Posts Tagged ‘unique dog breeds’
Breed Spotlight: Borzoi
History The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a majestic dog bred to course fox, boar, hare, and perhaps most impressively, wolf. These impressive sighthounds have been around since the 15th century, where Russian nobles such as Ivan the Terrible kept hundreds or even thousands of Borzois for hunting. During the Romanov rule…
Read More9 Dog Breeds with a Royal History
Most dog breeds were bred to do dirty work: exterminating vermin, guarding homes or flocks against predators and intruders, or chasing down high stamina prey animals. Other dogs got to live the cushy life, serving as companion animals to royalty. These dogs were lucky enough to find their way into royal courts, palaces, and even…
Read MoreBreed Spotlight: Dalmatian
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…
Read MoreBreed Spotlight: Portuguese Water Dog
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…
Read MoreBreed Spotlight: Akita
History What the American Kennel Club recognizes as the “Akita” breed is what every other country recognizes as the “American Akita”. There is also a breed called the “Japanese Akita”, or “Akita Inu”, that is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the American Akita and Akita Inu have a joint origin…
Read MoreBreed Spotlight: Swedish Vallhund
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…
Read MoreBreed Spotlight: Schipperke
History The Schipperke (pronounced “sheep-er-ker”) originated in Flanders, Belgium in the early 16th century. This breed descended from the now-extinct Leauvenaar, a black sheepdog that was also the foundation breed for the Belgian Sheepdog, or Groendendael. While the Belgian Sheepdog followed in the Leauvenaar’s footsteps as a shepherd, the Schipperke took on its own role as…
Read MoreBreed Spotlight: Peruvian Inca Orchid
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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