Dogs are considered one species, but if you look at canines across the world, it is sometimes hard to believe. They can look so very different and have such diverse temperaments. Not to mention that some dogs have been around for thousands of years whereas others are less than a century old. Some were bred for specific purposes and others evolved naturally, adapting to their physical environments.
To show just how different dogs around the world can be, the website My Dog’s Name put together an infographic with dog breeds and their home countries. Some crazy cool facts:
- Alaskan Malamute
The Malamute is the oldest sled dog in the world, most likely a descendant of wolf dogs from the Paleolithic era. - Australian Shepherd
Hard to believe, but the Australian Shepherd actually hails from the United States. - Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is an ancient dog and was a prized companion of the Toltec and Mayan people. - Havanese
This pup is the cherished national dog of Cuba. - Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the few dogs native to Africa and was used to keep lions at bay during hunting. - Puli
This prized dog of Hungary guarded flocks for centuries. - Pharaoh Hound
Found in ancient hieroglyphs, this breed is more than 3,000 years old. - Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of only two dogs with a blue tongue. (The other is the Shar-Pei.) - Samoyed
Hailing from Siberia, the Samoyed can withstand temperatures up to -60 F. - Akita
The Akita is known for their utmost loyalty and is consider a prized pet in Japan.
For the sake of your pet’s health, it is so important to know the background behind your dog’s breed (or breeds) if you can. Many dogs are predisposed to certain health issues. Knowing this also helps understand your pet’s behavior. As you can see from the infographic, all dog breeds have an interesting history – what is yours?
