Pomeranians have been popular dogs throughout history, most recently placing in the top 15 registered breeds with the American Kennel Club. Michelangelo reportedly had a Pom who watched him paint the Sistine Chapel. Sir Isaac Newton had one, but we’re not sure how popular she was after she...
Pomeranians derived from Spitz-type breeds in the land between Poland and Germany, but their ancestor’s working dog traits didn’t transfer to these undersized royal dogs. The spritely toy breed has long been popular in Hollywood and throughout history, with notable owners including Marie Antoine...
This breed is considered excellent for families as well as hunting. Originating in Hungary, this dog is also said to be very protective. Unlike many other breeds, this one doesn't have an undercoat, so owners must take care to keep their vizslas warm. 31. Border collie Mark Ralston/AFP/...
Breed tendencies also play a role in gauging kid-friendliness. Some breeds are inherently more predisposed to be good with children. It’s essential to consider the dog’s personality, socialization history, and any signs of anxiety or discomfort. A well-socialized dog that has positive experience...
Jansson M, Laikre L (2014) Recent breeding history of dog breeds in Sweden: modest rates of inbreeding, extensive loss of genetic diversity and lack of correlation between inbreeding and health. J Anim Breed Genet 131:153–162 Central
Regardless of their ancestry, poodles are definitely one of the oldest dog breeds. There were even illustrations of poodle-like dogs on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs that date all the way to the first centuries B.C. These drawings display dogs that look very similar to modern-day po...
race are perpetuating racism," said Dunsworth. "It's bad science, bad everything. "Race' as we know it in our daily lives—and as we have known it throughout history—goes well beyond science. Race is socioculturally, politically and historically constructed, but dog breeds are … dogs....
Doxies are one of the most well-known breeds of dog out there, to animal lovers and even those less accustomed to pets. This means that, throughout history, there have been a few “famous” doxies. Former United States President John F. Kennedy (JFK) purchased Dunker as a puppy for his...
Although loving with his family, this extra-big breed can be suspicious and aloof around strangers. The mastiff is a very protective breed often been used as a guard dog throughout history. However, unlike some other working breeds, the English Mastiff is a bit more laid-back and doesn’t...
Collies were bred to be herding dogs, but they're perhaps best known as heroic go-getters thanks to the TV series "Lassie." Given their keen problem-solving skills--honed from years of wrangling sheep--collies might be one of the few breeds that could actually figure out a way to help...