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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History: The French Bulldog originated in England and was bred as a companion dog. They were developed as a toy-sized version of the Bulldog and was very popular among lace workers who emigrated to France. In the 1896 Westminster Kennel Club show, the United States was introduced to the French Bulldog. They became very popular and have been nicknamed “Frenchie”. Temperament: The French Bulldog is an intelligent, loving, and stable… Read More

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

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

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

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

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: The… Read More

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

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