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Dogs are often considered man's best friend, but this bond exists because humans intentionally bred them for companionship. However, not all dogs were bred for friendship. Some were originally bred for labor, sport, or even as a food source.
In modern times, many dogs have transitioned into being household companions. Some have been bred to be smaller or more docile, while others have vanished as they no longer served a practical purpose beyond their initial function.
10. Pomeranian
Anyone familiar with a Pomeranian, or who has spent time around one, will notice the dog's personality seems to defy its small size. This behavior is a result of the Pomeranian's larger ancestors.
The original Pomeranians were bred as sled dogs in the 16th century, with an average weight of about 14 kilograms (30 lb). In comparison, modern Pomeranians weigh between 1.4 and 3.2 kilograms (3–7 lb).
While the exact dogs crossed to create the Pomeranian are unknown, it's widely believed that the Deutscher Spitz was one of the primary breeds. The Pomeranian itself is part of the Spitz group, which also includes the ancestors of today's sled dogs.
The Pomeranian's role shifted in the 19th century when they became companion animals and lap dogs. Bred to be smaller in Pomerania, they also got their name from the region. Though they were once used for herding sheep, breeders focused on further reducing their size.
9. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was originally bred to protect sheep. The breed first appeared in the 1850s when German shepherds crossbred various dogs to create a strong, intelligent, fast dog with a keen sense of smell to safeguard their flock.
Various shepherds developed different breeds for specific roles. In 1891, a group of dog enthusiasts formed the Phylax Society in Germany to standardize dog breeds. However, the society disbanded three years later due to disagreements over whether dogs should be bred for work alone or for both utility and appearance.
In 1899, Max von Stephanitz, a member of the Phylax Society, purchased one of the dogs bred by the shepherds. He believed dogs should be bred solely for work and selected this particular dog for its intelligence. He named it Deutscher Schaferhund, which translates to 'German Shepherd Dog.'
Stephanitz went on to establish the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog) to promote the breed. He crossed the German Shepherd Dog with other shepherd breeds, some closely related to wolves, to develop the breed we recognize today.
8. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher was first bred by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, night watchman, and dogcatcher. His dangerous jobs exposed him to criminal threats, prompting him to create a breed of dog that could offer him protection.
Dobermann aimed to create a dog that was intelligent, alert, confident, brave, and highly protective of its owner. He used his local dog pound to crossbreed several dogs. Although the exact breeds are unknown, Dobermann's son mentioned a male dog named Schnupp and a female dog named Bismark, who was later renamed Bisart.
Otto Goeller, a fellow dog breeder, later claimed that Schnupp was a mongrel. He added that Dobermann crossbred the offspring with various dogs, including the Great Dane, German Shepherd, and German Pinscher, to develop the Doberman Pinscher.
7. Turnspit Dog
The Turnspit dog is now extinct, as the invention of the roasting jack replaced its role. These dogs were specifically bred to turn a spit while meat roasted, which is how they got their name. They were also called the Vernepator Cur, meaning 'the dog that turns the wheel,' and their scientific name, Canis vertigus, translates to 'dizzy dog.' It was said that watching the dog run in circles made people dizzy.
Before the 16th century, the task of turning the spit was assigned to young boys, who often suffered from blistered hands. Eventually, people decided to breed dogs to take over this task. The dog would run inside a wheel that was connected to the spit, causing it to turn as the dog ran. Cooks would throw hot coal into the wheel to encourage the dog to run faster.
The Turnspit dog became a common sight in kitchens and was treated much like any other kitchen tool. They worked daily, except for Sundays. However, they weren’t completely free on Sundays, as many owners took them to church to warm their feet.
The Turnspit dog became redundant after the invention of the roasting jack. Between 1750 and 1850, their population steadily decreased, and by 1900, they were completely extinct. Despite their work in kitchens, they were not considered pets, as most found them unattractive due to their short legs, small heads, and robust bodies. Additionally, owning a Turnspit dog signified an inability to afford a roasting jack.
Though extinct, Turnspit dogs left a lasting impact. Their mistreatment led to the formation of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Henry Bergh, the founder of the SPCA, created the society after discovering Turnspits working under harsh conditions in a hotel in Manhattan.
6. Chihuahua
The origin of the Chihuahua is somewhat mysterious, but it's known that they were first identified in Chihuahua, Mexico, during the 1800s. The Chihuahua is thought to be a descendant of an ancient Mexican dog, the larger and similar-looking Techichi.
Some believe the Chihuahua is a mix between the Techichi and the Chinese Crested Dog or the Mexican Hairless Dog. Others argue that the Chihuahua's true origin is Italy, where it is said to have descended from the Italian Maltese Pocket Dog and was later brought to Mexico.
The Aztec, Maya, and Toltec civilizations bred the Techichi primarily for food, though some were kept as pets. However, these dogs were often killed, mummified, and buried with their owners upon their deaths, as it was believed that dogs guided their owners to the afterlife.
The first Chihuahuas arrived in the United States in the 1880s, when American tourists bought them during trips to Mexico. Since the breed was unfamiliar in the US, people named it after the region where it was discovered, leading to names like the Arizona dog, Texas dog, and Mexico dog.
5. Pug
The Pug was first bred in China around 400 BC. It wasn't a typical dog and was instead a symbol of wealth and status, kept exclusively by the affluent and royalty. Chinese emperors even assigned guards and servants to ensure the dogs' comfort and protection.
The Pug was intentionally bred to be small enough to comfortably sit in a person’s lap. This long history of companionship with humans might explain their energetic behavior when around people, always eager to perform tricks and amuse us.
When the Pug spread to Japan, Russia, and Europe, it maintained its status as a symbol of royalty. Several prominent figures, including Queen Victoria of England and Prince William the Silent of Holland, kept Pugs as pets.
4. Akita
The Akita is known for its aggressive nature, a trait deeply embedded in its genetic makeup. This aggression arises from its original purpose, which involved hunting, guarding its owners, and engaging in dog fights. The first Akitas were bred in Akita, Japan, where they were referred to as matagi, meaning 'esteemed hunter.'
For many centuries, the Japanese relied on the Akita to hunt dangerous creatures such as deer, boar, and black bears. It was also used as a retriever for waterfowl. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the breed was modified for dogfighting, but it quickly returned to its original roles as a hunter and protector once dogfighting was banned.
3. Pit Bull
Any comprehensive dog list would be incomplete without mentioning the pit bull, a breed surrounded by controversy. Unlike other dogs on this list, the pit bull isn't a specific breed, but rather a term that encompasses several breeds originally bred for dogfighting and bull-baiting. These dogs are the result of a cross between English bulldogs and terriers, often possessing wide heads and muscular bodies.
Some of the main breeds classified as pit bulls include the Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Boxer, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier. However, a number of other dogs also fall under the pit bull category. Since pit bulls are not a standardized breed, they aren't officially recognized as such. Breeders often crossbred different dog breeds in pursuit of the perfect fighting dog.
2. Great Dane
The wild boar was one of the fiercest animals to hunt in all of Europe, as it would always fight back with immense strength. Only the toughest and most durable hunting dogs could subdue it. The Great Dane was one such dog. Originally bred in Germany, it was designed specifically for boar hunting, but it also served as a reliable guard dog.
The Great Dane has a long history that spans thousands of years. Canine ancestors resembling the modern Great Dane were bred in both ancient Egypt and China. The breeders in these regions prioritized the dog's hunting capabilities over its appearance, meaning that early versions of the Great Dane were not as visually striking as those we know today.
Though unverified, it's widely believed that the current-day Great Dane is a crossbreed between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. The breed gained immense popularity with German emperors, who were so enamored with it that they used hundreds of these dogs for single boar hunts. Although they have been selectively bred to be gentler and more tolerant, Great Danes remain as strong and formidable as ever.
1. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is another breed that was originally developed for dogfighting. Like the Akita, this could explain some of its aggressive tendencies. The Bull Terrier traces its roots to the Bull and Terrier, a breed specifically created for dogfighting and bull-baiting. The Bull and Terrier itself was a mix of the Old English Terrier and the Bulldog.
The first Bull and Terriers were bred in the 18th century. Over the years, they were crossbred with various other dogs, including the Spanish Pointer, to give rise to the Bull Terrier. Although it was also used as a show dog, breeders gradually began to focus more on its appearance than on its temperament, particularly after dogfighting was outlawed.
