Dogs, our furry companions, have been around humans for over 30,000 years. However, they didn’t always look the way they do today. Many well-known dog breeds have changed a lot physically in the last century, thanks to humans. By identifying specific traits such as size, coat color, and demeanor, and allowing only those animals to mate, we’ve created at least 167 different ‘breeds’. Let’s take a journey back in time and see how some popular dog breeds have transformed over the past century.
The Art of Selective Breeding
Selective breeding is the process of choosing specific animals with desirable traits for breeding to increase those qualities in a population. This practice, which started as early as 9,000 years ago in Mesoamerica, has led to the creation of over 450 globally recognized dog breeds today.
The Transformation of Dog Breeds
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are known for their robust and powerful physique. They were originally bred to herd livestock and pull carts. Today, they are often used as police, guard, and search and rescue dogs. Despite their tough exterior, Rottweilers are actually quite gentle and affectionate with their families.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds have come to symbolize everything from loyalty and companionship to police brutality. In 1915, they were described as a “medium-sized dog” weighing just 55 lbs, with a “deep chest, straight back and strong loins”. But today’s German Shepherds are bred to be considerably larger (75 to 95 lbs), with a more sloping back.
Great Dane
Great Dane, often called as the ‘Apollo of Dogs’, is a very obedient guard dog which can be trained easily because of its intelligence. It is very friendly and loves children, people and other dogs. It is available in black, blue, fawn, mantle, harlequin and brindle colors.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has been steadily building its popularity for the past decade, rising from the 14th rank in 2012 to breaking the top five in 2017 and finally taking the number one spot in 2022. And when you consider its needs, the surge in ownership makes sense. French Bulldogs are intelligent, playful, and relatively low-maintenance dogs. As a favorite pet to celebrities, the affectionate breed gets along with everyone. Alongside its slight frame, the Frenchie’s limited barking makes it perfect for smaller homes and apartments.
Saluki
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever’s fall from the top of the popularity rankings wasn’t too far, as its adoring, friendly nature maintains its reputation as the quintessential family dog. Thanks to their gundog background, Labs are easy to train and laser-focused on satisfying their owners. They’re a top choice for first-time and experienced dog owners and numerous individuals needing a capable service animal.
Golden Retriever
Not much separates Labrador and Golden Retrievers beyond the Golden’s longer, feathery coat. The hunted game was a bit different for the two sporting breeds, allowing for distinct physical differences. But the identical sweet temperament, trainability, and overflowing friendliness make them equally popular for families.
Boxer
Boxers are another breed that has seen significant changes over the past century. Originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, early Boxers were lean and muscular, with a more pronounced snout. Today, Boxers have a more compact body and a shorter, upturned snout, which unfortunately has led to breathing problems in some dogs.
Dachshund
The Dachshund, or “sausage dog”, is a breed that has also changed significantly. A century ago, Dachshunds had longer legs and a more elongated body. Today, they have been bred to have shorter, stubbier legs and a longer body, which has unfortunately led to spinal problems in some dogs.
Beagle
Beagles are extremely friendly and intelligent dogs. They are small to medium-sized compact dogs used as sniffer dogs in airports because of their strong sense of smell. They are tricolor or white in combination with black and tan or brown. Beagles have a tendency to eat whatever food comes their way. They have a high tendency to over-eat. So monitoring the amount and type of food given to them is absolutely necessary.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They were bred to be companion dogs for Chinese royalty. Today, they are popular family pets who love to be the center of attention. Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.
The Impact of Selective Breeding
While selective breeding has added many great qualities to our canine companions, it has also had complex harmful effects on some dog’s health. For instance, Pugs were bred to have bigger eyes and flatter noses, which unfortunately led to malformed and sick Pugs with breathing problems and other health issues.
Conclusion
The transformation of dog breeds over the past century is a testament to the power of selective breeding. However, as we marvel at the diversity and unique characteristics of these breeds, it’s also important to consider the health and well-being of our furry friends. After all, a dog’s health and happiness are far more important than its appearance.
Remember, every dog, regardless of its breed or appearance, has its own unique charm and can bring joy and companionship to our lives. So, let’s celebrate our canine companions for what they truly are – man’s best friend. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we prioritize the health and well-being of these wonderful creatures over aesthetic preferences. After all, our furry friends deserve nothing but the best.
