Dog Breeds
Airedale Terrier - Originated in Yorkshire in the early 19th century when the working men in the Leeds area crossed the Old English Broken Haired Terrier with the Otterhound, producing a very versatile Terrier.
Basset Hound -This breed often depicted as a cartoon character is deceptively energetic for it's weight and size and can still hunt Ratbbits and Hares by scent over long distances, through the thickest undergrowth.
The Basset breed originated in France in the sixteenth century where French nobleman used them for Badger hunting.
The breed was not introduced into Britain until the latter half of the nineteenth century. The Basset Hound we know today was possibly produced by adding the Bloodhound strain to it's existing genes. The name "Basset" comes from the Frence word "bas" meaning low.
Queen Alexandra, Wife of Edward VII was a keen Basset Enthusiast.
Bearded Collie - The Beardie is thought to have Polish Lonland Sheepdog origins from around the 16th century.
The breed virtually dissapeared as a working dog until it was revived in the mid 1940's.
The friendly breed of dog needs constant excercise and is ideal for people with time and energy.
Bernese Mountain Dog - The exact origins of the breed appear lost in time. Part of it's genes probably descends from large Mastiffs left behind by Roman Legions as they passed through Switzerland some 2000 years ago. It nearly disappeared in the late 1800's, until a Swiss breeder found several good species in the Berne region. Given it's current name in 1908.
A working breed it is trained to herd livestock and to pull carts.
Bichon Frise - Although thought to be a Frence breed, the Bichon Frise which means 'curly lap dog', possible originated in the Canary Islands and was brought to mainland Europe by travellers in the fourteenth century.
This extrovert, intelligent and confident breed became a pampered pet of the European Courts during the Renaissance. Eventually declining in popularity and becoming an easily trained street or circus dog.
The official standard of the breed was drawn up in 1933 and since has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.
Border Collie - It is likely that the name "Border" originates from the places where sheepdogs were most used, i.e. the Welsh and Scottish Borders with England. The word "Collie" was first used in 1617 when the habits of a Scottish bishop were likened to those of a "Collie Dog"
Renownned for it's working ability with both Sheep and Cattle. Unlike most breeds the Border Collie that we know today has changed very little over the past 100 years, which proves the early shepherds knew the dog was built for the job it had to do
Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1976
Border Terrier - This dog was bred in the seventeenth century in the Border areas between England and Scotland to help cull foxes. Its ancestry is common with many other terriers of that region.
The name was established in 1880, before then it was called the Redwater or Coquetdale Terrier.
The Border Terrier Club was established in 1921 and the breed is now popular throughout the world.
Boxer - The breed was developed in Germany by crossing the Bullenbeiszer and Barenbeiszer Mastiffs. Originally quite freocious, it was used for bull-baiting and hunting. In the latter part of the nineteenth century they were crossed with bulldogs, thus softening their looks and eventually perfecting the lines and character of the breed we know today.
It received the name "Boxer" from its habit of striking out with its front legs.
Bullmastiff - It's origins in Great Britain go back to the early 1800's by crossing the English Mastiff with the Bulldog.
It is one of the worlds most popular guard dogs and was very popular with gamekeepers having the ability to chase and capture intruders without physically mauling or killing them.
Cairn Terrier - This fearless little dog is a descendant of the working terriers which inhabited the Islands and Highlands of Scotland.
It retains much of the characteristics of the older breeds and is conceivable that the Cairn Terrier and West Highland White Terrier were originally one and the same dog.
Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1910.
Cavalier - There will always be speculation as to the ancestry of the Cavalier. They may have originated in Spain, France, Italy or Holland, and these early little Spaniels were known as Toy Spaniels, and were even seen on the fifteenth century tapestries.
Queen Mary is reputed to have had a Blenheim in 1554.
The name Blenheim came from John. 1st Duke of Marlborough, and was given to the liver and white Cavaliers favoured by him. To this day it has retained that name.
One of the earliest mentions of the Tricolour is a "Lost" advertisement in the "London Gazette" by Prince Rupert, October 1667.
Prince Charles was the original name given to the Tricolour.
The breed was shown in the same classes as the King Charles Spaniel until 1945 when seperate registration was granted by the Kennel Club.
Chihuahua - The Tiniest of the dog group, the Chihuahua is extremely popular. For it's size it is totally un-intimidated by other dogs.
The breed was probably introduced to America from Mexico, but it is truly an indigenous South American breed descended from the dogs held sacred by the Incas.
Described as cheeky with a saucy expression, graceful in appearance and highly intelligent. He is easy to train, take anywhere and makes a delightful companion. However he is not a suitable pet for small children.
There are 2 varieties of Chihuahua. The Long coat and the Shrot coat both being easy to keep clean and groom.
Cocker Spaniel - The name "Spaniel" probably originates from the old French for "Spanish Dog"
In the early days all breeds of Spaniels were refered to under the heading of "Spaniels" the name "Cocker" or "Cocker Spaniel" was introduced about 1800. At this point in time they were used mainly for shooting. Became firmly established in the late nineteenth century.
Nowadays this pleasant dog is equally happy as a gun dog, show dog or just as a companion.
Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1893
Corgi - Coming Soon
Dachshund - The word Dachshund simply means "badger dog". This sporting dog represents a small and distinctive breed within the hound group. Its history dates back to the 15th century. Although dogs with long bodies and short legs appeared on walls of Egyptian temples, and remains resembling Dachshunds have been excavated in Roman settlements in Germany.
Introduced into Britain when Prince Edward presented one to Queen Victoria.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1874
Dalmatian - A tremendous character with a very distinctive appearance of a white coat with dark spots.
The breed became very popular during the Regency period. Known as the "Carriage dog" it was used to run along side horse drawn carriages to protect passengers from highwaymen.
It is argued by some that its origins can be traced back to northern India and reached Europe travelling with caravans via Dalmatia, Yugoslavia where its name is derived from.
Dobermann - The breed was introduced by Louis Dobermann, a German Tax Inspector, between 1865 and 1870. His aim was to produce a perfect guard dog by crossing a variety of breeds.
The Dobermann became popular as a guard and patrol dog, being used in the front line by the German army in World War 1. Since then it has been used by police forces all over the world.
English Bulldog - Originally bred from a Mastiff-type dog introduced by the Phoenicians in the sixth century B.C. to attack bulls for the purpose of public entertainment. 'Bull Baiting' had been established in Britain for over 600 years before being made illegal in 1835.
Today's Bulldog is of a very different temperment from its forebearers. It is gentle, affectionate and loyal to it's owners but still has excellent guarding qualities.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1873
English Bull Terrier - Originated in Great Britain probably by crossing the Bulldog with the now extinct White English Terrier, which produced a Terrier which was the ultimate fighting dog.
Although now much more placid, it can have a tendancy to snap and bite, but is generally very protective of it's owners.
English Springer Spaniel - The Spaniel was thought to be originally brought from Spain probably by Ceasar's conquering armies.
Dr. Caius in 1570 uses the trem "Springers" for the land spaniels and this is probably the first time that the actual name "Springer" was used.
After the discovery of gunpowder and the development of the gun for sporting use, there was a need for a Spaniel that could work in front of the hunter to flush out game.
In the nineteenth century the Boughey family of Shropshire developed a special strain of Spaniel trough selective breeding that was to set the standard of the English Springer Spaniel that we know today.
Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1902
German Shepherd - There are various theories regarding the origin of the German Shepherd: that the breed was the result of crossing between the various breeds of sheepdog which existed in Germany. Although there is debate about it's ancestry we do know it was established in Germany between 1880 - 1890.
The breed being initially used as a farm dog. It's intelligence, enthusiasm and character eventually made it an outstanding dog to be used in times of war, as a rescue dog, police dog and an unbeatable guard dog.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1920.
Golden Retriever - There is a romantic story that the breed descended from a troupe of Russian Circus dogs. The story is unfounded although there were dogs resenbling Golden Retrievers in Siberia.
Lord Tweedmouth in the nineteenth century was instrumental in introducing genes of the Flat-coated Retriever, Bloodhound and Water Spaniel resulting in a dog with an acute sense of smell and retrieving instinct. Due mainly to the enthusiasm and dedication of Mrs. W. M. Charlesworth, the Golden Retriever Club was formed in 1913.
Recognised by The Kennel Club as a seperate breed in 1920.
Greyhound -Some experts consider the Greyhounds origins from the Middle East.
The Greyhound is well knows to people who have never been to a dog show because of it's racing background.
The showdog is larger than it's racing cousin and the coursing version if anything is slightly smaller which gives it more manoeuvrability.
They come in a variety of colours both with and without white but consideration must be given to their natural instinct to chase and kill when there are other small animals around. With humans they are gentle and affectionate and make a great companion in a home where the family has time and energy to give the dog adequate excercise.
Jack Russell - The breed was developed in the nineteenth century by "Parson Jack Russell", a Devon clergyman, who also gave it his name. Physically it's appearance varies widely.
Like many small terriers is has been used as an exterminator of vermin, and for small game hunting.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1989
Labrador - The Labrador originally came from the St. John's area of Newfoundland and not Labrador as the name suggests. They were trained by local fishermen to carry nets to shore ladened with fish.
The first Labrador arrived in Britain in the early nineteenth century via the fishing boats which made regular trips from Newfoundland.
The sporting fraternity were impressed by their great retrieving instincts. These early arrivals were probably bred with our own Retriever lines to produce the modern Labrador Retriever that we know today.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1903.
Pomeranian - Originated in Germany by breeding from small varieties of the German Spitz family.
Queen Victoria increased the popularity of the breed when she added them to her kennels.
The Pomeranian having been bred from larger Dogs still acts like a 'Big dog'. It will challange much larger Dogs and constantly bark if disturbed making it a superb guard dog and companion.
Poodle - This breed's origins are someewhat vague: both the French and Germans stake their claim to it.
One thing is clear it has been known throughout Europe for some 400 years. Originally used as a water Retriever and later became a very popular circus dog.
Its combination of distinctive looks has made it one of the worlds best loved dogs.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1875
Pug -The origins of the Pug are subject to speculation, but it seems likely to originate in the Far East possibly brought to Europe by Dutch traders.
Possibly descended from a short haired relative of the Pekingese, although there are claims that it is a result of crossing small Bulldogs. Another theory is, it is a miniature form of a rare French Mastiff called the Dogue De Bordeaux.
The Pug was a favourite breed of Sir Winston Churchill and the artist Hogarth.
A robust breed, very intelligent and loving with a great personality who talks with his eyes. He doesn't require much grooming or excercise, but does require company.
Rhodesian Ridgeback - Coming Soon
Rottweiler - The origins of the Rottweiler probably comes from a mixing of dogs used by the Roman legions and the native German varieties. The name originating from the town of Rottweil, in Germany.
The earliest record of a Rottweiler being imported into Britain was 1936. Unfortunately World War II brought an end to this line.
It was not until 1953 that the Rottweiler was re-introduced after been seen working in Germany.
The breed's roll over the centuries has changed from cattle droving to police dog. It is not used extensively in many countries as a guard dog, by the police and services.
Rough Collie - The Rough Collie originated in the dark coloured herding dogs of Scotland and takes its name from the local black sheep known as Colley.
These dogs worked for centuries herding sheep and owe much of their popularity to Queen Victoria who saw the breed when visiting Balmoral in 1860. She took some Collies back to Windsor Castle and by 1880 the breed had become a highly popular show dog.
Samoyed - This breed is one of the most handsome and oldest member of the Spitz family. Its name came from the Siberian tribe which it worked for as a hearding and sled dog.
Originally it was a multi-coloured dog but eventually the white coat became dominant. The Samoyed has always bred true throughout the ages.
Introduced into Britain around the turn of the century by fur traders.
Schnauzer - The breed originated in the sheep and cattle areas of southern Germany.
The standard Schnauzer is the forerunner of the three Schnauzer types, and is recognisable in 15th century paintings.
The original Schnauzer was probably a combination of crossing a poodle type dog and the grey Spitz with German Pinscher stock.
Scottish Terrier - A very feisty and sturdy Scottish breed from the Highlands of Scotland.
The "Scottie" was also known as the Aberdeen Terrier a reflection of its old and mixed Celtic background. The dog that we know today was developed towards the end of the nineteenth century.
This breed is always thought of as black but can also have a creamy brown or brindle coat.
His image is of a dour Scot but he is affectionate and cheerful and is happy to curl up on his favourite chair and will rouse himself at the slightest sound.
Shih-Tzu - Although secrecy surrounds the origin of the Shih-Tzu, Chinese paintings and carvings dating back to the 7th century show dogs similar to the modern breed.
Whether the Shih-Tzu originated in tibet or China, centuries of careful breeding by the Chinese have created the breed we know today.
Shih-Tzu means "Lion Dog" in Chinese.
Introduced into England in 1930 and recognised by The Kennel Club in 1946
Siberian Husky - Coming Soon
Staffordshire Bull Terrier - The origins of the Stafford are somewhat indeterminate as the many books written by informed sources will illustrate.
Certainly theory points to it being a direct descendant of the Bulldog of the 1800's. The principal ancestors being the Old English Bulldog of the nineteenth century and the Old English Terrier long since extinct.
Without doubt one has to go well back into the nineteenth century to come across the unsavoury aspects of all Bull breeds but as we have developed into something more civilised than our antecedants so have most amalgams of Bull and Terrier.
Weimaraner - Coming Soon
West Highland White Terrier - The West Highland White Terrier was developed in the mid nineteenth century from the white puppies in the litters of Cairn Terriers, Scottish Terriers and Skye Terriers. Through selective breeding in the Agryll region of Scotland the characteristics of the breed we know today was formed.
Originally, like so many terriers it was used for hunting of small game.
Registered by The Kennel Club in 1904
Whippet - Coming Soon
Yorkshire Terrier - Although the ancestry of the breed only goes back just over 100 years, originally they were much larger than the dog we know today. In the late nineteenth century the breed was virtually unknown outside the West Yorkshire area.
The Breed we know today was probably through selective breeding with Skye Terriers, brought to the area by migrant Scottish workers in the Yorkshire woollen mills. Maltese and Dandie Dinmont Terriers may also have contributed to their blood line. The dog has been miniaturised over the years.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1898.
