DGYB
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Boston Terrier (Dog)
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Fortunately, the origin and history of the Boston Terrier has been properly documented, which is unusual compared to other dog breeds. A true American creation, the Boston Terrier was a result of a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier, which occurred around 1870. This dog was commonly known as "Hooper's Judge," named after the man who purchased the animal, Robert C. Hooper. It is now believed all modern Boston Terriers can follow their lineage to this 30-pound male.
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DGBU
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Bouvier des Flandres (Dog)
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The Bouvier des Flandres breed is known for its versatile character. The word "bouvier" means ox-herd or cowherd in French. They are popular today as show dogs and herders. They received their name from southwest Flanders where they were used by farmers for managing cattle in the farmlands. This breed was also used by farmers on the plains of northern France.
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DGBX
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Boxer (Dog)
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In and around the 1830s, efforts were made by German hunters to form a new breed by crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-like dogs for size, and with Bulldogs and terriers for tenacity. The crossbreed that was created was a hardy and agile dog with a strong grip and a streamlined body. When British law put an end to bull baiting, the Germans used the dogs mainly as butcher's dogs, taking charge of cattle in slaughter yards.
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DGZB
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Briard (Dog)
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The Briard is native to France. A superb herder, it was the official dog of the French army during World War II. And among the four sheepdog breeds of France (Pyrenean, Beauceron, and Picardy), Briards are the oldest.
There is evidence of dogs resembling the Briard in 8th-century art work. There are also records of Briards during the 1300s.
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DGBW
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Brittany (Dog)
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Named for the French providence in which it originated, the Brittany was bred to have a keen sense of smell and an ability to easily point out prey during a hunt. For this reason, this particular breed has been especially popular among poachers.
The modern Brittany is believed to have been produced by French sportsmen who crossbred smaller land spaniels with English Setter during the mid-19th century. By 1907, the first Brittany (also known as Épagneul Breton) was registered in France.
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DGBS
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Brussels Griffon (Dog)
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The Brussels Griffon is a Belgian breed and its ancestors were the Griffon d'Ecurie or Stable Griffon, a Belgian street dog and the Affenpinscher. In Brussels, the breed worked as a guard of cabs, but its overconfident and comic nature attracted riders more than chasing away robbers. In the late 19th century, the dog was interbred with the Pug, a very popular breed in Holland at that time. This resulted in the smooth-coated variety or the Petit Brabançon and the brachycephalic head strain. Even though initially the smooth varieties were destroyed, people soon accepted them.
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DGBL
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Bull Terrier (Dog)
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The Bull and Terrier, a pit dog, was originally produced in the early 1800s by crossing the old English Terrier and the Bulldog. At the time, patrons of dog fighting and bull baiting -- two established forms of entertainment in Europe -- were always trying to perfect the fighting dog breeds. The early Bull Terriers ranged in size and color -- some featuring terrier-like features, while others exuded the Bulldog heritage.
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DGBD
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Bulldog (Dog)
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The history of the Bulldog is as unique as its distinctive face. First bred in England as a cross between the pug and the mastiff, the Bulldog's main purpose was as an entertainment dog in the sport of bull-baiting, a popular game during the Middle Ages -- from the 1200s through the mid-1800s, when it was outlawed by an act of Parliament.
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DGBQ
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Bullmastiff (Dog)
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The development of the Bullmastiff is recent compared to its ancestor, the Mastiff, which is one of the oldest breeds in Britain. As early as 1791, there were some references to the Bullmastiff and to crosses between the Bulldog and Mastiff. There is little evidence to support the crossing of the breeds at that time, though.
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DGCT
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Cairn Terrier (Dog)
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The Cairn Terrier retains features of its root stock to a larger extent than others that have descended along the same lines. It belonged to a group of short-legged terriers, bred on the Scottish Isle of Skye.
Such dogs were used to hunt otter, fox, and badger in the 15th century, and were skilled in jumping at otters from piles of stone or cairns. These dogs had several colors like gray, white, and red and were often entered into dog shows as Scotch Terriers.
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DGCA
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Canaan (Dog)
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There is evidence to suggest the breed developed centuries ago in Canaan, the land of the Israelites. At the time, there were referred to as the Dog of Canaan or Kelev Kanani.
However, many of these Israeli dogs would become isolated in the Negec Desert and Sebulon Coastal Plain when the Romans drove the Israelites from their land about 2,000 years ago. On the brink of extinction, some wild Canaan Dogs were captured by local Bedoins to assist them in guarding and herding.
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DGCC
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Cane Corso (Dog)
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The Cane Corso descends from a Roman breed of dog that was once used in war. It is now one of two Italian "Mastiff" type breeds, along with the Neapolitan Mastiff, that descended from this war dog. The Cane Corso is the lighter version, and is more adept at hunting.
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DGCW
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi (Dog)
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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was among the first breeds to arrive in the British Isles from central Europe. It was brought to Cardiganshire in South Wales. The breed’s origin is obscure, but extinct turn-spit dogs of England may have influenced the low-bodied and short-legged dogs that turned spits in kitchens. Originally, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis were used as family protectors and helpers in hunting, but it wasn't until later that the Corgi found its true calling.
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DGCL
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Catahoula Leopard (Dog)
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Although the exact origins of the Catahoula Leopard Dog are unknown, it is believed by some to be a result of chance and some mixed breeding of Native American Indian Dogs, red wolves, and dogs brought over by the Spanish. The Native American Indians in Northern Louisiana referred to this new breed as the “Wolf Dog,” which was later bred with a dog brought over by the French, resulting in today’s Catahoula Leopard Dog
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DGCK
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Dog)
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has descended from spaniel roots, as is evident from the name. "Toy" dogs in Europe were produced by crossing small spaniels and Oriental toy breeds like the Tibetan Spaniel and the Japanese Chin. Also referred to as the comforter spaniels, these Tudor lapdogs functioned as foot- and lap-warmers and were also used to drive away fleas from the bodies of their owners. As all the family members liked the toy spaniels, they became immensely popular.
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DGCE
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Cesky Terrier (Dog)
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has descended from spaniel roots, as is evident from the name. "Toy" dogs in Europe were produced by crossing small spaniels and Oriental toy breeds like the Tibetan Spaniel and the Japanese Chin. Also referred to as the comforter spaniels, these Tudor lapdogs functioned as foot- and lap-warmers and were also used to drive away fleas from the bodies of their owners. As all the family members liked the toy spaniels, they became immensely popular.
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DGCB
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Dog)
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Although the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed in the United States, it came from stock destined for England. In 1807, and the American vessel Canton rescued the crew and cargo of an English ship wrecked off the coast of Maryland. Also rescued were two Newfoundland pups and a black female named "Canton."
These dogs were discovered to be excellent swimmers, and were later crossbred with the Bloodhound, Irish Water Spaniel, local hounds, and Newfoundlands, to create a breed that could swim in the harsh, ice-cold waters of Chesapeake Bay. This breed came to be known as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and was used by local hunters for retrieving ducks.
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DGCH
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Chihuahua (Dog)
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The history of the Chihuahua is quite controversial. According to one theory, it was originally developed in China and then brought to the Americas by Spanish traders, where it was interbred with small native dogs. Others speculate it is of South and Central American origin, descended from a small, mute dog -- the native Techichi -- which was occasionally sacrificed in Toltec religious rites. It was believed that this diminutive red dog guided the soul to the underworld after death. Thus, all Aztec families kept this dog and buried it with the deceased member of the family. (Curiously, the Toltecs and the Aztecs also fed on the Techichi.) When not used in burial rituals, however, the Aztec and Toltec priests and families took great care of the Techichis.
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DGCC
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Chinese Crested (Dog)
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It is not easy to trace the roots of the Chinese Crested Dog. The Hairless variety may have originated by genetic mutation throughout the world, but it is in Central and South America that it has been mainly preserved. As an exception, the Chinese Crested seemed to arise in Africa and it was brought to China in the 13th century. Chinese seamen probably kept the dogs on board ships, in order to sell them to local merchants. Therefore, they were distributed to South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, and even to South and Central America. However, the breed was documented in Europe in the 1800s, through paintings and photographs of the Chinese Crested type.
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DGCP
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Chinese Shar-Pei (Dog)
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This breed’s origin is not precisely known, although it is believed that the Chinese Shar-Pei ancestors may have come from the southern regions of China during the Han Dynasty (c. 200 B.C.). Some statues have even been discovered in this area bearing a strong resemblance to the Shar-Pei.
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DGCO
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Chinook (Dog)
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The Chinook dog breed can be traced back to one ancestor — a puppy that was born into a litter of three in 1917 and that was aptly named "Chinook." Arthur Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire is credited with the first "Chinook." That first puppy was a combination of a Mastiff, Saint Bernard type on the father’s side, and a Greenland Husky on the mother’s side.
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DGCW
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Chow Chow (Dog)
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The Chow Chow breed is thought to be 2,000 years old -- perhaps even older. Because the Chow shares certain features from the Spitz -- an ancient wolf-like breed -- it is believed the Chow is either a descendant of a Spitz ancestor or a progenitor of some Spitz breeds, but the true origin of the dog may never be known. It was, however, common in China for many centuries and may have served as a hunting, pointing or birding dog for nobles.
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DGCM
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Clumber Spaniel (Dog)
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The Clumber Spaniel is a breed that has a keen hunting capability. It is, however, not as popular as other spaniel breeds. The origin of the Clumber Spaniel dates back to as early as the latter part of the 16th century, eventually receiving its name during the period of the French Revolution of 1789. Legend holds that during the time of the revolution, the Duc de Noailles of France moved his kennel of spaniels to England for sanctuary, housing them at the Duke of Newcastle kennels at Clumber Park (thus the breed's name) in Nottinghamshire.
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DGCS
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Cocker Spaniel (Dog)
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The Cocker Spaniel is a very lovable and pleasing creature, which comes in two distinct breeds: the English and the American Cocker Spaniels. According to experts, the American breed originated from a large influx of English Cocker Spaniels, which were brought to America during the latter half of the 17th century (possibly on the Mayflower ship).
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DGCI
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Collie (Dog)
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The origin of the Collie is rather obscure. One of the theories about the breed's origin is that of a stock and farm dog to the Celts, the first settlers on the British Isles. Since sheepherding and guarding are two of the oldest canine duties, the Collie's ancestors may reach far back into the history of dogs.
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DGCU
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Curly-Coated Retriever (Dog)
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The Curly-Coated Retriever's origin has not been properly documented. Some believe this particular breed was in England during the late 1700s, acquiring its name from its distinct curly coat.
It is said that the Curly-Coated Retriever is descended from the Old English Water Dog, the smaller Newfoundland, and the Irish Water Spaniel. The breed's curls were later introduced after the mix was crossed with the Poodle, a water retriever.
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DGDA
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Dachshund (Dog)
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First mentioned in 18th-century dog books, the Dachshund breed was referred to as the Badger Dog, Little Burrow Dog, and Dacksel or "low crooked legged" breed. The word Dachshund is German, literally meaning "badger hound." This name was given to them because they were used for the extermination of badgers, although they were also very useful for hunting other prey, such as foxes and rabbits, because of their ability to enter burrows to catch them. Used in number, Dachshunds were also used to hunt boar.
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DGDL
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Dalmatian (Dog)
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Although the origin of the Dalmatian’s coat pattern is not known, it is one of the most interestingly patterned breeds. Paintings of dogs resembling the Dalmatian have been found throughout the centuries. One such painting, a fresco from 1360, is held in the Spanish Chapel of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy.
It is thought the ancestors of the Dalmatian may have been pointers and the spotted Great Dane. And while it did not originate in Dalmatia, a southern region in Croatia, the breed did derive its name from the region.
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DGDD
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Dandie Dinmont Terrier (Dog)
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Although the unusual appearance of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes it look different, it bears the same ancestry as other terriers. The first Dandie appeared in the 18th century near the border of England and Scotland. Here, gypsies and farmers owned these terrier dogs and used them for killing badgers, otters, and foxes and for pulling.
There was a time when they were also known as Hindlee, Catcleugh, and Pepper and Mustard terriers.
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DGDI
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Dingo (Dog)
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The first Dingo was registered at the London Zoo in 1828; it was simply referred to as the Australian Dog. However, the oldest known Dingo fossil dates to around 1450 B.C. (though it is suspected to be even older). It was originally brought to the Australian continent by human settlers several thousand years ago, but once the Dingo strayed away from human control it formed complex packs.
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DGDP
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Doberman Pinscher (Dog)
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Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, is credited for the creation of the Doberman Pinscher. In search of a watchful guard dog to accompany him during his rounds, Dobermann developed the Doberman Pinscher in the late 19th century by crossing the old German shorthaired shepherd and the German Pinscher. Later, the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, Weimaraner, and Greyhound were also crossbred.
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DGEC
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English Cocker Spaniel (Dog)
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The English Cocker Spaniel belongs to the family of land spaniels that are extremely competent at hunting. The breed received the recognition of a distinctive variety only in 1936, with the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America. However, the crossing of the American and English Cockers was not encouraged by the English Cocker Spaniel Club, which resulted in the separation of the English Cocker and the American Cocker in 1946. The English Cocker Spaniel is also known as just the Cocker Spaniel. American Cockers are popular only in their homeland, but the English Cocker Spaniel is recognized all over the world.
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DGEF
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English Foxhound (Dog)
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The history of the English Foxhound dates back to 16th century Great Britain, the records of which have been meticulously maintained through English stud books. And while its exact origin is not known, it is widely accepted that the hounds gained much of their reputation in the mid-1700s through the sport of fox hunting.
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DGES
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English Setter (Dog)
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The breed, according to the experts, originated in England over 400 years ago. An excellent bird dog, it was used in moorland to point the target and retrieve it. Further evidence points to the Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and Spanish Pointer as the breeds used to develop the English Setter. The term English Setter, however, was used later on when Edward Laverack started breeding them in 1825.
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DGEN
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English Springer Spaniel (Dog)
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According to historical records, the first of the Springer Spaniels were land spaniels that evolved in the latter part of the 14th century. However, the properly-bred ones started developing in the 17th century, when the Duke of Norfolk started breeding them and named them Norfolk Spaniels. Its name was then converted to Springer Spaniel in the 18th century, and in 1902, it was recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club.
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DGET
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English Toy Spaniel (Dog)
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The early histories of the English Toy Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are said to be identical. In fact, both breeds initially began as one single breed, a result of interbreeding between Oriental toy dogs and small spaniels. There is also evidence that indicates Mary I, Queen of Scotland in the mid-16th century, carried the first toy spaniels with her from France to Scotland.
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DGEM
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Estrela Mountain (Dog)
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Considered one of the oldest breeds in Portugal, the Estrela Mountain Dog has been protecting flocks of sheep for many centuries. A brave and intelligent dog, shepherds depended on their ability to identify and scare off wolves and other hungry predators.
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DGFS
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Field Spaniel (Dog)
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Although it is considered an excellent hunter of medium size today, the breed went through various changes, which culminated in the modern day Field Spaniel. According to the experts, the breed was originally larger, deriving its traits from the English Water, Sussex, and Cocker Spaniels, and weighing in at over 25 pounds.
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