♦ The Airedale's history is unique in that it is both a working/war dog and a sporting dog. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Airedale's title as the #1 working/war dog in the world was undisputed. Upon introduction to North America, the Airedale developed into the original "three-in-one" gun dog, equally able to handle upland game birds, waterfowl and fur. Airedales still perform as first rate hunting partners and working dogs, as well as being competitive in obedience, agility and conformation. And just as important, they are great family companions!
♦ Dating back to the 1300s, the Beagle was first bred as a hunting companion for small game. His compact, muscular body, bold attitude and hardy bearing, come from a blend of various ancient hounds. In America, the Beagle dates back to colonial days, when they were imported for hunting rabbits. A weekly brushing helps to keep their short coat in condition. Smart, independent and easily bored, they will get in trouble when unsupervised, and that includes barking. Beagles come in two varieties: Not to exceed 13" and Over 13" but not to exceed 15."
♦ Bloodhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs that hunt by scent. They are distinguished by their pendulous ears, loose skin and extraordinary olfactory powers. It is believed that the modern Bloodhound developed from the St. Huberts and the Talbots, two ancient European hounds of the 7th and 8th centuries. The Bloodhound has unmatched ability to discriminate human scent, and only a trained Bloodhound's evidence is accepted in a court of law. Remarkably, the same Bloodhound may be on a trail one day, in the show or obedience ring the next, and laying on your couch the day after that!
♦ The Boxer is a highly intelligent, medium-sized square dog with clean lines and balanced proportions. He was refined and bred from ancestors in Germany called Bullenbeisers--historically used to run down and hold large, formidable game animals--bear and boar. Today's Boxer is fearless but tractable, energetic, and wonderfully patient with children. Extremely intuitive, he is at all times responsive to his master's moods. He is the ideal family dog, but can be protective when called upon. Not a dog for the frail or timid, he is boisterous and clownish, cherishing his toys and his family into oldest age.
♦ This breed often mislabeled, is simply the Bulldog, not the English Bulldog. It got its name from the ancient and brutal gambling spectacle of bull baiting. The Bulldog's traits of courage and tenacity have made him a symbol of determination. Despite his tough-guy good looks, he is fun-loving and extremely affectionate. He adapts well to a family with playful children or to sedate apartment living. Since he is a wash and wear breed to show, he is a popular owner handled dog.
♦ There is much disagreement as to the origins of the Chihuahua. Guesses include Mexico and the Aztecs, Egypt, the Sudan and Malta. Used for sacrifice in religious ceremonies and eaten by the conquistadors, there is no question that it is an ancient breed. It was said that a yellow Chihuahua could guide its owner's soul across the river of death to the other side. Chihuahuas have been a registered breed in this country for 100 years. Clever, gigantic in heart and personality, this no more than six pound companion is much beloved by owners. There are two varieties, Long and Smooth Coat.
♦ The long, low sturdy body of the Dachshund, developed in Germany three centuries ago, is a perfect example of form following function. With a prominent forechest and front legs that can dig, the Dachshund tenaciously and efficiently goes underground to hunt badger and other den-dwelling animals. He is a versatile hunter and his instincts help him to excel in conformation, earthdog, obedience, agility and tracking events. Bright and affectionate, the Dachshund is a wonderful, loyal pet. This unique breed comes in three Varieties - Longhaired, Smooth, and Wirehaired.
♦ The Doberman Pinscher is best described as "an elegant athlete in a tight-fitting wrapper." This square, compact and muscular dog gives the immediate impression of grace, beauty and nobility, while at the same time being energetic and fearless. It has made its mark through the years as a police, military and service dog. But it is best known today as an intelligent, affectionate and obedient companion. A spectacular Doberman Pinscher sculpture, "Always Faithful," a tribute to war dogs and veterinarians, is on permanent display at the U.S. War Dog Cemetery in Guam, at the Quantico Marine Corps Research Center in Virginia, at the University of Tennessee Veterinary School, and at the AKC Museum of the Dog in St. Louis.
♦ A dog for all reasons, the German Shepherd Dog is diversified in its ability to truly be a partner to mankind. With brains, size, coat, trainability and its desire to please, it has long been the choice in many canine-related fields. Originally bred in Germany to be a protector and a herding dog, the German Shepherd has made its mark in animal assisted therapy and as a service dog, in explosive and drug detection, search and rescue, law enforcement and more. Through it all, the German Shepherd is also a wonderful family member and a dog of distinction.
♦ The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland and England in the late 19th century for the purpose of retrieving wildfowl on land and water. Its physical characteristics and its willing, adaptable, trainable nature have also fitted it for usefulness in many other endeavors such as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs and search and rescue. While the Golden is an ideal family dog, it requires training and exercise. Persons wanting to purchase a Golden Retriever puppy should learn about this breed and purchase only from a reputable breeder.
♦ The Dane is a true giant among breeds descending from the Mastiff. The Great Dane was developed in Germany to hunt wild boar, and was known as the Boar Hound when it appeared in America late in the 19th century. While intimidating in size and stature, this is a breed noted for its gentleness and "human-like" compassion. They make excellent family dogs Its impressive size, family devotion and gentle nature combine to create a first-rate companion. The breed also competes well in obedience, agility and tracking. Permissible conformation colors are brindle, blue, black, fawn, harlequin and mantle.
♦ A swift and ancient coursing breed dating from the time of Cleopatra, Greyhounds accompanied Spanish explorers to the New World in the 1500's and were present in the Colonies by the Revolutionary War. English and Irish imports of the 1800's used their talents to control wild game in the developing American West, and today's show Greyhounds descend from imports in the early 1900's. Built for speed, the Greyhound is powerful, symmetrical, balanced, and keen. Greyhounds adore human companionship, and indeed are happiest when engaged in play and running. Today, Greyhounds are successful show dogs and compete in obedience, agility, and coursing events.
♦ The Hot Dog is a smooth haired dachshund. The long, low sturdy body of the Dachshund, developed in Germany three centuries ago, is a perfect example of form following function. With a prominent forechest and front legs that can dig, the Dachshund tenaciously and efficiently goes underground to hunt badger and other den-dwelling animals. He is a versatile hunter and his instincts help him to excel in conformation, earthdog, obedience, agility and tracking events. Bright and affectionate, the Dachshund is a wonderful, loyal pet.
♦ The Black and Tan Coonhound is an old scenthound breed descended from a careful combination of the foxhound and bloodhound. A true American breed, these agile, powerful dogs are known for their beautiful mournful bawl and their long ears. The Black and Tan standard requires that the ears extend beyond the end of the nose. He is known as a specialist on raccoon, of course, but can do well hunting deer, mountain lion, bear, and other big game. Although the Black and Tan is fundamentally a working dog, he can be a great family companion as well.
♦ The Labrador is a retrieving gun dog of medium size, with a dense, weather-resistant coat, an "otter" tail, and a clean-cut head with a "kind" expression. The first Labradors arrived in England from Newfoundland aboard fishing boats early in the 19th century, and imports to this country began in the early 1900s. Labrador temperament is outgoing, indulgent with peers, human oriented and tractable. Labradors can be found in guide and assistance dog programs, and substance detection and search and rescue work. Since 1992, the Labrador Retriever has headed the list as the most popular breed in the U.S.
♦ Mutts as you know come from the combination of any three or more dogs of different breed. Mixed breeds are definitely more interesting. They are often a mix of at least two known breeds of dogs. Known mixes are often called crosses while anything beyond two is called a mutt. Mutts are America's most popular pet. They are typically thought of as inferior to a known breed, but can make the best pet and deliver a lot of unconditional love.
♦ Don't be fooled by the Poodle's fancy haircut - this is a dog for all reasons (and comes in three sizes!). Whether you desire a charming companion, show dog, hunting retriever with a sense of humor (forgives you if you miss a shot), the Poodle fits the bill--and mostly because he or she is bright, alert and trainable. It is high maintenance because of the coat which grows all over its body and must be kept trimmed (a variety of styles are fashionable as well as the show trims), the Poodle makes up for it with its extreme intelligence.
♦ The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dog, originating in China some 700 years B.C. Their presence was noted in Holland, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Russia as early as the 15th & 16th centuries. Their primary purpose has always been exclusively for the companionship and amusement of their people. Pugs combine a cocky confidence with a friendly, sensitive nature. They are great with children and thoroughly relish playtime. They are small yet sturdy, rough and yet sensitive and sincere. Pugs are extremely friendly, uninhibited, delightful, comical little characters. Pugs come in two colors, fawn and black.
♦ The Rottweiler has a strong willingness to work and is happiest when given a job to perform. This breed's versatility is demonstrated in herding, carting, search and rescue, therapy work and more. Most importantly, the Rottweiler is a devoted companion. The breed is medium to large in size and is compact and muscular. The Rottweiler has a short, docked tail and the only acceptable color is a solid black body with rust to mahogany markings. Properly matching a Rottweiler to its new family brings out the best this breed has to offer.
♦ The Standard is the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds, originating in Bavaria in the 15th century. Highly intelligent, this medium sized, sturdy dog was the working companion of the common man, a drover's dog, rat catcher and guardian. They were first imported in numbers to the U. S. in the 1920's. Now primarily family companions, their versatility is still in evidence. In addition to agility, obedience and tracking they excel in such diverse activities as bomb detection, search and rescue, and therapy. The breed is a capable herder of stock and is eligible to compete in AKC Herding Tests. They have wiry coats and are either black or salt and pepper in color.
♦ Within the Saint Bernard standard the words "powerful", "muscular", "strong" or "strongly developed" are often repeated. These words represent the foundation of correct Saint Bernard breed type. The Saint Bernard must be capable of performing his historical tasks as a companion, draft, rescue, and guard dog thus requiring not only structural strength but just as importantly, strength of character. Neither the tallest nor heaviest of breeds, he is a powerful dog whose soundness of body and mind are evident at first glance. Structural balance, functional correctness, and the good-natured temperament inherent to the breed cannot be over emphasized.
♦ The Scottish Terrier was originally bred to rid highland farms of ground-dwelling predators. In the early 20th century, the breed became a popular show dog and family pet in England and the United States. Despite its small size, the Scottish Terrier is a powerful dog with well-developed hunting and digging instincts. Scotties are supremely independent little dogs who can be stubborn and sensitive at the same time. They are often aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, but can usually learn to respect a cat. Scotties require regular grooming to keep their smart appearance. Scotties are inclined to ignore strangers until they have been properly introduced.
Bandana Yardbirds® Original Creations of Junkyard™ Dog Breeds
The History and Evolution of Dogs
The Evolution of Dogs - Is Man's best friend really a descendent of tamed wolves? - The Facts!
Biologists have debated over the history and evolution of the domestic dog for hundreds of years. Most Scientists now agree that dogs are directly descended from Canis Lupus - the Grey Wolf. Dr. Robert K. Wayne, canid biologist and molecular geneticist at UCLA, has shown, through DNA research, that dogs are more closely related to the Grey Wolf than Biologists had previously suspected. In fact, due in large part to Dr. Robert K. Wayne's genetic research, the authors of the "Mammal Species of the World" the internationally accepted reference source on mammal species, reclassified the dog in 1993 from Canis Familiaris to Canis Lupus.
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