Posts Tagged ‘dog breeds’

Breed Spotlight: Dalmatian

What's your Mutt DNA Adult dalmatian dog standing in field of flowers with forest in the background

History The origin of the Dalmatian is widely debated, although it is accepted that the breed has been around for centuries. Art and literature from Europe, Asia, and Africa all provide compelling arguments that they are the Dalmatian’s place of origin. According to The New Complete Dog Book, a official publication of the American Kennel…

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Breed Spotlight: Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog standing in a grassy field with a half shaved cut.

History The Portuguese Water Dog originated in the Algarve region of Portugal where it was bred to assist at shipyards. These dogs were tasked with guarding ships, herding fish into fishermen’s nets, retrieving lost tackle or broken nets, and acting as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. They would sometimes travel with fishing…

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Breed Spotlight: Azawakh

Side view of an Azawakh dog walking outside in the grass in front of a forest

History The Azawakh originated thousands of years ago in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in Africa as a sighthound and secondarily, as a guard dog and companion. They were originally rasied in the Sahel region of the Sahara Desert by the Tuareg and other ethnic tribes of the southern Sahel. While the harsh conditions of the…

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Breed Spotlight: Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhund dog in red collar standing on dock by edge of water

  History The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient herding breed from Sweden whose origin story is a bit murky. It is likely that the breed arose over 1,000 years ago during the Viking settlement of England when they were known as the “Vikingarnas Dog”. During this time, these dogs were used as cattle drovers and…

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14 Unique Dog Names Inspired by Celebrity Pets

What's Your Mutt DNA Photo from the 1918 film "A Dog's Life", showing actor Charlie Chaplin sitting with a woman, and petting a dog on his lap

Are you looking for a name for your new dog that’s a little different? A name that, when you call it at the dog park, won’t have 3 different pooches running up to you? Here are some ideas inspired by celebrity pets if you just can’t quite come up with something unique on your own.…

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Breed Spotlight: Peruvian Inca Orchid

Black Peruvian Inca Orchid on street in front of red and yellow wall.

History The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, Perro sin Pelo de Peru, and Perro Peruano, or Viringo Dog, is an ancient breed that originated in- you guessed it- Peru. While the breed is associated with Inca culture, the Peruvian Inca Orchid was also depicted in Chimú, Moche, Chancay, and Vicus…

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Unusual Dog Breed Origin Stories

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever at the water's edge in a forest.

Anyone can probably list off the top of their head at least a few breeds of dog that were bred for herding, hunting, or ratting. But can you name a breed that was used to treat arthritis? Here are some of the more unusual jobs that dogs have found work in.     The Glen…

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