Today’s Finnish Spitz dog stems from its ancestors, northern Spitz dogs, which were owned by Finno-Ugrian tribes traveling across the lands of Eurasia and Finland. It is theorized that these early dogs were used as watchdogs. Soon after, they were used to help assist hunters.
While most dog breeds experience crossbreeding through time, this dog remained pure due to isolation. It was not until the early part of the 1800s that interbreeding with other dogs became common practice once introduced into the region. In fact, interbreeding almost wiped out the original …

The Field Spaniel is one dog breed that actually shares much of its early history with a similar breed called the English Cocker Spaniel. Initially, the only difference between these two dogs was their size. The Field Spaniel was a bit larger due to its blood connection with Land Spaniels that weighed as much as 25 pounds heavier. These larger Spaniels were made up of the Sussex, Cocker, and English Water Spaniels.
By the late 1800s, after they were recognized as their own separate breed, heavy breeding practices went into the …

The English Toy Spaniel is an easy-going and friendly member of the Toy Group. With a Pug-like expression and it’s gentle manner, this breed is the perfect pet for anyone that enjoys a reserved, easy-to-raise house dog. They are friendly to both strangers and other pets, and make an excellent watchdog.
A Brief History Of The English Toy Spaniel
As its name suggests, the area of origin of the breed is England. They were used to flush birds out for hunters in addition to being a loving family companion at home. Interestingly …

A bountiful hunter that also makes an excellent family companion, the English Springer Spaniel is a member of the sporting group. This dog never seems to run out of cheerful personality and can literally run and play for hours without getting tired.
Care must be taken that this dog does not get trapped inside of the house for too long at a time, for restlessness and frustration can set in quickly. It is most happy when roaming the land and playing with its owners. With an overly-friendly personality towards humans and …

Long before shotguns were used to kill birds when hunting, nets were used to catch the foul, which were helped by dogs that were trained to crouch whenever they pointed game. “Setters” as these dogs were called, were the foundation of today’s English Setter.
The English Setter is the oldest dog known from these groups. In fact, it is theorized that they date back well before the 15th century. Their function was to locate game and then remain still, practically frozen, until the game was taken away by hunters.
The English Setter’s …

My friends will tell you that I am the type of guy that was probably raised by wolves. When I’m not in the office you can find me scaling a steep mountainside, bodysurfing, or blazing down wild running trails in the high desert. Recently I was searching for a dog that I could share the outdoors with. I wanted a dog that was fast, loyal, and athletic. I was able to come up with a list of 5 solid breeds that would not disappoint.
Viszla
Originating from Hungary, Viszla are beautiful creatures. …