From the small and obnoxiously loud to the large and in-charge, man’s best friend has penetrated every crevice of our personal and professional existence. Different sizes, shapes, temperaments, intellects, and general personalities all come together to create the distinct dog breeds we all know and love today. However, can you believe that some of the most sought-after and admired dog breeds of the modern world have only been around for the last few decades, some just a few centuries? It’s true!
Through generations of selective breeding, and more recently, genetic manipulation, the dog breeds of the modern time are much different from the animals our descendants lived and worked with. It may be difficult to imagine a world in which our family pets weren’t so “family,” but all of these breeds mentioned in this list were originally domesticated for work. Whether their purpose be focused on a single task… or several, these dog breeds once had exciting careers. The days of work still continue for some dogs but for the majority, our family pets are enjoying the life of luxury. Are you interested to see what line of work your dog came from?
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds were primarily used as tracking dogs due to their “hyper” sense of smell. During a hunt, whether it be for meat or sport, they were used to track animals like wild boars and deers. Nowadays, they are primarily used by law enforcement to sniff out suspicious substances.
Bull Terrier
Back in the old days, the bull terrier was initially used as a bait dog. They were capable of fighting off rats, badgers, and at the very least, distract bears. Nonetheless, they were used to catch and hold the attention of prey. Due to this inbred trait, it is common for the bull terrier to be aggressive around other dogs.
Collie
Collies were first used as herding dogs for flocks of sheep, cows, and other livestock. They have also been known to herd chicken and ducks. As expected, the collie was trained to move animals into pens and specific spaces.
Dachshund
Commonly known as the “Weiner dog,” the dachshund is the short-legged yet long-bodied hound type breed. Originally, the dachshund was bred to scent, chase, and force out burrow-dwelling animals, like a badger, for instance. The miniature-dachshund was further developed to hunt smaller prey like rabbits and mice.
Mastiff
The mastiff, one of the larger dog breeds, is an overall large and powerful dog. Due to these two traits, the breed had several purposes. They could herd and guard livestock, protect property and homes, but still, so much more. They were also used as war dogs, hunting companions, and bait dogs for bulls, bears, and even lions.
Pug
Believe it or not, these small dogs are actually related to the massive mastiff. The pug breed is considered royalty, being bred by the Chinese Royal Family as companion dogs. Since the very beginning, their purpose has remained the same. They’re known for being affectionate, loyal, playful, and occasionally, mischievous.
Greyhound
The greyhound has been traced back to the time of the ancient Egyptians, making this breed one of the oldest in recorded history. As opposed to hunting by scent, the foot speed and keen eyesight allowed the greyhound to hunt via pure chase. This practice eventually led to greyhound racing that began in the 1920s.
Saint Bernard
Before we saw this breed promoted by the movie Beethoven, the Saint Bernard was first acquired for use in search and rescue missions in the Swiss Alps and Italian mountains during the 1660s. Their size, natural strength, and dense, coarse fur allowed the breed to thrive in snowy conditions.
Yorkshire Terrier
As one of the smallest dogs in the terrier family, the Yorkshire terrier breed was first bred out of Yorkshire, a county in northern England. Workers in cotton and wool mills, in addition to miners, bred this small dog in order to fight vermin in their respective factories and mines, particularly mice and rats. At an ideal seven pounds, this energetic dog was often successful at this task.
Bulldog
This stocky, with pushed-in nose and wrinkled face dog, was first bred in England for use as bull bait. In other words, several bulldogs were set loose in an arena with a chained bull. Although many dogs would perish, the one to bite the bull on the nose and wrestle it to the ground would be declared the winner, providing riches to the betters that had placed their hope in this one dog. Thankfully, this sport was outlawed in 1835.
Great Dane
Although their origin hasn’t been ultimately confirmed, Great Danes can be traced from France, Denmark, and Germany. They were used to hunt deer, boars, and other large animals. These mammoth-sized dogs would hold down the caught animal while their accompanying hunter would put the captured animal out of its misery.
Poodle
Also known as “pudelhund, or “water dog” in German, the poodle breed was first seen in France and Germany. Because of it’s web feet, the breed was used as a gun dog or retriever for birds shot, that lay in bodies of water. In order to help the dog stay afloat, the bottom half of the dog was often shaved to help avoid excess weight carried by its wet fur.
Dalmatian
If you didn’t see them in 101 Dalmations, you’ve surely seen this breed photographed inside a fire station. Interestingly, the dalmatian has a slightly different beginning than either of these two mentions. The breed, recognizable by its black and liver-colored spots, were initially used as carriage dogs. This meant that they were specifically trained to trot next to horse-drawn carriages, usually those of the wealthy and important, and attack the horses of bandits and assassins. However, we should admit that these dogs have become the mascots of firefighters, even acting as firefighting personal and equipment escorts.
Chow-Chow
The Chow-Chow, originating from northern China, is nicknamed the “puffy-lion dog.” Dating back a possible 3,000 years, it’s mentioned that these dogs were used for war, pulling sleds through snow, and potentially, even for human consumption.
Golden Retriever
In the mid-19th century, Golden retrievers were used by Scottish Elites during hunting trips. After said hunters would shoot waterfowl, not get wet from ponds, they would send in their faithful friends to retrieve their kill in the lakes.
Siberian Husky
Originating in Northeast Asia, the thick, double-coat working breed was first developed by the Chukchi people. The resilient and energetic dog, able to withstand incredibly harsh environments and negative-degree cold, were used for their guarding, sled-pulling, and even gardening skills.
Pitbull
Believe it or not, the pitbull descended as a cross between terriers and bulldogs. Ideally, this dog was meant to have the agility of the terrier with the muscle mass and strength of a bulldog. At first (in the UK), the cross-breed was used in violent blood sport. In other words, these mixes were used in bear and bull-bating.
Doberman
The dobermann breed was first developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in 1890, a German tax collector. Karl, who ran a pound, sought to develop a breed that could protect him, one with unmatchable stamina, intelligence, and strength. The breed is said to have been perfected by one of the earliest breeders, Otto Goeller, during the same decade.
Rottweiler
The “Rottweiler Metzgerhund,” AKA, rottweil butchers’ dogs, descend from Germany. As the name suggests, the rottweiler was used to pull the load of a cart with butchered meat. In contrast, the breed was also used to protect and herd livestock. How ironic.
Chihuahua
Named after the Mexican state of the same name, the Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog around. It’s believed that the breed was used as a companion dog, especially enjoyed by the Toltec (Mexican) Civilization. Further, it was believed that these dogs were used as “living heating pads.” These small beasts were simply placed upon the bodies of the sick and injured.
Belgian Malinois
Today, the Belgian Malinois dogs are used for incredible detection of arson accelerants, explosive substances, narcotics, police suspects, and rescue missions. In fact, they’re used by the Secret Service to guard the White House. As a whole, they’re used for protection, sport, police and military work, and detection (by smell).
Beagle
From its introduction during the 1830s in Great Britain, the beagle was developed for hunting hare. An unnatural sense of smell and strong tracking skills allowed this breed to excel. Their use in the modern world has continued as beagles are used to detect prohibited agricultural imports during international transfer.
Wolf Dog
As the product of a gray wolf and domestic dog, the wolf dog is more of a scientific interest than purposefully bred. While loyal and intelligent, able to easily protect and understand the needs of an owner, they were first bred and sold in the 1760s as a “scientific curiosity.”
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, weighing between 4 and 7 pounds, was first bred in Tibet. The toy dog breed was once bred for Chinese royalty. Its life’s purpose? To adore and be adored.
German Shepherd
With a look that might intimidate like a wolf, the modern-day German Shepherd has only been around since 1900. While they were originally bred to herd livestock, their temperament, strength, and intelligence allowed them to diversify their skillset. From police and military positions, to search and rescue, to acting, and even disability assistance, the German Shepherd is the second-most registered breed by the American Kennel Club… and for good reason.
Pointer
As the name implies, the pointer was originally bred to work as a hunting dog. Their names comes from the breed’s skill at “pointing” out prey to human hunters
Irish Setters
Irish Setters AKA as red setters are so-called “gundogs” who have been bred for generations to assist sportsmen on their game hunts. Thanks to their well-known red coats and their aforementioned hunting skills, Irish Setters have long been a popular breed. In the 1940s, the breed was close to going extinct. However, they were crossbred with English Setters, saving the breed.
Cocker Spaniel
Like many other entries on our list, cocker spaniels were originally bread as hunting dogs. In fact, that’s partially how they got their name. Cocker comes from the game bird woodcock, which spaniels (supposedly the dogs originated in Spain) were oracularly good at hunting.
Basset Hound
Ever wonder why Basset hounds have such short legs? The answer is that they’ve been bred that way. This was done for two reasons: Firstly, the dogs were trained to sniff hare low to the ground. Secondly, it allowed hunters to keep up with the dogs as they tracked down their prey.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, named after the Pomerania region in north-west Poland where they allegedly originate, became a popular breed of toy dog during the reign of Queen Victoria. In fact, during her lifetime, the average size of Pomeranians decreased by half as breeders adjusted them to fit the tastes of those who wanted to be more like Victoria.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers were originally a much larger breed of dog. However, they were purposely bred down in size to be used to hunt rats in people’s homes. Over the years, the need for rat-hunting has gone down, but the dog are still popular companions.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian shepherd dog (sometimes known as the Kangal shepherd) was purposely bred to roughly match the size and color of the livestock they guarded, that way predators would be less likely to initially recognize them. That perhaps expanse why the breed still makes good guard dogs.
Azawakh
Named after the Sahara desert’s Azawakh Valley, these think dogs were bread to be swift and speedy hunters. The breed has retained loyal and protective traits developed during this time.
Barbet
Barbets are a French breed of dog that has webbed feet. Said webbed feet were bred into the breed over the years to aid them in hunting and retrieving waterfowl. The breed is known for its agility.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington terriers were originally bred to be vermin killers, as well as companions for poachers and hunters. Today, the breed is best known for their companionship and ability to be used as show dogs.
Cane Corso
This Italian breed is best known for guarding big pieces of property. Which makes sense, considering they were initially bred to hunt big game like wild boar.
Chinook
Chinooks were originally bred in New Hampshire to serve as hiking and work dogs, best known for their ability to pull sleds. The breed is so beloved in the state that the Chinook has been named the official state dog of New Hampshire.
Dutch Shepherd
Yet another shepherd breed makes our list. The Dutch shepherd, as the name implies, were bred in The Netherlands and other Dutch territories. The dogs are known for being comparatively easy to train.
Field Spaniel
The field spaniel was bred to hunt land and water fowl… surprise surprise, we know. Despite being better known as genial family dogs now, the breed generally do retain their long-developed hunting skills.
Lagotto Romagnolo
This small, fluffy Italian breed of dog was originally bred to sniff out truffles. Sounds delicious.
