The Irish Setter is also popularly known as the Red Setter. It is a breed of gundog that originated from Ireland in the 19th Century and has since become a popular showdog. It was primarily bred as a pointer used by hunters to look for upland game. Breed Origins The Irish Setter was developed in Ireland during the 1700’s. It was believed to be a blend of the Old Spanish Pointer, setting spaniels and early Sc...

The Japanese Chin is considered as a breed belonging to the toy category of dogs. They originally were part of the household of the Chinese aristocracy and eventually found their way into the Imperial Palace in Japan. And because of its past, the Japanese Chin has always been considered as part of royalty. Breed Origins The Japanese Chin, unlike its name denotes, actually originated from China. It is a very old to...

The Lhasa Apso is a dog breed that originated form Tibet. They were originally bred to guard monasteries and alert the monks of intruders disturbing their sanctuary. Lhasa Apsos has since become quite adorable pets for most people. Breed Origins As its name denotes, the Lhasa Apso has its origins traced back to the villages surrounding the sacred city of Lhasa. It is one of the three known dog breeds coming from T...

The Havanese is part of the family of Bichon dogs which are known for their lengthy hair but that does shed. They have been more popular in the past among the royalty of Cuba in the past, hence the name that it carries. This dog breed is also known as the Havana Silk dog. Breed Origins Although the dog breed may have a Carribbean sounding name, it actually has a Mediterranean heritage. But it was largely develope...

The Dalmatian is a very popular dog breed noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots. This well-known spotted coat is only unique to the Dalmatian breed. No other purebred breed of dog features this distinct spotted coat. It has also been known in ancient times as the Carriage Dog, known for accompanying their masters on carriages and chariots as well as in firetrucks. Breed Origins The actual origi...

The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog breed that is said to be across between the English Mastiff and the English Bulldog. It may look massive and imposing, but Bullmastiffs are quite affectionate and friendly for a working breed. Although not as popular today, there are several owners that are still loyal in trying to preserve the breed. Breed Origins initially bred by English gamekeepers during the 1800’s to g...

The Brittany is a dog breed that was first used for bird hunting. It is considered as the smallest of the French spaniels, although the breed’s characteristics and traits closely links it to a pointer or a setter. It is now considered as a good pet to have around children. Breed Origins The Brittany was a breed that was developed in the Brittany province in France sometime in the 1800’s. They have been...

The Beauceron is a fairly uncommon dog breed but has quite a popular following among avid canine lovers. It is a herding dog breed that came from France, where it is known as La Beauce. This dog breed is also known as Bas Rouge, Berger de Beauce by the French as well as the French shorthaired Shepherd. Dogs were bred and selected for their aptitude to herd and guard large flocks of sheep as well as for their struc...

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that has a unique trait. It doesn’t bark. Instead, it lets out a howl or a yodel-like sound. The reason for this is that the Basenji has an unusually shaped larynx. And for this trait, it has also been known as the African Dingo or the African Barkless dog. Origins The Basenji is considered as one of the oldest dog breeds known. Carvings from ancient Egyptian artifacts d...

Saint Bernard’s are one of the most famous breeds of pet dogs. They are called the Swiss Alps’ rescuers from the legend of the St. Bernard’s devotion to rescuing people stranded in the Alps. They are tall and powerful dogs, strong and muscular with an intelligent expression. Appearance and Size The St. Bernard’s head, like the rest of its body, is strong and powerful. Its skull is broad and...