Do you ever look at certain dog breeds and wonder why their coats are a certain length or how they can only grow to be a certain size? This is due to the age-old practice of breeding, which is the practice of mating selected dogs with the intention of maintaining or producing specific qualities and characteristics. There are numerous dog breeds that are still living up to what they were born to do, while some have strayed away from their natural qualities and are simply happy being companions. Here are some dogs and their original purpose:

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•  Dachshunds

  • Dachshunds were originally bred to fight off badgers and to wriggle their way down badger holes and miniature Dachshunds were used to follow rabbits into their dens.

•  Newfoundlands

  • Newfoundlands are big in name and size! Used for all kinds of jobs in cold, wet environments, you might see a Newfoundland dog pulling a ship’s rope to shore, rescuing a man overboard, or hitched to a sled. They also make great lifeguards because they have water-resistant coats and webbed feet.

•  Great Danes

  • Just like Newfoundlands, these dogs are big! Widely known as the largest dog breed and even tower over people! Great Danes hunted ferocious wild boar alongside nobles. Nowadays, these friendly and dependable dogs simply protect their loved ones.

• Saint Bernards

  • Famously, these dogs are known to be big, powerful, and major droolers. Although they are giants, these dogs are quite gentle. Known for being patient, Saint Bernard’s were and still are used to locate and rescue travelers buried by drifts and avalanches in snowy passes in the Alps.

• German Shepherds

  • One of the most well-known breeds, these dogs still live up to their original purpose. Originally bred to herd sheep, they are known as “one-man” dogs due to their fidelity and loyalty. While herding sheep is still a job they occupy, assimilating and retaining training for multiple purposes comes easy so they are often used as service dogs, police dogs, sentinels, and in obedience work.

There is another phenomenon known as hybrid breeding or mixed breeds and are often referred to as ‘mutts.’ The biggest reason for creating a hybrid dog is to develop a dog that has the positive attributes of two separate dog breeds. Among the most desired hybrids are hypoallergenic dogs that are family friendly. Combining breeds is extremely popular due to it being an intentional effort to subdue health concerns as well. Here are some unique crossbreeds or hybrids that you may want to consider adding to your family:

• Puggles

  • This hybrid breed, which initially emerged in the 1980s, delivers the signature curlicue tail and excitability of a pug without the respiratory issues pugs often experience. Puggles are known to be sweet and playful and always up for public displays of affection.

• Goldendoodles

  • Individually, poodles and golden retrievers are considered two of the best dogs for first-time pet parents because they are easy to train and groom and are oh-so lovable. When you combine the two, you have the makings of the ultimate doggo!

• Labskies

  • Both Labradors and Huskies are friendly dogs, the Labsky typically has a cheerful disposition and are usually loving and caring for their owners and their guests. They are smart, adorable, active, and energetic. It is active, loyal, and extremely loving. They are also easy to train, but because they have a lot of energy, they need a lot of exercise.

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  Cheagle

  • Many Cheagle lovers describe these dogs’ personalities as loyal and fun-loving. Although they are the size of your average lap dog, their high energy levels mean they would prefer a game of fetch to a cuddle session. They do, however, love to bark, so if you want a watchdog who will alert you to anyone at your door, you cannot do much better than the Cheagle.

• Corgidor

  • Laid-back when you are ready to wind down, and up for anything when you are ready for adventure, Corgidors love to please and tag along. Both alert and attentive, these pups consider themselves members of their people’s family and guardians.

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