Considered a "cautionary tale for dog breeders," due to its instant popularity followed by near extinction, the field spaniel has a rich history.
Its Irish roots and mystery surrounding its backstory has given rise to legends involving leprechauns and shipwrecks, among other fantastic tales.
Dating back to 7,000 years B.C., Egyptian, Asian, and Middle Eastern kings kept the sleek, tall Saluki at their sides.
From the region of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, the Afghan hound's age, which predates written history, is not only noted by authorities to be the oldest purebred dog.
The fox terrier had a very specific duty in the 1700s, and that was "go to ground," which means getting game out of their dens for huntsmen.
The mixed breed of Saint Bernard and Newfoundland, Leonbergers originate from a region in Germany of the same name and were initially bred for kings.
This breed was considered so sacred by the ancient Chinese ruling class that, if a Pekingese was stolen, death was the punishment.
Samoyeds are named after the Samoyede people who, 1,000 years ago, used the dogs for their ability to continue working even in the coldest regions of Siberia.