15 Little Known Facts About Your Favorite Dog Breeds

Dogs are one of the most popular and beloved pets worldwide, and for good reason. There so many breeds you can choose from to become your new best friend, but at the same time, it can be hard to keep track of all the unique characteristics and quirks that come with each breed. To help you get right on track, here are some fun facts about a few of your favorite dog breeds.

Bulldog

Although they may look tough on the outside, bulldogs are well-known for their gentle, friendly nature and for their extreme loyalty towards their owners. Bulldogs are also one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Historical evidence suggests that this breed initially emerged in 13th century England.

Beagle

Have you ever wondered why beagles are considered as great hunting or tracking dogs? This is because of their incredible sense of smell. The ends of a beagle’s long ears also reach to the end of their nose, which can catch scent particles and keep them close to the dog’s nose, so they can take in as much information as possible.

Daschund

Despite their comical stature, Daschunds are known for more than being sausage-shaped dogs. They were originally bred to hunt badgers, and their long, low bodies made them perfect for digging into badgers’ dens.

Chihuahua

Although chihuahuas are one of the tiniest dog breed in the world, they are quite mighty in other ways. Though they typically range 5 to 8 inches in length and around 6 lbs in weight, this breed is also known for their bold, sassy personalities and for being incredibly vocal. They are also named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where predecessors of this breed were found.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are one of the most popular breeds throughout the United States, they initially emerged throughout East Asia. Although people commonly ssociate the Shih Tzu with China, but they actually came from China’s western neighbor, Tibet. Shih Tzus were sent as gifts to Chinese royalty and then bred as companions for the royal party.

Pug

Time after time, pugs have won over dog owners and dog lovers alike with their adorable wrinkled faces, their loyalty and their easy-going nature. But did you know that if you see two or more pugs together, there’s a name for it? A group of pugs is called a grumble. How cute is that?

Border Collie

Border Collies are considered one of the smartest dog breeds. They are known for their work ethic, instinct, and ability to pick up commands quickly. What you probably didn’t know about this beloved breed is that their name is related to their home region of Scotland. The word “collie” is a Scotch word used to describe sheepdogs, and since this breed initially flourished on the border of Scotland and England, the name “border collie” emerged!

Poodle

With their fluffy, curly fur that can be styled in eccentric hairstyles and their friendly personality, what isn’t there to love about poodles? While their hypoallergenic coats may look like the ultimate canine fashion statement, it is not just for show. Poodles were initially used as as water retrieval dogs by hunters of waterfowl for hundreds of years. Since poodle hair becomes heavy when wet, the traditional poodle cut helps to make them more efficient swimmers while protecting their joints and vital organs in cold water.

Siberian Husky

You may recognize Siberian Huskies for working in colder climates like Alaska or Antartica as sled dogs, but have you ever wondered why they are used for that purpose? This is because they were bred to run for long distances with minimal amounts of food. They can run for hours or even days without getting fatigued, and if there are a team of huskies together, they can run up to 150 miles in a single day.

Pekingese

Don’t be fooled by these little balls of fluff. While the Pekingese was initially bred as companions to ancient Chinese royalty, they are also known to be incredibly feisty. They are loyal and protective towards their owners, and have also been used as guard dogs throughout history because of their tendency to snarl, yap and chase away intruders.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are famous for their intelligent, loyal, and hardworking natures. Their intelligence not only translates into their usage as search-and-rescue dogs or as service animals, but how they communicate with other humans. When they hear a noise or are trying to understand what you’re saying, they tilt their heads, which helps them track the sound and comprehend your words.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have won over the hearts of dog lovers as early as the 17th century, when monarchs like King Charles II had this lovable toy breed by his side throughout his life. Though they are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, they are also known for their distinct pattens and colors of their coats. There are four colors that are common in this breed: blenheim, tricolor, ruby, and black-and-tan.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds have grown in popularity as go-to dog breeds in recent years, and for good reason. They are bubbly, social, and very loyal dogs with a razor-sharp wit and a cute and distinct appearance. However, despite their name, they are technically not Australian. Australian Shepherds are descended from the Basque Shepherd, a dog breed from the Basque region between Spain and France.

Corgi

You know them, you love them, and based on their Internet popularity, they’re not going away anytime soon. It’s the Corgi, of course! Not only are they known for their cute, fluffy butts, they are known for their small stature. It’s in their name – literally! The word “corgi” is Welsh for “dwarf dog,” which is definitely an accurate representation of this breed.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They are also known to have “soft” mouths. Because they were bred as hunting dogs, they could carry animals like ducks and rabbits without damaging them. They can even carry a raw egg in their mouths without cracking the shell!