Breed Spotlight

Saint Bernard’s are known as the rescue dogs of the Alpines, but what most don’t know about this giant breed is their rich and interesting progression through history.  Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight takes a look into the life of this gentle giant.

History & Background: The origins of the Saint Bernard are thought to coincide with the Sunnenhund breeds, which are the Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. All of these breeds are descendants of the molosser breed that was brought into the Swiss Alps by the ancient Romans. In 1707, the Saint Bernard was first recorded by the monks of the St. Bernard Pass. It’s believed the monks and surrounding famers and dairymen used these dogs as livestock guard as well as rescue people from avalanches high in the mountains. With its incredible strength this dog would pull people from the deep snowy drifts and cart them off to safety.

The original Saint Bernard is probably very different looking from the dog we know today. The Saint Bernard has a striking resemblance to the Newfoundland and for good reason. During the winter of 1816 through 1818, many Saint Bernards died themselves from being stuck in avalanches, so the dog were bred with Newfoundlands in an attempt to preserve the breed. 

The Saint Bernard is named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, but was called many other things before earning it’s lasting name, such as "Saint Dogs", "Noble Steeds", "Alpenmastiff", or "Barry Dogs.”

Some famous Saint Bernards include movie characters Beethoven and Cujo, sports mascots including Gumbo of the New Orleans Saints and even J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, owned a Saint Bernard named Porthos. Read more

The “Grey Ghost” is visiting this week’s Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight! No, we’re not talking about some ghastly ghoul, but the friendly, alert and beautiful Weimaraner! Read about this sporty dog—its interesting history and great disposition in our look at the Weimaraner.

History & Background: The Weimaraner was originally bred for hunting in the early 19^th Century and was the hunting companion of choice for royalty. In fact, this breed gains its name from one of these royal courts, the Weimar Republic in Germany. Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Karl August first had these dogs, then called “Weimar Pointers,” used as large game hunters for boar, bear and deer.  Even after a loss in popularity, the dog was still used for hunting small game such as fowl, rabbits and foxes. However, this breed was also a great all-purpose family dog. Weimaraners could guard the home, go hunting with the family and love on the kids.

In past decades this breed has gained a pop-culture status for being the subjects of William Wegman’s photography.

Height: 25 to 27 inches (males); 23 to 25 inches (females)

Weight: 71–82 pounds (males); 55–71 pounds (females)

Coat: The Weimaraner’s coat is sleek, smooth and short. This dog has no undercoat and does not shed. This makes for an extremely low-maintenance dog. Where the coat is thin, the skin usually shows pink. Long-haired Weimaraners are rare, but are recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club) but not the AKC (American Kennel Club.) Long-haired breeds can show up in a short-haired litter, but only if the parents both have the recessive gene.  This breed type has a long, silky coat with a feathered, un-docked tail. Read more

Tenacious. Historic. Loveable. And just darn cute. Best Bully Sticks brings you the Rat Terrier this week in our Breed Spotlight! This dog is 100% American, with a can-do American attitude. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about this feisty little pup!

History & Background: If you haven’t guessed yet, this terrier’s name is derived from its earliest occupation, hunting “varmits,” which is sometimes referred to as “ratting.”  This dog is distinctly an American breed that English immigrants created by mixing breeds like the English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, and Whippet. A staple “farm dog” during the Dust Bowl era, this dog hunted small game that included squirrels, rabbits and other small creatures.  One of these tenacious little dogs is said to once have killed 2,500 rats in an infested barn in 7 hours.

This dog was a very cherished dog on farms across the United States. The Rat Terrier’s more famous owners include Shirley MacLaine, Eleanor Powell, John Sandford & William Faulkner. A Rat Terrier was even mentioned in Harper Lee’s famous 1960 work, To Kill A Mockingbird. Needless to say, over the years the loving companionship this of this dog may have won out over its utility.

Height: 10-13 inches (toy), 13-18 inches (standard)

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Coat: This dog has a short, close coat that is very soft and shiny. Some Rat Terriers might have a bit of a wave in their fur on their back. Read more

This week, Best Bully Sticks celebrates a dog that was a European celebrity as far back as the 16^th century. Its history can be traced through the painted depictions of wealthy families and royalty in Italy, France, Belgium and England. We’re talking about the Papillion of course, a vibrant little dog that has been capturing hearts for hundreds of years.

History & Background: The Papillon’s name is derived from the French word for “butterfly” because this dog’s erect and feathered ears resemble the winged insect. However, the dog’s ancestors had drooping ears and sometimes called “Dwarf Spaniels.” It wasn’t until the 16^th and 17^th centuries that the Papillon began “perking up” and the erect ears became more common. This is known because Papillons were often seen in European paintings as the dogs of the wealthy and ruling class.  It has even been said that Marie Antoinette highly favored the dog and was holding it under her arm when she went to the guillotine.

This breed was recognized in by the AKC in 1935 when the Papillon Club of America was formed.

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Coat: The Papillon has a great amount of hair that is flowing and long. The fine and silky fur lays flat on back and sides. Shorter hair appears on the face, around the head and muzzle and on the front of legs. The most distinguishing feature of the Papillon is the feathering of fur, especially around the ears, which gives this breed its name. Feathering also occurs at the back of the fore and hind legs as well as sprouts from the chest. This dog’s tail is plumed as well. Read more

Today, you’ll learn about a dog that has an ancient history, fierce love for family and is also probably one of the cutest puppies. Best Bully Sticks brings you the Shar Pei. Read about this historic Chinese breed! We think you’ll be surprised! 

History & Background: Considered one of the oldest breeds on earth, the Shar Pei hails from the Guangdong province of China where it was originally bred to be a farm dog, and served many roles. The earliest Shar Pei’s were guard dogs, hunters, trackers and herders.  The Shar Pei’s unique physical characteristics, the black tongue and intimidating “scowl,” were prized qualities to this breed’s early Chinese owners because they believed these traits would ward off evil spirits.

One of the earliest records of the Shar Pei’s existence is seen from pictures on pottery from the Han Dynasty circa 206 B.C. It’s thought this dog has a common ancestry with the Chow Chow, especially as they share the same distinct blue-black tongue.

During the Communist Revolution in China, this breed’s numbers dwindled dramatically. A Chinese business man, Matgo Law, appealed to Americas in 1973 by way of a magazine article.  That same year, 200 Shar Pei’s were smuggled into America.  Most American Shar Pei’s can be traced to back to these 200.

The English form of this dog’s name “Shar Pei” probably came from the British spelling of the Cantonese equivalent, “sā pèih.” This translates to “sand skin” or “sand coat.” This breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991. Read more