History: The Cockapoo originated in the United States and became a popular designer breed in the 1960’s. The are a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle and were established specifically as a companion dog. They have become a popular and highly prized companion for families in the United States. Because the are not a pure bred dog, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Temperament: The… Read More
Breeds
Chihuahua
History: The history of the Chihuahua breed is vague. Some believe that this breed is a descendant of a small dog called the Techichi while others believe they may be ancestors of dogs introduced by Spanish or Chinese explorers. Regardless of which breed the descended from, the dog we know today was discovered in Mexico in the 1850’s. The breed was first shown in the United States in 1890 and… Read More
Cavapoo
History: The Cavapoo dog breed was developed by Australian breeders who intentionally mixed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with Poodles. They started in the late 1990’s and the Cavapoo became a popular designer breed. The breeders wanted a mix the calm and outgoing personality of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Poodles intelligence and also try to create a hypoallergenic mixed breed. The breed is now very popular in… Read More
Cane Corso
History: The Cane Corso originated in Italy and is believed to be a descendant from Roman Mastiffs. They were bred to guard property, hunt large animals, and work around the farm that included rounding up cattle and pigs. The Cane Corso came close to extinction after WWII but was rejuvenated by breeders. This breed first came into the United States in 1988 and has since become a popular companion/guard dog…. Read More
Bull Terrier
History: The Bull Terrier originated in Great Britain around 1835. This breed is believed to have started as a cross between the Bulldog and the white English Terrier, which is not extinct. Later, they were crossed with Spanish Pointers to create a larger size in the breed. These dogs were originally used to bait bulls and in dog fighting rings. Although the Bull Terrier was known as a fierce fighter,… Read More
Boston Terrier
History: The Boston Terrier originated in the United States around the 1800’s. It was one of the first breeds created in the U.S. but there are disagreements on how the breed came to be. Some say the Boston Terrier is the descendants of the Boxer, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull terrier while others believe they are descendants of the white English Terrier and the English… Read More
Border Collie
History: The Border Collie originated in Great Britain where they were bred to herd sheep. They are notorious for their intense stare or “eye” in which the dog would use to control his flock. They are believed to be a cross between the old Roman dogs and the Viking spitzes. They became the perfect dogs for Shepherds with their stealthy crouching and focused energy. Today, the Border Collie is still… Read More
Bichon Frise
History: The Bichon Frise originated in France and has been documented since the 14th century. They were first developed in the Mediterranean region and are believed to be descendants of the Barbet. The breed was a favorite among nobility and popular in royal courts in the 16th century. During the 1800’s the Bichon Frise became commonly owned by organ grinders and circus performers and were occasionally trained as seeing-eye-dogs. The… Read More
Bernese Mountain Dog
History: The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland and is one of four types of Swiss Mountain dogs. They were named for the canton of Bern where they were bred as an all-purpose farm dog. Their jobs included driving cattle, pulling carts, and guarding the farms. It is thought that this breed is a cross between farm dogs from the Swiss Alps and Mastiff-type dogs. They were first brought to… Read More
Australian Labradoodle
History: The Australian Labradoodle originated in Australia in the 1980’s. It started as a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard or Miniature Poodle. Today the Australian Labradoodle is confirmed to be a cross between 6 different parent breeds. The breeds include the Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel. They were originally bred to be assistance dogs that do… Read More
Great Dane
History: The Great Dane originated in Germany and was developed as a boar hound during the 16th century. The breed is believed to be a mix between the Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. In the year 1876, the breed was deemed the national breed of Germany. Since they were originally bred to hunt boar, early Great Danes were ferocious and aggressive to be able to do their job. German breeders… Read More
French Bulldog: Breed Guide
The French Bulldog, often affectionately called “Frenchie,” is a small, muscular, and charming breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears, expressive eyes, and friendly nature. Despite their adorable appearance, French Bulldogs require specific care to maintain their health and well-being. What is the History of the French Bulldog? Origins in England: The French Bulldog’s roots can be traced back to the early 19th century in England. They are descendants of… Read More
English Bulldogs
History: English Bulldogs originated in England during the 13th century. They were believed to be the ancestors of the Molossian dog. They were originally used for the sport of Bull Baiting which is now illegal. The widely known facial features of the English Bulldog actually helped them in ancient sport they were bred for. The wrinkles and folds on their face helped to direct blood and sweat down their face… Read More
American Bulldog
History: The American Bulldog originated in Great Britain and came to the United States in the 1800s. They are descendants of the English Bulldogs and were originally bred as a cattle drover as well as a property and home guardian. They were later used for bull baiting which has now been made illegal. Today, the American Bulldog is used from work on farms and ranches but has also become a… Read More
Beagle
History: The origin of the Beagle is still uncertain to this day. This breed became popular in England, during the reigns of Edward II and Henry VII. During the mid-1800’s, Rev. Phillip Honeywood formed a pack of Beagles in Essex, England that are thought to be the ancestors of today’s modern Beagle. The breed was finally registered with the AKC during the year 1884. Temperament: Beagles are a very energetic,… Read More
Australian Cattle Dog
History: The Australian Cattle Dog originated in Australia in the 19th century. They were bred to herd cattle on long ranches. In 1860 the Hall’s heeler, Australian kelpie, and the Dalmatian were mixed to create the Australian Cattle Dog we see today. Temperament: The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely active and loyal. They are protective of their territory and can be wary of strangers. This breed is highly intelligent but… Read More
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff History: The Bullmastiff originated in Great Britain in 1860. They are a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog and were bred to catch and hold poachers without hurting them. They were commonly known as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog”. Breeders wanted a dog who was fast but not aggressive. They were bred for temperament and utility and the breeders put little thought into the look of the dogs. Temperament… Read More
Siberian Husky
History: The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated in Siberia by the Chukchi Indians over 3,000 years ago. DNA tests confirm they are among one of the oldest of the dog breeds. They were bred for fast transportation and later imported to Alaska to be used as sled dogs. Today, the Siberian Husky is still used as a recreational sled dog but are also companions for many families. Temperament:… Read More
Australian Shepherds
History: Australian Shepherds were originated in the United States in the 1840’s by farmers and ranchers. They bred to be an all-purpose farm dog, herding dog, and performance dog. It is believed that Australian Shepherds are ancestors of Collies and Shepherd-type dogs that were imported from Australia. Today they are still used widely for working and herding purposes, but are loved by families as companions as well. Temperament: Australian Shepherds… Read More
Bernedoodle
History: The Bernedoodle is a fairly new breed, thinking to be created in 2003. They are a cross between a Bernese Mountain dog and a Poodle. Being that the Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club but, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. They were bred to become the perfect companions for families especially with children. Temperament: Bernedoodles are hardworking,… Read More