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150
Chow Chow, China, 150 B.C.
Chow chows, the working dogs of ancient China, worked as hunters, herders, and guard dogs. -
Jan 1, 700
Pekingese, China, A.D. 700s
These lapdogs were bred as pets in ancient China. One Chinese name for a Pekingese means "lion dog," which refers to the dog's name, golden mane. -
Jan 1, 1000
Siberian Husky, Siberia, 1000 B.C.
The Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia used these strong working dogs to pull sleds long distances across the snow. -
Jan 1, 1100
Border Collie, Great Britain, after A.D. 1100
This breed was developed in the countries near the border between England and Scotland for herding sheep. The border collie's ancestors were crossbreeds of local sheepdogs and dogs brought to Scotland by the Vikings. -
Jan 1, 1100
Lhasa Aspo, Tibet, A.D. 1100
This breed has a long, thick coat that protects it from the cold air of the high Tibetan plateau. In spite of its small size, the Lhasa aspo guarded homes and temples. -
Jan 1, 1500
Basset Hound, France, A.D. 1500
Second only to the blood-hound at following scent, the basset hound has short legs and a compact body that help it run through underbrush. -
Dachshund, Germany, A.D. 1600s
These dogs were bred to catch badgers or rats. Their short legs and long body can fit into a badgers burrow . In fact, in German the word Dachshund means "badger dog". -
Akita, Japan, A.D. 1600s
This breed was developed in the cold mountains of northern Japan as a guard dog and hunting dog. The Akita is able to hunt in deep snow and is also a powerful swimmer. -
Golden Retriever, Great Britain, A.D. 1870s
Lord Tweedmouth developed this breed to help hunters retrieve waterfowl and other small animals. -
Greyhound, Egypt, 3000 B.C.
These speedy, slender hounds were bred for chasing prey. Today, greyhounds are famous as racers.
