What Purpose Does a Pug Serve—And 19 Other Canine Breeds?

By Dan Nosowitz

Modern dog breeds often seem designed solely for companionship, making it difficult to envision their original roles. Humans have selectively bred dogs to emphasize specific traits, which may no longer align with the breed's historical function.

In essence, what role does a pug fulfill?

Nearly every beloved dog breed today originally served a practical purpose—and those that didn’t often have the most intriguing stories. We examined the first 20 breeds acknowledged by the American Kennel Club, exploring their origins and initial roles.

A 19th-century depiction of a pug by Carl Reichert. (Photo: Public Domain/WikiCommons)

The diversity of dog breeds is vast, but their histories may not stretch as far back as one might think. Studies suggest that dogs were first domesticated in Asia, migrating to Africa approximately 9,000 to 34,000 years ago. (This research also challenges the notion that dogs descended directly from grey wolves, proposing instead that they share a common ancestor, making them more like evolutionary cousins.)

Defining dog breeds is more complex. Broadly, a breed is a group of dogs sharing similar physical and behavioral traits, whether naturally occurring or shaped by human influence. DNA analysis can trace these lineages, revealing significant similarities within breeds and distinctions between them. Some breeds, like greyhounds, have ancient depictions, such as those found in 5,000-year-old Egyptian tombs.

Yet, DNA evidence often debunks claims of certain breeds being “ancient.” A 2004 study analyzed genetic connections among breeds, identifying clusters tied to periods of human-driven breeding. By the Roman era, dogs were broadly categorized by function: guarding, herding, and hunting.

A charming puppy. (Photo: artvintage1800s.etsy.com/Public Domain/flickr)

The Victorian era, spanning 1830 to 1900, marked the rise of an obsession with precise physical and behavioral traits in dogs. During this time, the American Kennel Club started acknowledging specific breeds and celebrating their purity. (Interestingly, none of these breeds were particularly ancient.) The British Isles—England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—became a breeding ground for many of today’s most beloved dog breeds.

Even though many breeds only trace back a century or two, their characteristics were shaped by purpose. Historically, dogs were valued more for their utility than as pets. Exploring how specific traits developed in different regions offers a fascinating glimpse into their evolution.

We investigated the first 20 dog breeds acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (excluding closely related breeds for brevity). What are their origins? What explains their unique appearances and behaviors?

Pointer (accepted by the AKC in 1878)

Often referred to as the English Pointer to distinguish it from other pointer breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer, this breed was among the earliest recognized by the AKC. Originating in England, it likely emerged in the 17th century from Spanish gun dogs introduced to the country.

The breed’s name highlights its defining trait: the English Pointer instinctively locates prey but halts and points its muzzle at the target instead of pursuing it. This behavior made it invaluable to affluent English hunters traversing moors in search of pheasants. Today, it’s a favored hunting dog in the southern U.S., often called a “bird dog,” primarily used for quail hunting while maintaining its unique, dignified instinct to locate without capturing birds.

An illustration of an Irish Setter from "The Book of Dogs; An Intimate Study of Mankind's Best Friend," published in 1919. (Photo: artvintage1800s.etsy.com/flickr)

Irish Setter (1878)

The Irish Setter, a long-haired, red-coated gun dog, shares the Pointer’s instinct to point at prey. While references to “Setters” date back to 16th-century literature, the Irish Setter exemplifies how the pursuit of ancient breeds can lead to inauthentic results. Increased global mobility over the past few centuries disrupted once-isolated dog populations, enhancing genetic diversity and health but complicating efforts to preserve historical appearances.

By the 1940s, the Irish Setter was on the brink of “extinction” (a somewhat exaggerated term, as dog breeds don’t truly go extinct; it’s akin to claiming the name “Maximus” is disappearing). To preserve the breed, enthusiasts crossbred purebred Irish Setters with English Setters, creating a hybrid that resembles the traditional Irish Setter in appearance and behavior. This move sparked significant controversy within the breeding community.

Cocker Spaniel (1878)

Breed historians believe the Cocker Spaniel likely originated in Spain, as suggested by its name, though the spaniel family is diverse with numerous origin theories. The “cocker” designation is clearer: this breed was favored by wealthy hunters for flushing out woodcocks, a small game bird in the British Isles and parts of Europe. Its compact size allows it to navigate dense brush, startling birds into flight for hunters. Additionally, its strong retrieving instinct makes it adept at bringing downed game back to its owner.

A Beagle and Basset Hound. (Photo: Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Basset Hound (1885)

The Basset Hound, with its short legs and droopy features, has a distinctive and somewhat comical appearance. Its history is well-documented, tracing back to dogs owned by St. Hubert, a Belgian monk. Renowned for its exceptional sense of smell, this breed became popular in France for hunting rabbits, badgers, and other ground-dwelling prey.

The breed’s short legs have an unusual origin. A 2009 study on short-legged dogs revealed that breeders intentionally selected for shorter limbs to make it easier for hunters to keep pace with the dog. However, this trait has led to various muscular and spinal issues in modern Basset Hounds.

Beagle (1885)

The Beagle as we know it today originated in the 1830s in Essex, England, with a pack bred by Reverend Phillip Honeywood. Honeywood’s Beagles likely inherited genes from several now-extinct breeds, including Greyhounds and the same Belgian dogs that contributed to the Basset Hound’s lineage.

Beagles are hunting dogs, known for their moderate speed and effectiveness in pursuing hares, rabbits, and pheasants. While not the most efficient hunters, they are cherished as companions, particularly by hunters who value the chase over the catch.

A Bloodhound. (Photo: Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Bloodhound (1885)

Likely descended from the St. Hubert hounds, the Bloodhound’s exceptional sense of smell made it ideal for tracking deer and wild boar. However, its unique ability to track individual humans has made it invaluable to law enforcement and investigative teams.

Bull Terrier (1885)

The Bull Terrier, with its distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build, is a cross between Bulldogs and a now-extinct terrier line. Originating in Britain, it has a grim history tied to 19th-century blood sports like ratting, bear-baiting, and dogfighting. Known for its strength and tenacity, it can be challenging to train and often struggles to coexist with other animals.

Collie (1885)

The Collie family includes various breeds, such as the Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Australian Cattle Dog. Originating in northern England and Scotland, Collies are natural herders, instinctively managing less intelligent animals like sheep and ducks. While it may seem odd for a predator like a dog to act as a caretaker, herding is a modified predatory behavior.

Herding is essentially a refined predatory instinct. These dogs are trained to corral animals into specific areas and respond to commands to guide them, making the behavior both purposeful and productive.

Dachshunds. (Photo:Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Dachshund (1885)

The Dachshund, commonly known as the weiner dog, hails from Germany. It was specifically bred for badger hunting, both in the wild and in organized badger-baiting events. Additionally, it was utilized for pursuing small game like hares, rabbits, and foxes.

The exact origins of this breed remain unclear. It is a unique blend of various hound breeds, resulting in its distinctive small and elongated form.

Mastiff (1885)

Mastiffs, encompassing several varieties, are large, often shaggy dogs that originated in mountainous regions like the Pyrenees and the Himalayas. This category includes multiple breeds descended from the ancient Molossus, a Greco-Roman dog now extinct. Over centuries, isolated populations of Molossus evolved into distinct Mastiff breeds, all serving as guard dogs. Unlike herding dogs, Mastiffs focus on protecting livestock from predators such as wolves and coyotes.

Pug (1885)

The Pug is an intriguing member of the mastiff family, though its small size renders it ineffective as a guard dog. (Its appearance is unlikely to intimidate any predator.) Originating in imperial China, Pugs were bred as companion animals, a role they maintained when introduced to Europe in the 16th century and later to North America. They are among the few breeds specifically developed to serve as pets.

Greyhounds. (Photo: Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Greyhound (1885)

Dogs resembling Greyhounds, with their characteristic barrel chest, slender waist, and elongated snout, appear in ancient Egyptian art, leading many to believe the breed is ancient. However, DNA evidence indicates this is coincidental, as Greyhound-like sight hounds emerged independently across Europe during the medieval era.

Greyhounds are valued as hunting dogs, not for their sense of smell like Bloodhounds, but for their exceptional vision and speed. These traits enable them to chase swift prey such as deer without losing track.

St. Bernard (1885)

The St. Bernard, another mastiff variant, is a massive, drool-prone breed from the Swiss Alps. Initially bred for a specialized role, their robust build and thick fur made them perfect for search-and-rescue missions in the snowy Alpine terrain. Over time, crossbreeding with other mastiffs, such as the Newfoundland, has diminished the distinctiveness of the St. Bernard.

Yorkshire Terrier (1885)

The Yorkshire Terrier, a small and adorable breed, hails from Yorkshire in northern England and traces its origins to the mid-19th century. As Yorkshire was a hub for manufacturing, these dogs were bred to tackle the pervasive rat problem. Their compact size and short legs make them excellent at hunting rodents.

Bulldog (1886)

Originally, the Bulldog was bred for bull-baiting, a brutal blood sport popular in Victorian England. A bull would be tethered to a post, allowing limited movement, while dogs were set loose to attack its nose and face. (Many dogs often perished before the bull was subdued.)

When blood sports were banned in England in 1835, the Bulldog’s purpose faded. However, decades later, enthusiasts began selectively breeding dogs to replicate the physical characteristics of the original Bulldogs, leading to the modern breed we know today.

Great Danes. (Photo:Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Great Dane (1887)

The Great Dane, part of the mastiff family like the St. Bernard, has a somewhat ambiguous origin. Despite its name, it may not have originated in Denmark, though large dogs are part of Danish history. Similar accounts and depictions of such dogs are also found in Germany and France.

Great Danes were historically used as hunting dogs, though their skills in tracking or killing prey are limited. Instead, their immense size made them ideal for pinning down large game like deer and boar after other dogs had caught them, allowing hunters to deliver the final blow.

Different types of poodles. (Photo: Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Poodle (1887)

The Poodle, a highly intelligent and energetic breed, originated in Germany under the name Pudelhund. Like Retrievers in England, Poodles excel in water and possess a strong retrieval instinct, making them perfect for retrieving waterfowl. Their webbed toes further enhance their swimming ability.

Although the Poodle gained popularity in France and is often linked to the country, it is frequently seen as a decorative lap dog despite its capabilities as a working breed.

A Dalmatian. (Photo: Internet Book Archive/Public Domain/flickr)

Dalmatian (1888)

Most sources agree that the Dalmatian, famously associated with firehouses, originated in Croatia, with the earliest depictions appearing in the early 17th century. (The breed is named after Dalmatia, a coastal region in Croatia.) Initially, Dalmatians served various roles, including hunting, guarding, and companionship.

Their role as firehouse dogs began in the 19th century in the U.S., where their natural bond with horses was discovered. Since fire engines were horse-drawn at the time, Dalmatians excelled at running alongside or ahead of the engines to clear paths and guide the way to fires.

Pomeranian (1888)

The Pomeranian, a small and fluffy breed often carried in purses, belongs to the Spitz family, which includes diverse dogs like the massive Alaskan Malamute, the traditional Japanese Akita, and the Welsh Corgi.

Originating from the Germany/Poland border region, the Pomeranian’s modern form is largely due to Queen Victoria of England. She selectively bred smaller versions of the breed, establishing the standards that define it today.

What purpose does it serve? Not much. While other Spitz breeds are used for sledding, hunting, and more, the Pomeranian has always been exclusively a companion animal since its recognition as a distinct breed.

Golden Retriever (1925)

Often considered America’s quintessential dog, the Golden Retriever traces its roots to 19th-century Scottish aristocracy. As its name suggests, it is golden in color and was bred for its retrieving instincts, particularly for fetching waterfowl. Wealthy Scots would shoot ducks and geese by ponds, and the dog would retrieve the fallen birds from the water.

Golden Retrievers come in three distinct varieties: British, American, and Canadian. The British type is stockier with a broader face compared to the American version, while the Canadian Golden Retriever is similar to the American but stands slightly taller.

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