was originally bred to hunt a variety of game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs in North African deserts. However, the Sloughi’s exact origins …
The Skye Terrier, also known as the Skye, is part of the Terrier breed group. The Skye is an elegant aristocrat originally bred as an exterminator on Scotland’s remote Isle of Skye, which is the largest, most northerly of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides islands. The rugged Skye Terrier breed was developed …
Described as an alert, quick, energetic, and friendly pet, the Silky Terrier is actually part of the Toy group rather than the Terrier group in America but is considered part of the Terrier Group in the United Kingdom. A high-spirited and curious breed, the Silky Terrier, also known as the …
Often called “The People’s Choice,” the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a smart, beloved dog in the United States. Even though they’re called “Walkers,” they are swift runners and make for excellent hunting dogs. Walkers are the 137th ranked breed out of 193 by the American Kennel Club. The different parts …
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, funloving breed that is the perfect mix of toy and terrier. They possess the loving nature of a lapdog and the moxie of a terrier. The American Kennel Club ranks the Toy Fox as the 111th breed out of 193. The TFT was …
The Tibetan Terrier, often referred to as “The Holy Dog as Tibet,” is an ancient breed that was used as a watchdog in Buddhist monasteries. This loyal medium-sized dog is ranked 96th out of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club. As their name suggests, TTs come from the mountainous …
Diminutive but alert, the Tibetan Spaniel is an ancient watchdog breed from the mountains of Tibet. Sometimes mistaken for the Pekingese, the Tibetan Spaniel ranks 119th of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club. Tibbies, as they are affectionately called, were bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet to be companions, …
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, imposing breed, perfectly suited for its centuries-old role as a guard dog. However, when properly trained, they are gentle giants who are wonderfully sweet and devoted to their families. The Tibetan Mastiff is ranked 131st out of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club. …
The Whippet is lightning quick; reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. He is an amiable, dignified, and gentle soul, but give him something to chase and he’s all business. The Whippet is from north country Victorian England. Coal miners enjoyed dog racing and rabbit hunting, but they …
Smart, confident, and always entertaining at play, the adorable West Highland White Terrier (Westie, for short) has charmed owners for over 300 years. This tiny but sturdy earthdog is among the most popular of the small terriers. The nobles, landed gentry, and poor farmers of the long-ago British Isles all …
The Welsh Terrier is alert and spirited.The Welshman was bred to do battle with badgers, otters, and other dangerous opponents. It’s impossible to say when Welsh Terriers came into being, but the breed as we know it took shape sometime in the 1700s. They were bred to hunt fox, otter, …
The Weimaraner, Germany’s sleek and swift “Gray Ghost,” is beloved by hunters and pet owners alike for their friendliness, obedience, and beauty. They enjoy exercise, and plenty of it, along with lots of quality time with their humans. The Weimaraner was a secret for many years among the German aristocracy, …
The Vizsla is a versatile, red-coated gundog built for long days in the field. For centuries, these rugged but elegant athletes have been the pride of Hungarian sportsmen and their popularity in America increases with each passing year. The first Vizsla to come to America in 1950 was smuggled out …
Active, smart, and loyal, the Canaan Dog dates back to biblical times where they were known as shepherds’ assistants, helping them to herd, drive, and guard livestock. Although the origin of the Canaan Dog has been lost with time, there are early drawings that date back thousands of years that …
Small, independent, and brave, the Cairn Terrier hails from Scotland and was bred to hunt critters and small mammals among farmland and barns. The name “cairn” comes from the same name for piles of rocks that were used for boundaries or graves. The dogs were able to dig into the …
Large, intimidating, and powerful, the Bullmastiff was bred in the mid-19th century in England to guard large estates and protect his grounds from intruders at night. They were trained to track down and pin a burglar to the ground so that the grounds keeper could come and apprehend the intruder. …
Playful, robust, and funny looking, the Bull Terrier is a breed that has changed its’ preconceived notions throughout the ages. Hailing from England, the Bull Terrier has a dark past. Its’ ancestors, the Bulldogs, were originally bred to fight Bulls for spectator sports until England banned the blood sport. This …
Small, smart, and sensitive, the Brussels Griffon is a toy dog with a big personality. Also known as a Griffon Bruxellois or “Griff” for short, these dogs originated from Brussels, Belgium. Originally bred to keep the rat population in check for horse stables, the ancestors of the modern Brussels Griffon …
The Sealyham Terrier is an independent and outgoing hunting dog known for their long, cascading coat. Originating in southwestern Wales in the late 1800s, Sealyham Terriers were bred to hunt otters, which were considered pests at the time. The breed is named after the Sealy Ham estate on the Seal …
The Scottish Terrier is an independent and confident hunting dog best known for their persistent and human-like spirit. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottie is the oldest of the Highland terriers and one of the oldest British dog breeds. They were bred to hunt rats, foxes and badgers. Scotties …
The Irish Red and White Setter is a spirited and athletic breed best known for their hunting prowess and hard-working nature. The breed originated in Ireland around 400 years ago and predates the all-red Irish Setter by about 200 years. They are are a bit smaller and stockier than the …
The Gordon Setter is an athletic and affectionate breed best known for their hunting skills and flowing coat. The breed originated in Scotland almost 200 years ago. They are one of four different setter breeds, whose job was to sniff out game birds and lay down quietly, or “set”, went …
The English Setter is an elegant and mellow breed best known for its show-stopping beauty. The breed originated in England 400-500 years ago. Their job was to sniff out game birds and lay down quietly, or “set”, when they located one. There are four different setter breeds, but the English …
The inexhaustible Spanish Water Dog is a dual-purpose breed whose hallmark is a coat of wooly curls. Used as both a herder and waterfowl retriever in his homeland, this rustic charmer is a lively family companion and vigilant watchdog. The versatile Spanish Water Dog has been a fixture of the …
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a vigorous, medium-sized bird dog of happy disposition, known for versatility in the field, and companionability at home. According to leading authorities, Welshies are the oldest of Britain’s spaniels, descendants of the original spaniels of the Iberian Peninsula (the word spaniel is derived from “Spaniard”). …
Sometime in the 1700s, sportsmen in the English county of Sussex developed a spaniel whose short legs and burly torso were perfectly suited to hunting feathered game while plowing through the region’s heavy clay soil, dense underbrush, and thick hedgerows. Because the dog was built so low and the cover …
The tallest of the AKC’s spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel (IWS) is instantly recognizable by its crisply curled coat and tapering “rat tail.” Among the champion swimmers, the alert and inquisitive IWS is hardworking and brave in the field, and playfully affectionate at home. In the 1830s, Justin McCarthy, from …
Well into the 1800s, several British spaniels used by hunters were not classified by breed, as they are today; they were organized by size and job description. Any particular type of spaniel, born of Cocker, English Springer, and Sussex crosses, was designated as the Field Spaniel. Dedicated fans of the …
Masters of Hounds in 17th century Britain created the English Foxhound by crossing larger stag-hunting hounds and taller, greyhound-type hounds. This meld of nose and endurance with speed and agility formed the perfect hound for hunting the red fox, a popular pastime among the British nobility. Traditional British foxhunts were …
Also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, making identification of their origin nearly impossible. One prevailing theory is that the Dogue de Bordeaux’s ancestors were brought to France by Julius Caesar in the first century B.C. …
