Tag: dog breeds

Behind the Breed: Boykin Spaniel

Posted on January 25, 2024 - 9:50 pm by
A Boykin spaniel walking through tall grass.

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 many breeds to choose from — Brittany, Cocker spaniel, Weimaraner, standard poodle, just to name a few. Many of these bird dog breeds originated from outside of the U.S. a few hundred years ago, but one breed that stands out from the pack — because of its American roots and 20th century beginnings — is the Boykin spaniel.

What Is a Boykin Spaniel?

Originating in South Carolina in the 1900s, the Boykin spaniel is a relatively new dog breed that began with a stray dog named “Dumpy.” Take a look at some more interesting facts behind the Boykin spaniel breed.

The Split Boykin Spaniel Personality

If you’re looking for an efficient hunting companion that is a sweet and friendly family pet too, the Boykin spaniel could be the breed for you. These gentle but high-energy dogs are resourceful and efficient bird dogs that are also laid-back members of the household. The Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS) boasts that they’re a superb turkey dog, are adept at retrieving waterfowl and have a flair for flushing doves, pheasant, quail and grouse as well as deer driving or tracking deer. That’s one talented breed!

How Big Do Boykin Spaniels Get?

The Boykin spaniel size fits the medium dog category, coming in at around 35 to 40 pounds as an adult. Brown, liver and dark chocolate are the usual Boykin spaniel colors. They have a  medium-length double coat, large, floppy ears and webbed toes that help them to retrieve waterfowl from lakes and swamps. You’re sure to get lost in the yellow, brown or amber eyes of a Boykin spaniel puppy!

Boykin Spaniel Care

A Boykin spaniel’s fur can be curly or wavy and typically requires at least weekly brushing to remove loose hair. They need daily exercise which could include swimming, agility, flyball or any of the other sports that these energetic dogs excel at. Adult Boykin spaniels make good family dogs for active households as long as they are well-socialized. Remember that all dogs should be supervised around young children.

Although they are generally healthy dogs, the Boykin Spaniel Society explains that there are a few inherited diseases that affect the breed. Reputable breeders will perform health tests for these genetic illnesses which include exercise-induced collapse, collie eye anomaly, degenerative myelopathy, juvenile cataracts, hip dysplasia, patella luxation and pulmonic stenosis. The Boykin Spaniel Foundation uses donations to provide a variety of services for Boykin spaniel owners including funding free heart and eye certification clinics, reduced cost DNA clinics and reimbursements to the BSS for performing the recommended health testing for inherited diseases.

Is a Boykin Spaniel Related to a Cocker Spaniel or Chesapeake Bay Retriever?

These versatile hunting dogs have a relatively short history compared to other dogs. According to the BSS, development of this spaniel breed began somewhere around 1905 to 1910 when avid hunter Alexander White adopted a small stray spaniel-type dog which he named “Dumpy.” Tested as a hunting dog, Alexander discovered that Dumpy had an aptitude for retrieving. So he sent Dumpy to be trained by his hunting partner, L.W. “Whit” Boykin, who was from a community just outside of Camden, South Carolina.

Dumpy showed off his talent further as an outstanding wild turkey and waterfowl retriever, and so became the foundation dog of the multipurpose retriever known now as the Boykin spaniel. Other dogs who are ancestors of Boykin spaniels probably include Chesapeake Bay retrievers, cocker spaniels, English springer spaniels and American water spaniels. Boykin spaniels were selected as the official state dog of South Carolina in 1985 and September 1 is celebrated as National Boykin Spaniel Day.

Where Can You Find Boykin Spaniel Puppies?

The BSS provides a list of questions to ask yourself before you decide to adopt a Boykin spaniel puppy, as well as other resources. To make sure you’re adopting a healthy, purebred puppy from a reputable breeder, browse the Boykin spaniel preferred breeder list on the BSS website. If you’d rather adopt an older dog, you can look for breed specific rescues at Boykin Spaniel Rescue. Of course, a Boykin spaniel with a little bit of something else mixed in can be a great dog, too. Because why not adopt a mutt?

Boykin Spaniels FAQs

What is the lifespan for a Boykin spaniel?

The Boykin spaniel lifespan is 10 to 15 years.

When did the AKC recognize Boykin spaniels as a breed?

Boykin spaniels became an American Kennel Club recognized breed in 2009 in the sporting breeds group.

Is there a Boykin Spaniel Club?

Yes, there are many regional Boykin spaniel clubs.

Let’s do a Boykin spaniel overview. They’re a medium-sized brown dog with floppy ears and webbed toes. They make great hunting partners and sweet family dogs, and it all started with a little stray dog in South Carolina named “Dumpy.”

Behind the Breed: Chinook

Posted on December 21, 2023 - 8:50 pm by
An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about chinook dogs.

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 story — can make great family pets.

Chinook are large, tawny-colored dogs that love to have a job to do and are easy to train. They’re playful, good with kids and love to do sports like agility, tracking, sledding and carting. The breed was developed in New Hampshire; however, some chinook sled dogs went all the way to Antarctica! The Chinook Club of America has detailed their remarkable history, which we have summarized below.

Arthur Treadwell Walden from Wonalancet, New Hampshire, developed the chinook breed in 1917 by pairing a husky with a mastiff-type farm dog. Three pups were born and one was eventually named “Chinook” after a sled dog Walden had when he was in the Yukon freighting supplies for gold miners. All dogs of the chinook breed are related to “Chinook,” the original cross.

Chinook was one of 16 chinooks who accompanied Walden on Admiral Richard Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition, and Byrd described them as the backbone of the expedition transport. Unfortunately Chinook died while in Antarctica, and after returning from the expeditions, Walden was forced to sell his kennels to another breeder. The chinook breed may be descended from three dogs who were sold by Walden before he went to Antarctica.

By 1965 there were only 125 chinooks remaining, thus the rarest dog breed record, and the numbers kept dwindling. In the 1980s, there was a dedicated effort to preserve the eleven chinook breeding stock left, and since then their numbers have been steadily increasing. When the breed was fully recognized by the AKC in 2013, there were 813 dogs registered — although that’s still not very many! So if you ever meet a chinook, make sure you say hi because they may be the only one you’ll ever see.

An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about chinook dogs.

RELATED POST: Dogs at Work: Siberian Huskies

Behind the Breed: Weimaraner

Posted on November 30, 2023 - 2:30 pm by
An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about Weimaraners.

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 much as 90 pounds (males). Their deep chests make them at a higher risk of bloat, so any food-gobbling behaviors should be discouraged. They are obsessed with their people, which is why they’re often given the “Velcro dog” label. If you want a dog who’s by your side for every activity you do, a Weimaraner is the perfect dog for you — and they’re great with kids, too.

Much like German shorthaired pointers, these athletic and intelligent dogs make excellent running and hunting partners. Their abundant amounts of energy make them well suited to both a morning spent pointing at and retrieving game birds and an evening run in the woods.

To reiterate, exercise is life for Weimaraners. So unless you want a dirt track in your lawn because your Weimaraner is channeling their inner greyhound, it’s important to use up all of that energy with daily (or even twice daily) walks or runs. And because they’re also very smart, you need to provide plenty of mental enrichment, too. Weimaraners excel at agility, tracking and other dog sports, which is a good way to get them to exercise and use their brains.

One of the Weimaraner breed’s claims to fame is their “nooking” behavior. Weimaraner Planet explains that nooking is where the dog suckles on a blanket or soft toy without destroying it. They may also knead while they suck. It’s thought to be a self-soothing or calming behavior since they tend do it before going to sleep — although not all Weimaraners “nook.”

An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about Weimaraners.

RELATED POST: Behind the Breed: Brittany

Behind the Breed: Werewolves and Wolf-Dogs

Posted on October 26, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about werewolf and wolf-dog hybrids.

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 we thought we’d expand our realm a little for this Behind the Breed edition by looking “Behind the Werewolf” to learn where and when werewolf folklore began. We’ll also delve into a real wolf hybrid. Read on — if you dare.

Werewolf Lore: The Ancient Origins of Werewolves

Werewolves are not a modern-day creation of horror movie scriptwriters. Descriptions of werewolf-like creatures have been around for thousands of years, including in the “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” one of the oldest written works known to exist. According to History.com, Gilgamesh rejects a potential suiter because she turned her previous mate into a wolf.

History.com editors tell us that humans turning into wolves also occurs in early Nordic folklore and Greek mythology. In the “Saga of the Volsungs,” a father and son become wolves by wearing wolf pelts, and in Greek mythology, an angered Zeus turns Lycaon and his sons into wolves. Lycaon comes from the Greek word lykos meaning wolf, as does the other name for a werewolf — lycanthrope (meaning wolf-man).

So where could these ideas of werewolves have come from? One theory is that rabies may have inspired werewolf folklore because a bite from a rabid canine can cause infected humans to become aggressive and animal-like in their behavior. People have been aware of rabies for at least 4,000 years — so it’s possible that this ancient disease inspired werewolf lore.

Wolf-Dog Hybrids Do Exist

A hybrid of a wolf and a human may not exist, but what about a wolf and a dog? Yep, those are real. Wolves (Canis lupus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are different species, but they are able to interbreed. According to the International Wolf Center, wolf-dog hybrids are different from wolfdogs who are not always a hybrid but usually a domestic dog with a relatively recent wolf ancestry.

Wolves and dogs are genetically very similar — they share more than 99 percent of their DNA. However, the International Wolf Center points out that the genetic differences they do have, due to selective breeding of dogs over thousands of years, have led to distinct behavioral, life cycle and physiological differences between the two species.

There is no way to predict which wolf vs. dog traits a hybrid will have, which makes owning a hybrid as a pet a controversial issue. The International Wolf Center advises that as well as possible legal issues with owning a hybrid (depending on the laws in your state, county or city), rabies vaccines are not approved for hybrids and wolf-dog hybrids can have very different physical and psychological needs compared to a domestic dog.

Dogs That Look Like Wolves

If you love how wolves look but want to avoid the potential problems that owning a wolf-dog hybrid can bring, why not adopt a domestic dog that looks like a wolf? The American Kennel Club lists these ten dog breeds as having wolf-like features. The Czechoslovakian vlcak (or Czechoslovakian wolfdog) has the closest resemblance to a wolf. The breed originated in the 1950s by breeding a German shepherd with a Carpathian wolf. Meeting one of these dogs in the forest would be a much better scenario than meeting a werewolf — or a wolf!

  • Alaskan klee kai
  • Alaskan malamute
  • Czechoslovakian vlcak
  • Finnish lapphund
  • German shepherd
  • Norwegian elkhound
  • Samoyed
  • Siberian husky
  • Swedish vallhund
  • Yakutian laika

An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about werewolf and wolf-dog hybrids.

RELATED POST: Dogs at Work: Samoyeds Kept the Cold and Wolves at Bay

Behind the Breed: Saint Bernards

Posted on October 27, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Known for their imposing bulk but lovable personalities, Saint Bernards are celebrated for their daring rescues in the Alpine mountains. Along with their heroic adventures in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are some of the most famous dogs on the silver screen. Saint Bernards played the roles of Beethoven, Cujo and Nana (from Peter Pan). That’s one talented breed!

Saint Bernard History Starts with St. Bernard

The story of the Saint Bernard dog breed began in Switzerland a long, long, long time ago in the Middle Ages. A monk named Bernard of Menthon, who later became St. Bernard (see the connection?), started a hospice for people traveling over the Alps on their way to Rome. The Great Saint Bernard Pass can still be traveled today, although only for a few months of the year.

Saint Bernards Started as Search and Rescue Dogs

Around six centuries later (no one’s sure of the exact date), monks at the hospice started using working dogs to help them while they were out finding lost travelers — and so the Alpine rescue dog was born. Those hospice dogs were the ancestors of today’s Saint Bernards, although they were all short-haired Saint Bernards until around 1830. The Saint Bernard Club of America was established in 1888.

Nowadays other breeds are used as avalanche rescue dogs, too. Agile breeds with a strong hunting drive, like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds or their crosses, are commonly used. Other breeds like border collies and Australian shepherds are also trained for search and rescue work.

A Saint Bernard’s Size Can Be Intimidating

If we were to describe two obvious Saint Bernard characteristics, it would be that they’re massive dogs and massively drooly. As one of the largest dog breeds, most Saint Bernards measure 26–30 inches at the shoulder, and males can weigh up to 180 pounds as adult dogs. The American Kennel Club breed standard for the Saint Bernard lists phrases like “extraordinarily muscular,” “very powerful” and “imposing.” These muscular dogs will certainly tower over many other dogs at the dog park!

Lots of Drool and Hair, Everywhere

So. Much. Drool. A Saint Bernard owner will rarely leave the house without the drool rag to clean the loose lips and skin that hangs down from their dog’s mouth. A bandana or bib can also be a handy accessory for a Saint Bernard to catch some of that drool. If you remember that they’re the Beethoven dog breed, you’ll understand why!

Both long- and short-haired Saint Bernards shed, especially in spring and fall. Daily brushing of their coat can help keep their loose hair under control during the shedding season. With all of this hair and drool, make sure you have your household cleaning supplies handy!

Saint Bernard Pups Need the Right Nutrition

Like other dogs in the large breed category, a Saint Bernard puppy needs appropriate nutrient levels to fuel their larger growing bodies. Rapid growth isn’t healthy for the bones and joints of large breeds, and extra body weight can stress their immature and growing skeleton.

If Saint Bernard puppies are overfed and don’t maintain a healthy weight, they could be at an increased risk for developmental orthopedic conditions, like hip dysplasia. To help avoid these issues, look for a puppy food that’s complete and balanced to promote a steady, healthy growth rate.

Watch Out for Large Breed Health Problems

Saint Bernards are large and deep-chested dogs, which means they are at a greater risk for bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening condition. GDV occurs when the stomach becomes gas-filled, distended and twisted on itself, resulting in an obstruction.

Hip dysplasia can occur in older dogs and may require surgery. Saint Bernards are also at risk of developing entropion, which is when the eyelid rolls inward toward the eye. Taking your Saint Bernard for regular veterinary checkups can help prevent potential medical issues or catch them early.

A Giant Breed with a Giant Amount of Love to Give

These large dogs can be intimidating, but the Saint Bernard temperament is second to none. It’s why Saint Bernards make such great family dogs!

While socialization, puppy training classes and obedience training are recommended so that they don’t develop bad habits, the inherent personalities of Saint Bernards make them lovable giants. They’re gentle with children; however, their size could cause them to accidentally knock over small children. So watch them around young children — especially that giant tail!

Is the Saint Bernard Dog Breed for You?

If you don’t mind getting slobbered on and you enjoy cuddles with a giant ball of love, the Saint Bernard could be the perfect breed for you. They don’t require as much exercise as you would expect from such a large dog, and they love to hang out with their family!

Behind the Breed: The Noble Basset Hound

Posted on September 29, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Arguably no breed of dog cuts a more distinctive profile than the basset hound. Their short stature and long ears are as identifiable as it gets.

The breed name is also descriptive. “Basset,” is derived from the French word “bas,” which means “low” (as in “to the ground”), and “hound” conveys that their sense of smell is “houndlike,” second only to their cousin the bloodhound.

Basset hounds enjoy a long and rich history. Records show that the short and mighty breed originates in France and Belgium and descends from a long line of hounds dating back to the sixth century. St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, is believed to have taken an interest in creating a scent hound, so he carefully bred several ancient hound breeds in his Benedictine abbey. The name, St. Hubert Hound, caught on around 1000 A.D., and they quickly spread throughout Europe.

The first mention of a “basset” dog appeared in an illustrated French hunting text written by Jacques de Flouilloux in 1585. The dogs in Fouilloux’s guide were used to hunt foxes and badgers, making the basset a perfect hunting companion. Bassets became popular during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III: their sad but regal looks were perfect for Paris salons in the mid- to late 1800s.

The Nose Knows

Basset hounds have a powerful sense of smell and enjoy doing nose work. With more than 220 million smell receptors, they’re officially the second-best sniffing dog breed. But their noses don’t do it alone; their ears and short stature help! Those long ears pick up scents by dragging on the ground and pushing them toward the nose, and are augmented by folds of skin, or dewlaps, that trap the scent and enhance it.

Basset coats are soft and smooth and can come in any “hound color” from black and tan to tricolored, brown or red. They are generally 15 inches or shorter at the shoulders and are known for their headstrong personalities — once they get a scent, that’s all they’ll think about!

Maintenance Required!

Those droopy ears and eyes need to be cleaned regularly, and particular attention should be paid to their spines, which can be damaged if a basset is carrying too much weight and gets too physical. They also need a little help jumping into cars or onto the sofa.

While great at the hunting they were bred for, bassets are great pets for families of any type. They are very vocal and highly social around other animals and people and make a wonderful family pet.

An interior graphic detailing five quick facts about basset hounds.

RELATED POST: Behind the Breed: Welsh Corgi

Behind the Breed: Golden Retrievers

Posted on August 25, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for decades, golden retrievers have a rich history that originates in the Scottish Highlands. The golden retriever is a highly adaptable and all-around sporting dog known for their affectionate temperaments and luxurious golden coats.

In the late 19th century, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, who later became the first Baron Tweedmouth, sought to create the definitive retriever for rainy weather. The baron crossed a “yellow retriever” with a Tweed water spaniel and set out to develop a medium-sized breed with a water-repellant coat that was serious about hunting waterfowl and game. And so, the golden retriever was born. Literally.

Goldens were first recognized by the American Kennel Club as “Flat-coated Retriever, Golden” in 1903 and soon caught on as outstanding performance and conformation (dog show) event contenders. The official breed standard states that a goldens’ head should be strong and sturdy with dark eyes, short ears and a broad muzzle that is often described as “soft,” for the way they carry game, toys, sticks or even clothing without damaging whatever they pick up.

In the years after World War I, golden retrievers increased in popularity and spread throughout the Western world. They now count themselves as one of the most common breeds largely due to their friendly nature and willingness to learn, which make them ideal for obedience trials, as search and rescue dogs and as excellent candidates for therapy dogs.

Goldens have boundless energy and often exhibit puppylike behavior well into adulthood. Because of this exuberance, goldens need plenty of exercise and running to calm them down. But when given a job that keeps them engaged, this “friendly, reliable and trustworthy,” breed will become loyal companions to any family.

An interior graphic detailing four quick facts about golden retrievers.

RELATED POST: Behind the Breed: Welsh Corgi

Behind the Breed: Welsh Corgi

Posted on July 21, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Queen Elizabeth of Britain’s love of Welsh corgis has helped make the breeds very popular all over the world. For owners of the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh corgi breeds, a good amount of time is spent explaining the subtle differences between the two, which are distinguished by their tails — or lack thereof.

Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh corgis were both bred to work with farmers in Wales to take cattle to grazing lands or to guard them when they got there. Pembrokes (the ones without the tails) were found in the flatter Pembrokeshire in southern Wales and Cardigans (the ones with tails) were bred for the rockier Cardiganshire.

Corgis are…Viking Dogs?

Each breed enjoys separate heritages and origins as well. Pembrokes arrived in Wales around 1000 A.D. with the Vikings and trace their roots back to Nordic breeds including the Swedish vallhund. Cardigans are even older, having arrived in the British Isles as early as 1200 B.C., and are descended from German and Celtic lines. The name corgi is derived from the Welsh words “cor,” and “ci” (which has mutated to “gi”), meaning “dwarf dog.” Welsh legend says that Corgis are “enchanted dogs” and that mythical creatures used corgis to pull fairy coaches and work and guard fairy cattle.

The tail is not the only distinguishing feature of the two breeds. Pembrokes have straighter backs and squared-off rears, making them more rectangular in appearance, whereas Cardigans have long, foxlike tails, are a little larger and heavier, and are more rounded. Pembrokes have pointed ears and Cardigans’ ears are more rounded. Both breeds are low to the ground with large, heavy heads, long bodies and short, thick legs. They’re known as “heelers,” meaning that they nip at the heels of larger animals like cattle to keep them moving.

A Royal Breed

Queen Elizabeth II has long enjoyed corgis. She and her sister, Princess Margaret, shared a Pembroke Welsh corgi nicknamed Dookie that their father, George VI, gave them in 1933. In 1944, Princess Elizabeth received a Pembroke of her very own named Susan for her 18th birthday. The queen bred at least ten generations of dogs from Susan and has owned more than 40 Pembrokes throughout the years.

Both breeds are loving and affectionate with their families and children and just want to be where you are. They also are extremely intelligent, and training is essential to keep them occupied and on their toes. With the right amount of instruction and love, you, too, can enjoy this breed fit for a queen.

An interior graphic detailing seven quick facts about Welsh corgis.

Behind the Breed: Doberman Pinscher

Posted on June 23, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

The clean lines and sleek look of the Doberman pinscher are aesthetically pleasing, while at the same time incredibly imposing. Described as watchful, energetic, determined, loyal and obedient, the Doberman’s alert ears and aerodynamic outline make them instantly recognizable. As a member of the working group, Dobermans are uniquely equipped for a variety of jobs.

The Doberman pinscher originated in late 19th century Germany and is a complex mixture of several terrier, working and herding breeds. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann developed the breed to be a commanding protector and to help guard him as he made his rounds collecting taxes. He may have merged terriers with black and tan markings with the Rottweiler on his quest to further refine these police and military dogs that now bear his name (minus the second “n,” of course).

Good news travels fast, and Dobermans quickly found their way into other countries. In the U.S., they were first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Soon, Dobermans were proving their worth in police work, on duty with the military, and even later as therapy and service dogs.

Often portrayed as fierce and scary in movies and books, today’s Doberman pinschers have been carefully bred to be exceptionally athletic but also inherently gentler than their ancestors. However, they will still fiercely protect their families.

Dobermans are usually medium-sized, measuring 26 to 28 inches at the shoulders. They are well muscled, smooth and usually come in black, red, or fawn colors and are often described as elegant and noble. The breed’s proud bearing and regal gait are evident in and out of the show ring as well. A Doberman named Storm not only won the Westminster Kennel Club’s “Best in Show” in 1952, but he also came back to win it again in 1953.

Highly adaptable but intensely protective, the Doberman should always be supervised around young children and around kids of any age who have had little or no exposure to dogs. Dobermans carry the nickname “Velcro dogs” because they stick to their owners and families and often lean into their people for long head rubs between their alert ears. Given proper exercise, training and stimulating mental challenges, a Doberman can be a loyal family pet while also providing protection.

An interior graphic detailing four quick facts about Doberman pinschers.

Behind the Breed: Bullmastiffs

Posted on May 19, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Fearless and imposing, the bullmastiff is a working dog with a purpose. This large, imposing breed was developed by 19th-century hunters to guard and protect game on English estates. Poaching on estates was an extensive problem, so gamekeepers crossed English mastiffs with the now-extinct Olde English bulldog to create a guard dog that would protect and defend deer and other game. To this day, bullmastiffs are still trained to track without barking or biting, with the goal of holding poachers without injuring them until their masters can get to the intruders.

Bullmastiffs stand as high as 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds. Their imposing, broad heads and deep muzzles merge to create an alert expression that conveys the confidence these guards possess. Their coats come in fawn, red or brindle, and their “flying nun” ears — named after the famous headgear Sally Field donned in her 1960s TV show — usually come in at about four to six months.

John D. Rockefeller brought bullmastiffs to the U.S. in the 1920s to guard his home in upstate New York., and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed just a few years later in 1924. In 1928, the famous jewelry company De Beers imported bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard their diamond mines.

Bullmastiffs have been popular companions to stars, notably musicians like Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi and Bob Dylan. Some bullmastiffs have been lucky enough to star on the big screen themselves, such as Sylvester Stallone’s bullmastiff, Butkus, who appeared in Rocky when he was six weeks old. Bullmastiffs are also featured in American sports, with the Cleveland Browns’ bullmastiff mascot, Swagger.

Similar to the Rottweiler and cane corso breeds, the bullmastiff was bred to be a guard dog. Today they are described as “fearless and confident, yet docile” — willing to please their masters. They will set their property boundaries and defend them fiercely, only relenting when their masters accept their guests. Bullmastiffs don’t always get along with other dogs, but they do thrive on obedience and training classes. Given the right amount of attention and socialization, bullmastiffs will become an integral part of their owners’ families.

An interior graphic detailing four quick facts about bullmastiffs.