Dog Breeds
Supposedly a cross-breed of English descent, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever gained its name sake in Chesapeake Bay while successfully hunting water-fowl. They are well equipped to do so on both land and water, and especially in icy conditions. After game was caught, they would often accompany their owners to market, where they would protect the […]
The origin of this breed is still in dispute, but many believe it is cross between the Griffon and the Beauceron, from the French-Belgian region of Flanders. During World War I, this breed served as a messenger and rescue dog, and today is used commonly to drive the herds of cowmen and drovers of stock […]
The Basenji, a member of the “sighthound” family, is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world, dating back to Ancient Egyptian times as noted in depictions on the steles of the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. This breed was originally developed for hunting in central Africa because of its’ ability to utilize both […]
The Akita breed was originally found in the Akita Prefecture in Northern Japan, and is said to mean, “Tender in heart, strong in spirit”. “Inu” is Japanese for dog, though in Japan the dog is actually referred to as Akita Ken. The Japanese value the Akita as a national treasure, and often use the Akita […]
The Airedale Terrier was one of the original police dogs, hailing from Yorkshire, England and finding work primarily in the United Kingdom and Germany. Its duties included messaging, hunting, and of course, pest control. This breed is the largest of the terriers, often nicknamed “King of Terriers”, and has a distinctive black and tan coat […]
The Afghan Hound was first discovered in Afghanistan in the 1900s, and appeared shortly after in the United States. The Afghan Hound originally lived high in the mountains of Afghanistan, hunting wild prey such as wolves, foxes, gazelles, and other small game and is said to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the […]
It is said that this 100 year old breed was developed when Scottish mine workers brought terriers down from Scotland to develop a breed that could control vermin, and fit into small spaces to kill off any other pests. Things have certainly changed, as nowadays their image is almost the contrary, with the Yorkshire Terrier […]
The Affenpinscher, known as one of the oldest toy dogs in Europe, is said to be documented as far back as the 1600s. The word Affenpinscher is German, meaning “monkey-like terrier”, clearly derived from their monkeyish expression. Though they look similar to terriers, they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup. Their main purpose in […]
The Labrador breed is said to have originally hailed from the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and was used primarily aboard fishing boats to gather fishermen’s nets by jumping overboard from their ships. Today, Labradors are one of most popular, if not the most popular dog breed in the United States and the United […]
The Weimaraner, also known as the “Grey Ghost”, is a very old breed, dating back to the 1600’s where it appeared in Van Dyck paintings. The breed is said to be a cross between different types of pointers and mastiffs, apparently overseen by Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar. Back then this breed was used […]