Breed Spotlight

The Pointer: as straightforward of a dog if there were one. An active dog by nature, loyal to its family and very affectionate, this dog is an all-star. Sometimes called the English Pointer, many breed clubs simply call this dog a Pointer. Find out more about the athleticism, background and beauty of the Pointer in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Pointer.

History & Background: Most sources state 1650 was approximately the time Pointers were bred in England. These dogs were first used as hunting and retrieving dogs for hare. This dog’s lineage isn’t known exactly, but it’s thought they came from breeds such as the Foxhound, Greyhound, Bloodhound and some undetermined “setting” spaniel breed. Pointers were brought to the United States in the late 1800s and thrived in the new and open lands of North America. At this time Setters were the breed most commonly used for bird hunting during field trial sports. It wasn’t too long into the 1900s that the Pointer began showing the Setters up, and still do.

Field Trials are a sport in which a dog is expected to point, honor and retrieve a bird. Pointing means find the bird’s location, honoring is stopping immediately in a pointing stance and then find the dead or wounded bird as retrieval. Usually bobwhite quails, pheasants or grouse are used. This sport is very prominent in the Southern states and Pointers are the most commonly used dog.

The dog on Westminster Kennel Club’s logo is a Pointer, named Sensation. Pointers have won Best in Show at Westminster three times, most recently in 1986. The AKC recognized this dog in 1884.

Height: Males, 25-28 inches; Females, 23-26 inches

Weight: Males, 55-75 pounds; Females, 45-65 pounds

Coat: A Pointer’s coat is short, tight and soft with a slight sheen.

Color: Pointers have black, lemon, liver or orange colorings. These can appear in combination with white, and usually are, or as solid colors. Facial markings and nose colors depends on the color the dog. A darker dog has dark markings and a dark nose, usually black or brown. A lighter colored dog sport a flesh-colored or lighter nose and markings. Read more

“A clown in the cloak of a philosopher,” describes the humorous, laid-back personality of the French Bulldog. This companion dog is spunky and affectionate; a great addition to any family. Find out more about this pint-sized spit-fire in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the French Bulldog!

History & Background: Originally created to be a “toy” bulldog derived from English Bulldogs, the French Bulldog’s breeding was brought about by lace makers in Nottingham, England.  The lace workers carried these miniature bulldogs to France with them when the Industrial Revolution displaced many English workers. These bulldogs quickly became popular in Paris and the English began sending the bulldogs considered too small or with faults such as standing ears to France. Soon the “Bouledogue Francais” was named as a breed and few miniature bulldog breeds remained in England. The English were none too happy about the name, but nevertheless, it stuck.

In 1885, French Bulldogs were brought to America and high-society ladies immediately took to the breed. In 1906, the French Bulldog was the 5^th most popular breed in the U.S. The Rockefellers even owned a French Bulldog. While plenty of French Bulldogs have won “Best in Breed” none have even won “Best in Show” at Crufts or Westminster. This dog has had a continued and dedicated following through out the years. Famous Frenchie owners include Martha Stewart, David and Victoria Beckham, Hugh Jackman, and Jeremy Renner. Frenchies have even made silver and small screen appearances in movies like Due Date and TV shows like Modern Family.

Height: 12 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 28 pounds or less Read more

A relatively new breed to the United States, the Tibetan Mastiff has an ancient history in Asia. Marco Polo once described this dog as “tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion.” This large dog has a friendly disposition yet intimidating presence. Find out more about the Tibetan Mastiff in Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Tibetan Mastiff!

History & Background: Potentially, Tibetan Mastiffs originated from Molossus breeds, an extinct large breed dog. It is known that Tibetan Mastiffs are an ancient breed that can be traced back to 1100 B.C. China. At a point, these dogs were seemingly isolated in the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet where it developed into the dog recognized as the modern Tibetan Mastiff. 

This dog was used as a guard dog for flocks, homes, tents and more. This breed was sometimes tied up to enhance aggressive tendencies. These dogs are still sometimes used a guard dogs in different parts of the world.

A Tibetan Mastiff was brought to Queen Victoria in the mid 1800s and popularity for these dogs began to rise. More were imported into England and the English began to breed and standardize Tibetan Mastiffs. The breed didn’t gain a lot of popularity in the United States until 1980. The Tibetan Mastiff was recognized by the AKC in 2006 and first shown at Westminster in 2008.

In Asia, the term “mastiff” attached to this dog’s name is somewhat of a misnomer. In many languages, including Nepali, Mongolian and Mandrin Chinese, all translations of this dog’s name simply mean “dog,” “home guard,” or “door guard.” The term “mastiff” was mostly likely used because it meant “large dog” but is suggested that a more correct name for this dog might “Tibetan Mountain Dog.” Read more

Scottish in origin, intensely loyal and loving by nature; the Sheltie is a great addition to just about any family! This “Miniature Collie” is an agile and highly energetic medium-sized dog that is a constant joy and surprise.  Read more about this dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Shetland Sheepdog below!

History & Background: Like it’s larger counterpart the Rough Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog is a descendant of the Border Collie. However, unlike other miniature breeds, the Sheltie wasn’t developed by selectively breeding continually smaller sizes each generation. When Border Collies were brought to the Scottish isle of Shetland, they were bred with highly intelligent, long-haired, small dogs. Some of these breeds could have been King Charles Spaniels (not Cavalier), Pomeranians, and the now extinct Greenland Yakki. The first Shelties were more Spitz-type working dogs and then were bred with other Collies and taken to England.

When first developed, breeders called this dog Shetland Collies but Rough Collie breeders didn’t like the name association with their breed.  It was then this breed was given the name Shetland Sheepdog. The Sheltie was used as a herding dog, watchdog and general all-purpose farm helper. Shelties were first recognized by the AKC in the early 1900s.

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 16-20 pounds

Coat: A Sheltie’s coat consists of two layers, both very abundant with fur. The outer coat is long, straight and rough. The undercoat is fuzzy, downy and very dense, which gives the Sheltie have a puffy look. The outer coat is water repellent and the undercoat provides relief from temperature extremes. This breed does have a lot of frill and feathering, particularly in the form of a mane and on the fore and hind legs. Sheltie tails are thick with hair as well.  However, Shelties have smooth hair on the face, tips of ears and feet.

Color: There are typically three colors or combinations recognized for the Sheltie; black, sable and blue merle. Black coloring can be present with white or tan, ultimately making this tri-coloring. Sable coloring can range from golden to deep mahogany color, also combining with colors of white and tan. Blue Merle coloring consists of blue, white and tan in combination. Read more

The “King of the Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is not only the largest of the terriers, but has been called the dog who can do it all. Plus, isn’t he just adorable!?  Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Airedale highlights the regal, unique looking yet beautiful English breed and we know you’ll love learning about this terrier.

History & Background: First called Waterside or Bingley Terriers, the modern Airedale looks very different from the Airedale of the past. The breed originates from the Valley of Aire, a dale in West Yorkshire, England where the river Aire flows through the land. The first Airedale’s were used as all-purpose working terriers. This dog was mostly a hunter and was bred by crossing a black and tan terrier, bull and terrier dogs, and otterhounds. Hunters soon noticed this dog was adept at almost all hunting aspects; speed, quickness, cornering, following a scent and was even great in water.

When the World Wars came to Europe, the Airedale was again used in a myriad of ways. They carried messages to soldiers, transported mail, guarded camp, and found wounded soldiers on the battlefield. After their work in war, the Airedale transferred to police work. Before police forces started adopting German Shepherds for their work, Airedales were used extensively.

Airedales came to North America in the 1880s, but increased in popularity after WWI. The tales of Airedale bravery on the battlefield inspired dog lovers to have this breed in their own home. Another reason for gain in popularity was the Presidential owners of Airedales including Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding. It’s said President Harding’s Airedale, Laddie Boy, was the first celebrity White House pet. Mr. Harding even had a custom chair made for Laddie Boy to sit in during important Cabinet meetings. By the 1920s the Airedale was the most popular dog breed in the USA and continued to peak until 1949.

The Airedale is mostly a companion dog today, but is still used as a working dog in some parts of the world. The AKC recognized the Airedale in 1888, and the breed standard was approved in 1959. Read more