Old Danish Pointer
The Spanish Pointer and Scandinavian farm dogs are ancestors of this hunting dog, a breed that made its debut in Denmark in the dawn of the 18th century.
A dog with a docile demeanor which makes the breed excellent family members, the Old Danish Pointer’s physical appearance differs distinctly between male and female. with the male markedly larger and with a more athletic build than the female.
Although considered a rare breed in many corners of the world, thanks to efforts of a group of dog lovers in its native country after the second World War today the Old Danish Pointer is again a common sight in Denmark.
Old English Sheepdog
A dog that is synonymous with childhood in the eyes of anyone who grew up watching Disney movies, this breed (which can be seen in such fun flicks as The Shaggy Dog, The Shaggy D.A., The Little Mermaid and One Hundred and One Dalmatians) has been a star on the world stage since the 1800s, when they were developed in England to work as drover’s dogs.
Also known as the Shepherd’s Dog and the “Bobtail” (due to the practice of tail docking, which is now waning for this breed), this herding dog has impressed judges twice at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, with an Old English Sheepdog named Slumber taking home the honor of Best in Show back in 1914 and Sir Lancelot of Barvan winning the title in 1975.
Pet parents of an Old English Sheepdog have something in common with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who had a Bobtail named Tiny; and Paul McCartney, who immortalized his furry family member in the Beatles’ song “Martha, My Dear.”
Olde English Bulldogge
Originating in America in the early 1970s, the Olde English Bulldogge is a relatively new breed on the scene.
An homage to the Bulldogs of the 1700s, this breed shares DNA with the Bulldog, the American Bulldog and the Bullmastiff.
While the dogs’ appearance closely mirrors that of its ancestors, its more peace-loving personality is in stark contrast to the breed’s forebearers, who were forced into the blood “sport” of bull baiting.
Otterhound
The Otterhound dog is a member of the scenthound family and its exact origin is unknown. Some enthusiasts theorize that the breed may have started in France because it resembles a look of the old French Vendeen Hound. Others believe that the Otterhound is a mix of the Bloodhound, Welsh Harrier, Southern Hound, and a bit of Water Spaniel.
The first documented groups of Otterhounds were kept by King John in the year 1212. During that time, the dogs hunted the otters responsible for depleting fish throughout local streams. They would go after the otter within their den and then bay after finding it; hunters then released Otterhound and sent in small terriers to dispatch the otters.
Today Otterhounds are one of the rarest dog breeds in the AKC.
Explore More Dog Breeds Starting with:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | V-Z
Photo Credits: Canva.com unless otherwise credited