Do you know what your dogs breed was originally created to do?

Question

A long time ago people started selectively breeding dogs to serve a purpose. Do you know what your dogs breed was originally designed to do?

I have Saints, they were bred by Monks to rescue people trapped on snow covered moutains. They were at one time bred with Newfs to obtain the long (rough) coats. It was believed the longer coats would protect the dogs better from the cold. It turned out to be a mistake. It actually hindered the dogs ability because snow would stick to the coat.

Answer 1

The German Shepherd dogs was originally created to herd sheep and other livestock and to be protectors but the founder of the breed (Captain Max Von Stephanitz) wanted a versatile dog that could do any job and that is what he worked to produce and that is why Schutzhund began, to test the dog in tracking, obedience and protection. Only dogs that could pass those test were allowed to breed and the GSD did become known as the most versatile dog.

Dachshund were bred to hunt badgers (their name is translated, Badger Dogs) They have a great sense of smell, and they needed the long bodies and short legs to be able to dig and go in the dens and force out the badgers and fox. The miniatures were bred to hunt rabbit.

Answer 2

1. Only breed originally created for personal protection. Mastaff 2. Breed that cannot bark. Basenji 3. Breed with a soft spot on the skull - like a baby. Chihuahua 4. World's strongest breed - as determined by competitive sled pulling. Malamute 5. Only breed that can be double-muscled - a genetic mutation that causes gross over muscling. Whippet 6. Breed that might be sister to the fennic fox rather than the wolf. Chihuahua 7. This breed must normally be artificially inseminated - males cannot physically mount females. I don't think there is one. 8. List the breeds that made both the AKC 10 most popular breeds of 2007 and Stanley Coren's much publicized list of top 10 most intelligent dog breeds. Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Dachshund, Boxer, Beagle, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Yorkshire terrier, Lab 9. Teddy Roosevelt made this breed popular in America after using it to kill rats in the White House. Rat Terrier 10. List three breeds with ridgebacks. Rhodesian, Thai, Ridgeless Rhodesian 11. What breed is Fang of Harry Potter fame? Name both the film and literary breed. Neapolitan Mastiff and Boarhound 12. Finally, which breed would you rather have protect your home: Old English Bulldog or Papillon? Papillon

Answer 3

The Flat Coated Retriever was bred to accompany the hunter and retrieve waterfowl. It's believed that the first Flatcoats were bred in England by primarily crossing the St. John's Water Dog (now extinct) and the Newfoundland. Originally called the Wavy Coated Retriever, the breed was later renamed the Flat Coated Retriever.

Answer 4

Newfs....bred for water rescue and draft work. Very good at both.
They may not have improved the Saint in the coat department, but they did decrease some of the temperment problems by breeding with the Newfs.

Answer 5

He's half choc lab half rottie.

Rottie's were bred initially as guard dogs and war dogs. He doesnt fight. He does guard the house, but I think and hope its limited to a very scary bark-havent been forced to find out yet and hoping it stays that way. He's very protective over his people though. If anyone shows up near our house (our yard, neighbors yard, 2 empty lots on the other side) he barks once then goes stands in between us and whoever it is until petted and told its ok.

Other half is lab-hunting dog. He doesnt hunt-he does not soft mouth and based on his bite and facial structure probably cant (has a rottie face with a short but powerful jaw). He does go swimming all the time though and absolutely loves it! He also enjoys splashing in the water hose and if its the kids shooting him enjoys a good water gun fight (he got VERY upset when an adult he loves sprayed him).

Answer 6

Yes I do St. Lady!

Golden Retrievers were bred to be hunting companions and bird dogs. To accompany the hunter and retrieve the birds for the hunter. Also to be his companion while on the hunt and at home with his family.
ADD: the Golden was originally developed by Lord Tweedmouth in1800 in Scotland. He developed the first Golden with a now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, the Newfoundland, and Irish setter. He later did refine this new breed or Retriever in 1839.

Answer 7

Golden--hunting
Golden/pyr mix- hunting/guarding-- Basically this dog just eats and sleeps. He won't even guard the food bowl.
Chihuahua-- native North American dog domesticated for companionship
Chinese crested-- Lots of theories. I think they came from the xolo/chi cross. Xolo were used as food and blood sacrifices by the Aztecs (no hair easier to cook) while the Chihuahuas were native dogs. The mix occurred and somehow became called Chinese cresteds because the Chinese loved to use them as rat hunters on their boats. There are other theories too.
I believe the Chinese crested are from the above theory as opposed to others because of the feet. Cresteds have these monkey feet which were common in earlier chihuahuas before humanity decided to interfere in their genes.
I also have a chi/crested cross. Both these dogs can climb straight up a seven foot fence vertically. It's amazing.

I didn't realize German Shepherds were herders, but that makes sense since their name is "shepherd". I assumed they were guard dogs.
And I love basset's comment about seeing a dog do it's job once.

Answer 8

My breeds are Samoyeds and Bernese Mtn Dogs

The Samoyeds are an arctic all-purpose utility dog that is considered to be one of the 7 original breeds. They are thought to be the origin of all the Spitz breeds of dogs. They were developed by the Samoyed people through rigorous selection... if they didn't measure up as hunting, herding, hauling dogs and weren't people oriented as well as able to run in a pack without fighting, they became food. The breed used to come in multiple colors, but it was noted that often colored dogs carried mongrel traits and so only the white or white with bisquit ones were bred. Unlike Siberian Huskies they lived in the choom (lodge) with their people and are the origin of the "three dog night". In the summer the dogs were turned loose to forage and have remained wily, conniving dogs who choose to partner with humans... as opposed to being led by a human.

Bernese were bred as a multi-purpose farm dog. They were used as cattle herding dogs, watch dogs as well as cart-dogs to haul the farmer's milk down the Bern mountain to market. Often the only person a farm could spare to send to market was a young child as everyone else was working, so the Bernese are exceptionally well-suited to following direction even from the very young. Most Bernese are very sensitive and live to make their owners happy... a very nice trait for a large dog.

Answer 9

The basset hound was originally created to hunt small game. Nowadays they are mostly used on rabbits. The idea was to have a slower hunting dog that could be followed on foot. He can hunt the smaller rabbits without coming so close that the rabbit will go to ground, instead it will circle around so the hunter can shoot it.

I believe that every breeder should observe their breed doing what it was meant to do at least once, if at all possible.

I'm proud that my breed is regularly producing Dual Champions that are successful in the show ring and in the field. I only wish that the field trials were more accessible.

Answer 10

Yes.

I have a greyhound. Although my dog was bred for racing, before that they were bred for coursing small game.

Before that, when I lived with my parents, we had two yorkshire terriers. Although classified in the "Toy" category, they were originally bred for vermin control, generally rats and mice. This trait was highlighted every time they saw a squirrel or a cat in my parents' garden.

Before them, we had a mongrel. No original purpose - suitable only for the purpose we bought him for - pet.

All of them have made great companions.