Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years. Over time, humans have bred dogs to have certain traits and looks. Let’s explore 15 dog breeds that have changed a lot from their original form.
1. Pug
Pugs used to have longer legs and a longer snout. Now, they are known for their squished face and short legs. This change happened because people wanted a smaller, cuter companion dog.
2. English Bulldog
In the past, English Bulldogs were taller and more athletic. They were bred for bull-baiting, a cruel sport. Today, they are shorter, heavier, and have more wrinkles, making them loving family pets.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds used to have shorter ears and less loose skin. Breeders wanted to enhance their sense of smell for hunting, so they bred them to have longer ears and more skin folds.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds were once larger and had longer legs. They were bred to hunt badgers and other den animals. Over time, they were bred to be smaller with shorter legs to better fit into burrows.
5. St. Bernard
Originally, St. Bernards were smaller and had shorter hair. As they were used for rescue work in the snowy Alps, they were bred to be larger and have thicker coats to withstand the cold.
6. Poodle
Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs in Germany. They had a more rugged appearance. Now, they are known for their fancy haircuts and elegant look, popularized by French nobility.
7. Shar Pei
Shar Peis used to have fewer wrinkles and a less pushed-in nose. They were bred as fighting dogs in China. Today, they are known for their abundant wrinkles and loyal, protective nature.
8. Bull Terrier
In the early days, Bull Terriers had a more proportionate head shape. Over time, they were bred to have a more egg-shaped head and a sloping profile, giving them a unique appearance.
9. Doberman Pinscher
Originally, Doberman Pinschers had a more muscular build and a longer muzzle. They were bred as guard dogs. Now, they have a sleeker, more elegant appearance while still being protective.
10. German Shepherd
German Shepherds used to have a straighter back and a less sloped hindquarters. As they became popular as working and show dogs, their appearance changed to have a more angled back.
11. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs were once larger and had a more proportionate muzzle. Over time, they were bred to be smaller with a flatter face, as they were favored by Chinese royalty as lapdogs.
12. Chow Chow
In the past, Chow Chows had a more wolf-like appearance with a longer muzzle. They were bred as working dogs in China. Today, they have a more lion-like mane and a shorter snout.
13. Rottweiler
Rottweilers used to be larger and had a more mastiff-like appearance. They were used for herding and guarding. Modern Rottweilers have a more compact, muscular build.
14. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were once larger and had a more proportionate muzzle. They were bred as companions for Chinese royalty. Over time, they were bred to be smaller with a flatter face.
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In the past, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had a longer muzzle and a less domed head. As they gained popularity among royalty, they were bred to have a shorter muzzle and a more rounded head shape.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
