Blog > Tag: Infographics

Originally a variety of German Spitz, the American Eskimo dog shares the same history and lineages as the German Spitz varieties that include the Keeshond, Pomeranian, and Volpino Italiano.

The Weimaraner, or Weim, has a rich history—some of which is the subject of conjecture. What is known about this stunning breed is that it originally hails from the town of Weimar, Germany. It is believed that the Weim was originally developed as an all-around hunting dog, bred and kept by hunters and gamekeepers in and around the city of Weimar and Thuringia.

The first Rhodesian Ridgeback Club was formed in the early 1920s, and an experienced breeder named Francis Barnes established the modern standard, which the South African Kennel Union approved. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was first recognized in the United States in 1955.

It wasn’t until the end of the nineteenth century when Professor Adolphe Reul of the Belgian School of Veterinary Science realized that, while the regional working dogs were different in some aspects such as coat type, color, and coat length, they were also similar in size, working style, and overall type. He categorized them into eight different varieties, which were then further condensed down to the four varieties that we see today. This includes the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and the Tervuren.

The Pekingese is named after its city of origin, Peking, known today as Beijing. Like their cousins, the Shih Tzu and the Pug, the Pekingese (or Peke) breed is descended from royalty and is recognized as one of the oldest companion breeds in existence. These small dogs have been known to exist in China since the eighth century. Surviving for more than thirteen hundred years, the breed was first referenced in the ancient artwork of the Tang Dynasty. Like the Pug and the Shih Tzu, the Peke was believed to be a type of ancient Chinese “Foo Dog,” possessing the power to expel evil spirits. Therefore, the Peke was regarded as sacred and divine. They served as a companion to Chinese royalty only since it was illegal for anyone other than those in the emperor’s court to own a Pekingese. In fact, stealing one of the little dogs was a crime punishable by death. While this law kept the Peke strains pure, it almost resulted in the breed disappearing as well.