National Pets

The Old English Sheepdog, originating from southwestern England, was initially bred to assist herders in driving cattle and sheep. Renowned for its iconic fluffy coat and friendly demeanor, this breed has transitioned from pastoral fields to households worldwide, emerging as a beloved companion dog.

This breed is large - sized. Males are about 27 inches in shoulder height and 115 pounds in weight, while females are about 24 inches in shoulder height and 80 pounds in weight1. They have a magnificent head, showing great strength and dignity. Their coat is rough and shaggy, which is a double coat providing good insulation. They also have strong and webbed feet, enabling them to capture prey both on land and in water1. The Otterhound has an extremely sensitive sense of smell, being curious about scents and able to persist in investigating them1.

Originating in 19th-century England, the Field Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog developed through crosses of English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and Sussex Spaniels. Bred to excel in diverse terrains, this breed was officially recognized in 1892 for individuals exceeding 25 pounds, while smaller variants became English Cocker Spaniels23. However, excessive focus on exaggerated physical traits in early breeding led to health issues and near-extinction. A revival in the 1940s through selective crossbreeding with Cockers and Springers restored its functional form23.

Nestled in the remote reaches of the Tibetan Plateau, the Tibetan Terrier has roamed for millennia as both a working partner and spiritual companion. Far from a typical terrier, this breed carries a legacy steeped in Tibetan tradition, where it was prized by monks and villagers for its intuition, agility, and serene temperament.

The Bracco Italiano, one of Europe’s oldest pointing dog breeds, traces its origins back to the 4th–5th century BCE46. Developed in northern Italy through crosses between Segugio Italiano hounds and Asiatic mastiffs, this versatile breed excels in tracking, pointing, and retrieving game37. Revered by Renaissance nobility like the Medici family, it was prized as a diplomatic gift and spread across Europe before facing near-extinction in the 19th century. Thanks to dedicated Italian breeders, the Bracco was revived mid-20th century and gained full AKC recognition in 2022 as a Sporting Group memb

The Chow Chow, an iconic breed hailing from China, is celebrated for its regal appearance and mysterious origins. Dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), these dogs were initially bred for hunting, herding, and even as a food source, earning the nickname "edible dog" in ancient times 4. Their journey to the West began in the late 19th century, and they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1903 2.

The Maltese, a breed celebrated for its regal bearing and affectionate nature, continues to captivate hearts worldwide with its unique blend of historical charm and contemporary appeal. Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, these petite white-furred companions have been cherished for over 2,800 years, with ancient Greek and Roman texts praising their beauty and loyalty . Today, they remain a beloved choice for families and individuals alike, balancing their role as pampered pets with surprising resilience and intelligence.

The Miniature Pinscher, often affectionately called the "Min Pin," is a breed that punches far above its weight in personality and presence. Despite its small stature—standing just 10 to 12.5 inches tall and weighing 8 to 11 pounds—this spirited dog has a history rooted in utility and a temperament that commands attention.

The American Foxhound, a breed deeply rooted in American history, embodies the perfect blend of athleticism, intelligence, and companionship. Developed in the 18th century through careful crossbreeding of English and French foxhounds by figures like George Washington, this breed was specifically crafted to hunt the swift American red fox12. Today, it stands as Virginia’s official state dog, celebrated for its rich heritage and distinctive traits.

The Mastiff, one of the world's oldest and largest dog breeds, traces its origins back to 6th century BCE Britain, introduced by Phoenician traders from Central Asia . Initially used in warfare and guarding, these colossal canines were even trained as gladiatorial combatants in Roman arenas, facing lions and bears . In medieval England, they became guardians of noble estates, participating in blood sports like bull-baiting until such practices were banned in the 19th century, prompting a shift toward breeding for docility

The Italian Greyhound, often affectionately called the "Iggy," is a breed that seamlessly blends regal elegance with playful charm. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, these petite sighthounds have captivated hearts across civilizations, from ancient Egyptian tombs to Renaissance palaces 89. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886, they currently rank 65th among 173 breeds, cherished for their unique blend of speed, sensitivity, and companionship 34.

The Irish Wolfhound, a breed steeped in ancient history and myth, stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Revered for its imposing size and gentle demeanor, this giant sighthound has captivated hearts for millennia. Originating in Celtic times, these dogs were initially bred to hunt wolves and Irish elk, with their prowess celebrated in legends and historical records. By the 15th century, they became symbols of nobility, their ownership restricted to kings and chieftains16.

The Norwegian Buhund, an ancient breed tracing back to the Viking era, continues to safeguard Nordic lands with its tenacity and intelligence. Archaeological findings reveal that its ancestors voyaged with Viking pirates and were buried alongside their owners in Viking tombs dating to 900 AD. The term "Buhund" in Norwegian translates to "farm dog," aptly summarizing its historical role as a versatile working dog—herding livestock, guarding farms, and even fending off predators like bears and wolves

The Russian Toy Dog, with its delicate appearance and lively personality, has gained prominence in the international canine community in recent years. Originating from Russia, this small breed, standing at 20-28 cm tall and weighing under 3 kg, has become a popular choice as a family companion due to its unique charm3.

The Chinese Pug, affectionately known as the "Pug," is a small breed with a big personality and a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Originating in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), these dogs were cherished as royal companions and later spread to Europe via the Silk Road, captivating aristocrats and artists alike. By the 16th century, Pugs became symbols of status in European courts, with Dutch traders introducing them to the Netherlands, where they earned the nickname "Dutch Mastiffs" and even saved the life of William III by alerting him to an assassination plot

The Parson Russell Terrier, a breed deeply rooted in history and vitality, traces its origins to 19th-century England, where it was meticulously developed by the Reverend John Russell for fox hunting 26. Bred to be agile, tenacious, and capable of working underground, this terrier’s lineage reflects a commitment to functionality over aesthetics. Initially known as the "Jack Russell Terrier," the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1990 and renamed to Parson Russell Terrier in 1999 to distinguish it from other terrier types 6.