Fun Facts About Dog Breeds
Do you know about the breed of your dog?
Dalmatians are perhaps best known for their role as fire-fighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. In years past, they stood tall along those who risked their lives. Even today, Dalmatians are often brought into schools for fire safety education.
What breed did US President Richard Nixon own? A Cocker Spaniel, the same breed that was depicted in the movie Lady and the Tramp.
Dachshunds literally means ‘Badger Dog’ – They were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers in their burrows!
There is a study underway that will enroll up to 3,000 Golden Retrievers and follow each dog for 10-14 years to identify the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs.
Labrador retrievers are similar to Golden Retrievers in their willingness to serve their owners as best they can, working with hunters, special needs, and search and rescue. Originally, these dogs were owned by fishermen and jumped into icy water to bring back fish that had fallen off the fishing hooks.
Like most hounds, Basenjis are very vocal. However, unlike most dogs, Basenjis do not bark. The unique noise they make can be best described as a yodel.
Australian Cattle Dogs are the culmination of cross-breeding the Blue Merle and the Australian Dingo by British settlers in Australia in the late 1800s. They are extremely intelligent, protective, and have a herding instinct.
Great Danes were originally bred as boar-hunting dogs in Europe and have since become the most often bred as show dogs or family companions. They are sensitive gentle giants but unfortunately have a shorter life span of 7 – 10 years. Please be prepared to financially care for these larger breed pets with their food intake and veterinary upkeep.
Border Collies are recognized to be extremely intelligent, athletic, and energetic breeds. The breed originated in Northumberland on the borders of England and Scotland, having been developed over centuries for herding sheep. In the 19th Century, Queen Victoria became an active enthusiast for this highly energetic breed.
Basset Hounds have strong sniffers, so new owners need to keep them on a leash or in a fenced yard so they do not follow a scent until they are lost. Marquis de Lafayette, who served under President George Washington, brought this breed to the United States as a gift to the President for hunting excursions.
The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli, the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog.
We can not leave out the cute Yorkshire Terriers. They were used in clothing mills to catch rats which explain why Yorkies do not act tough without reason!
Greyhounds are often found saving lives at veterinary schools, due to their high red blood cell count they make great blood donors. They are the speed kings and queens of the dog world with the incredible ability to clock up over 50 mph in short bursts.
The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was discovered by soldiers in England during World War II.
The Bulldog name may have come from a sad history when they were used for bull-baiting in the British Isles. Bull-baiting was an especially cruel sport where specially-bred Bulldogs were set loose on a tethered bull.
Chow Chows are known for their blue- black tongue and lion appearance.
You have heard of war horses, but have you heard of war dogs? Mastiffs were used alongside the British army in 55 B.C. Mastiffs attract people due to their majestic appearance and will just as easily clear a room with their drool and flatulence.
Chihuahuas were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class. The well-known Taco Bell Chihuahua goes by the name Gidget.
German shepherds are a breed known for service. These dogs aid military and law enforcement with crucial protective services, such as detecting enemy forces and bombs. The breed also excels in medical and trained companion service. US President John F. Kennedy owned a German Shepherd named “Clipper.”
Snoopy and Odie are both famous Beagles from the comic strips. This breed likes to run in packs during hunts and will not only bark but also bray, as hound type dogs do. US President Lyndon B. Johnson owned 2 Beagles appropriately named Him and Her.
French bulldogs are a downsized version of the bulldog that lace makers selectively bred to have a lap dog. When lace makers where displaced after the Industrial Revolution they took their lap dogs to France where Americans on the Grand Tour saw these adorable dogs.
Miniature Pinschers are reported to include the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound among their ancestors. They can steal your heart in just a matter of seconds!
What breed is to have been purchased for $2,000 in the 1500s? The Maltese, a breed with centuries of history, was well-regarded as an exotic trading item. Considered the jewels of women, the little lapdogs were treasured by European royalty. Wealthy ladies carried them in their dresses, sleeves or baskets.
