Since the inception of humankind, dogs have been a man’s best friend. Pick up any scripture, and you’ll definitely find a tale of a man and his dog there. In addition, even Hollywood has picked up some heart-wrenching stories from the east and worldwide to showcase love, brotherhood, and loyalty. However, owning one can become quite complex since several breeds exist around us when it comes to owning one. In the radius of only a few countries, you can come across breeds that surprise you to the bones.
So, let’s travel through some breeds and get to know them up close. Not only will such a guide help choose an ideal breed but also educate you on its origin and history.
1. Afghan Hound – Afghanistan
Ever seen lavish hair on a dog and wondered about it? Well, if you have seen one with seamless hair, it’s bound to be the regal Afghan Hound. Besides, this dog is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, purebred dog breeds worldwide. Many people also contend that such a breed pairs specific dogs on Noah’s ark. Furthermore, the breed can also be traced back to the regions known today as Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, where they once hunted companions for royalty.
2. Akita – Japan
On the other hand, Akita has a lineage that dates back to ancient Japan when the very first Akitas was bred in the Akita prefecture. This happened in the 17th century when they were bred as hunting dogs. If you did not know, Helen Keller first brought the 1st Akita to the United States’ soil, which was the gift she received from her trip to Japan.
3. Alaskan Malamute – Alaska
Known as one of the oldest sled breeds originating from the Arctic region, Alaskan Malamutes descend from domesticated wolf dogs. These dogs crossed the mighty Bering Strait besides the Paleolithic hunters. It is essential to know that an Alaskan Malamute is named after one of the tribes – The Mahlemut Inuit tribe. This tribe bred such dogs to work around sleds over extended distances and pierce through seal breathing ice holes.
4. Azawakh – West Africa
Take yourself to the Azawakh Valley and South Sahara, and you will come across the elegant Azawakh. Around this region, these dogs were bred traditionally and housed by Tuareg nomads. Not only were these dogs typically doubled as sighthounds, but they were also the camp guardians used for hunting antelope, hare, or wild boar.
5. Basset Hound – France
The instantly recognizable and charming Basset Hound was usually bred in Belgium and France as a scent hound. Benedictine abbey’s Friars of St. Hubert played a significant part in the development of low-built dogs. These dogs were one of a kind who could traverse rough terrain while tracking deer and rabbits.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog – Switzerland
When it comes to Bernese Mountain Dogs, they came from Bern’s Canton in west-central Switzerland. These dogs were bred to guard the farms and drive cattle spread across the entire hilly terrain. One must wonder how they pulled many times their weight, leading to the rising popularity of farm dogs.
7. Bichon Frise – Canary Islands
Did you know “curly lap dog” is Bichon Frise in French? This is an avid yet apt description of a toy dog. Since it is associated with France, the actual place of origination of Bichon Frise is in Spain’s Canary Islands. Here, these dogs were a part of the sailing crew, known as the sailing dogs. By the thirteenth century, these dogs would become favored lapdogs in Western Europe’s royal courts.
8. Blue Heeler – Australia
Blue Heeler from Australia is also reckoned as the Australian Cattle Dog. Since the breed originates from the land down under, originally crossed between imported Scottish Highland Collies, British Smithfields, wild dingoes, and Dalmatians, they acquire their names for their coats. This is because they turn into a blue-gray shade. Now, isn’t that surprisingly amazing?
9. Boston Terrier – Boston
The American Dream does not end with the absence of the Boston Terrier. This is one of the American Gentlemen, originated in the 1870s. If you did not know, this was a cross between a white Terrier and a Bulldog. Its result was the ancestor of every modern Boston Terrier. Also called the Judge, the breed was sold to one of the Boston men, named William O’Brien. Did you know they are the mascot of Boston University and the official dog of Massachusetts?
10. English Bulldog – England
The English Bulldog has a sequenced history. When it was used as the bull-baiting element of a grisly sport, it got banned. However, breeders began to develop the breed from big-jaw brawlers to the friendly pal we know today. Since the dog has been an established symbol of the nation, it’s also reckoned as a famous mascot in the United States.
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
