Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular dog breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too! If you’re looking for a bird dog, there are …
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If you haven’t heard of the chinook dog breed, you’re probably not alone. As a previous Guinness World Record holder for the rarest dog breed (1965), you’re not likely to see a chinook at the local dog park. This is unfortunate because these strong yet gentle and affectionate sled dogs — with a fascinating origin …
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Weimaraners get the nickname “Gray Ghost” because of their silvery-gray coat color, light-colored eyes and sneaky hunting abilities. The grand duke of Weimar, in Germany, developed Weimaraners (we see what he did there) in the early 19th century by crossing bloodhounds with other hunting dogs. Weimaraners are a large, long-legged breed that can weigh as …
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You’re walking alone on a mossy path in a dark, overgrown forest. Up ahead in a clearing, a human figure appears in the moonlight. You take a step closer and… wait, did they just shapeshift into a wolf? Is that a… werewolf?! OK, so werewolves aren’t real (right?) and they aren’t a dog breed. But …
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If you search online for “hunting dog painting,” chances are, it’s going to feature a Brittany. These photogenic bird dogs have been the subject of countless paintings since the breed originated sometime around the 17th century. And their popularity in fields and homes continues today. The versatility of the Brittany has made them popular hunting …
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Airedale terriers: All the feisty energy of a typical terrier, but in a body that’s three times the size. No wonder they’re often called the “King of Terriers”! Unlike many breeds that originated in Victorian England, however, Airedales weren’t bred by nobles for hunting purposes. No, the noble Airedale was created in the mid-1800s by …
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What happens when you can’t do your job anymore? You adapt and become an expert at your new one! That’s what happened with dogs of the Italian Lagotto Romagnolo (pronounced Lah-GOH-toe Ro-man-YO-lo) breed. These water-loving workers were originally bred for retrieving waterfowl for hunters in the Northern Italy marshes. But when the land was developed …
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It’s no surprise that Irish setters originated from Ireland. They were bred to sniff out gamebirds for hunters and quietly announce their success by “setting” (lying down on their tummy). Their vibrant red coats made it easy for hunters to spot them across fields, although they weren’t always a solid red color —the original Irish …
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Every dog breed came from somewhere. Most of the breeds we’ve discussed in our Behind the Breed series originated in Europe before ending up as beloved American dogs. But the Chesapeake Bay retriever? An American breed through and through. Chesapeake Bay Retriever History Although “retriever” is in their name, Chesapeake Bay retrievers aren’t related to …
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Most people know greyhounds as long, lean, running machines. This impression is entirely true: they have been clocked at over 40 miles per hour and are considered the fastest dog breed. What you may not realize is that these speedy sprinters don’t need to be constantly running — they would love to snuggle with you …
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