Tag: Dog Breeds

Rottweilers—the protector of humans. Because ultimately, this dog saves lives through its work. And this dog does work; as a police dog, a guard dog, a rescue dog and even as a therapy dog. Read more about the origins of this dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Rottweiler.

History & Background: Rottweiler’s hail from Rottweil, Germany where they were used as herding dogs for sheep and for carrying carts full of goods to market.  In fact, Rottweiler’s are one of the oldest herding breeds. Rottweiler’s were selectively breed for their herding and guarding characteristics but as the need for these skills diminished over the years, breeding slowed down. At one point in the early 1900s there was only one living female Rottweiler in Rottweil, Germany. Not too long after this, Rottweiler clubs were started to preserve the breed and since, the breed hasn’t changed much at all.

During and since WWI & WWII the Rottweiler has been used a police dog, messenger, ambulance and guard dogs. The AKC recognized this breed in 1931

Height: 24"-27" for males; 22"-25" for females

Weight: 110-132 lbs for males; 77-105 lbs for females

Coat: Rottweiler’s coats are simply designed: a medium-length, dense and flat outer coat and an undercoat, which is mostly present on neck and thighs. The amount of undercoat will depend on the climate the dog is in, but should never show through the outer coat. This breed only sheds seasonally. Read more

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

This week, Best Bully Sticks takes you to historical Zimbabwe and back for a surprising look into the history of a great hound dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This week's Breed Spotlight is sure to not only inform but create a newfound respect for this graceful and athletic canine.

History & Background: The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s forerunner was first native to South America where the breed is thought to originate from the Khoikhoi people’s dogs. These dogs were known to be extremely fierce and loyal and were used to hunt and bay lions, meaning they would hold the lion until the hunter would make the kill. This dog was also used to bay wild pigs and hunt baboons.

This Khoikhoi dog was first called the African Lion Dog while in the Rhodesia area of Africa and then progressed to the standard Rhodesian Ridgeback we now know through breeding by European settlers and traders. The standard Ridgeback came about in 1922 and was accepted into the AKC in 1955. Read more

Best Bully Sticks is highlighting a very delightful dog today, the Bichon Frisé! This little dog is full of energy and extremely loving, not to mention absolutely adorable! The Bichon also has a very interesting background that we were surprised to learn and we hope you are too! 

History & Background: The Bichon Frisé is an early descendant from the Portuguese Spaniel and still has a liking toward water and retrieving.  This dog was traded by Spanish sailors and were kept on board many boats as a companion.  Because it visited and was used as barter on many continents, the Bichon became a favorite of many royal courts. Still today, Bichons are known as a great companion dog.  

Height: 9 – 12 in (from withers)

Weight: 10 - 20 lbs

Coat: The Bichon has a soft and dense undercoat and a coarser and curlier outer-coat, which together makes this thick but soft to the touch. The coat is springy and velvety. This breed is usually listed as a hypoallergenic dog, which doesn’t shed, but this is somewhat false. The curl in the coat of the Bichon limits the amount of dead hair and dander that will get into the air. Also, the grooming that this dog needs will remove any excess hair. Read more

Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight finishes off our new AKC breeds this week with the Finnish Lapphund. This dog has a very interesting ancestry and unique features, which makes it clear why it is one of the newest breeds recognized by the AKC. Read to find out more!

History & Background: The Finnish Lapphund is historically known as the helper dog of the Sami tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe in what used to be Lapland (now the northern region of Finland, Sweden and part of Russia).  After the Sami people settled down, they kept reindeer herds which the Lapphund helped herd and maintain. With the invention of the snowmobile, the popularity of this dog lessened. However, in Finland and Scandinavia, they are still extremely popular pets.

Height: 18-21 inches (male), 16-19  inches (female)

Weight: 33-53 pounds (depending on size)

Coat: The Finnish Lapphund has a very thick double coat.  The outer layer is straight, long and water-repellent. The Lapphund's under coat is soft, dense and fluffy. Males have a very thick mane of fur around the neck. This very thick and abundant coat makes this dog resistant to extreme cold.  Because of this, the Lapphund is only one of two dogs legally allowed to be kenneled outdoors during winter in Finland.

Color: This breed has many different color variations, but there is usually one predominant color. Black, white, brown red, sable and wolf-sable are often seen.  One of the most common combinations is black and tan (mostly black with tan legs and face.) Facial markings are often seen on Lapphunds, one of the most unusual being "spectacles."  These are a light rings that appear around this dog's eyes and gives the impression of wearing spectacles. Read more