‘Big Dog Breeds’ Category
The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever
Origins
The Labrador Retriever (also called Labrador, Labby, Lab) originates in the Canadian Newfoundland region, in the 16th century. This breed was used by fishermen to pull the nets to shore, and later by hunters to retrieve the game back to them. In the 19th century, the breed was acknowledged in England. The Labradors are known nowadays as excellent assistance dogs for blind people, and are used for drug and explosive detection and tracking, hunting. They enjoy the human affection and respond accordingly, with gentle spirit and interactivity.
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The Boxer
The Boxer Dog
Origins
The Boxer (also named Deutcher Boxer or German Boxer) has its origins in Germany, in the late 1800. This breed is considered to be a member of the Molosser group, a crossbreed between the English Bulldog and the German Bullenbeiser. It was officially acknowledged as a breed in 1902 and later on introduced to other parts of Europe and United States, after 1904. The Boxer was used during World War I as a guard dog, attack dog, messenger, pack carrier. After World War II he became popular all over the world.
The Rottweiler
A Rottweiler
Origins
The Rottweiler (also named Rottweiler Metzgerhund – Butchers Dog; nicknames: Rott, Weily, Rottie) has its origins in the land of Germany, being considered on of the oldest herding breeds alive. It is said that they have a really old ancestry, dating in the Roman Empire period. They were used to herd cattle and protect them from wild animals and robbers. They had a period of breeding decline during the railroad expansion, by the end of the 19th century. Later on, after World War I, the Rottweilers were used as police dogs and gained a higher popularity among dog owners.
The Great Dane
The Great Dane
Origins
Most specialists tend to agree that the Great Dane breed (also named German Mastiff, Danish Hound, Boarhound, Deutche Dogge) has old origins, dating from the Egyptian people, around 3000 b.C. In a more recent period, some 400 years ago, in the regions of Germany, these dogs were known and used as spectacular boar hunters, due to their large body size and power. It was later on named Deutche Dogge, right after Germany was united in one state. It is stated that the German Mastiff could have as breed ancestor the Bullenbeisser, accompanied by some Irish wolfhound and Mastiff lines. This breed has suffered various breed standard modifications.
The Golden Retriever
A light Golden Retriever
Origins
The Golden Retriever originates from a highland state in Scotland, named Guisachan, in the late 1860s. These dogs were mainly used as hunting aids (retrieving killed birds from difficult terrain, even water), being excellent and durable for long hunts. The Golden Retriever ancestry comes from a sporting dogs breed, build for work and power.
