Blog > Tag: Breeds

In the last comparison blog, we discussed the Miniature Pinscher versus the Manchester Terrier. This time, we will consider the similarities and differences between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Irish Setter. Let’s take a look!

High in the Pyrenees Mountains, where a natural border exists between France and Spain, humans have lived and raised livestock for thousands of years. During that time, large white dogs—such as the Great Pyrenees—were used to guard livestock from thieves and natural predators, such as Pyrenean brown bears. It is believed that these dogs and other large mountain flock guardian breeds, such as the Akbash, Kuvasz, Komondor, and Maremma, descended from large Asian dogs that were originally used to guard the horses, sheep, and goats of nomads.

Evidence of small dogs being owned by royalty has existed throughout history, and the Continental Toy Spaniel’s history is no exception. Pint-sized Spaniels have been popular among European royalty for well over a thousand years. These dogs were known as the Continental Toy Spaniel. The Continental Toy Spaniels were first brought to America in the early 1900s where, to this day, they remain one of the most popular toy Spaniels in the country and one of the most easily recognized in the world.

The Labrador Retrievers are an iconic, all-around family and working dog. Their good nature, even temperament, and eagerness to learn make them ideal companions for almost any task. The breed was among the canine heroes that joined in the search for survivors and casualties of 9/11. They are everyday heroes to many people as they perform therapy work or greet their best friends at the door after a hard day of work.

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.