Most People Aren’t Aware Of The Original Purpose Of These Popular Dog Breeds (It Might Surprise You)
Though dogs are cherished companions now, many breeds were originally bred for specific tasks. Whether it was tracking game, herding livestock, or guarding property, these dogs had important jobs long before they became our cozy couch buddies.
Want to find out what your favorite breed was originally meant to do? Let's explore the fascinating working origins of some of the world’s most popular dogs.
Shiba Inus Hunted Small Game In The Mountains Of Japan
Originating in Japan, the Shiba Inu was originally bred as a hunting dog, skilled at tracking small game like birds and rabbits in the country's mountainous regions. However, during the Meiji Restoration—a period when Japan opened up to Western influence—the pure Shiba bloodlines were crossed with Western breeds, and by the early 1900s, pure Shibas had nearly vanished.
Despite efforts to save the breed, Shiba Inus faced near extinction due to food shortages and a distemper outbreak during World War II. Today, it’s believed that all Shibas descend from just three surviving bloodlines.
Shetland Sheepdogs Were Called Toonie Dogs
Shetland Sheepdogs hail from the rugged Shetland Islands, the northernmost region of the United Kingdom. Historically, they earned the nickname "toonie dogs," with “toon” being a Shetland word for farm.
Living up to their name, Shelties worked as herding dogs for farmers, managing not just sheep but also ponies and poultry. Their small size wasn't accidental—it helped them thrive in the harsh island climate by requiring less food, a crucial advantage when resources were scarce.
Portuguese Water Dogs Were Like Canine Fishermen
True to their name, Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to assist fishermen along Portugal's coastline. They played important roles—retrieving lost tackle, herding fish into nets, and carrying messages between boats and shore.
Known for their adaptability, these dogs could handle everything from Portugal’s warm waters to the icy seas near Iceland during long fishing trips across the Atlantic. While they no longer work as fishing companions today, Portuguese Water Dogs remain valuable in water rescue efforts thanks to their natural swimming skills.
Poodles Swam To Hunt Ducks
Poodles have a long history dating back to at least the 15th century, famously featured in artwork by German painter Albrecht Dürer. They're thought to descend from the Barbet—a French water dog—and the Puli, a herding breed from Hungary.
Originally bred in Germany as duck-hunting dogs, the name "Poodle" comes from the German word “pudelin,” meaning to splash in water. Their iconic grooming style wasn’t just for looks—it was crafted by hunters to give them maximum freedom to swim while keeping essential areas warm and protected from the cold.
King Charles Spaniels Didn't Make Good Hunting Dogs
Experts suggest that King Charles Spaniels probably originated in East Asia, where they might have first been used for hunting. However, their small stature made them less suited for that role, so they became prized as lapdogs instead.
When these dogs arrived in Europe during the 13th century, British nobility quickly embraced them as companion animals. The breed gained particular favor with King Charles II, who lent his name to them. It's also believed that their distinctive short noses came from crossbreeding with pugs somewhere along the way.
Belgian Malinois Were Meant To Work Alone
The Belgian Malinois gets its name from the city of Malines in northwestern Belgium. While they resemble German Shepherds, Malinois tend to be sleeker, leggier, and have a different-sized head.
Like the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois was originally bred for herding livestock in its native land. These dogs were specifically developed by breeders who prioritized work ethic over the whims of pet trends, making them highly suited for independent, hard work on the farm.
Pomeranians Used To Heard Animals And Pull Sleds
Pomeranians are descendants of the Spitz-type sled dogs that originated in the Arctic. Their name comes from Pomerania, a region located in northern Poland and Germany, where the smaller version of the Spitz we know today was first bred.
Though it's hard to imagine these tiny dogs were once used to pull sleds and herd animals, they were much larger when they served those roles. Over time, however, they were selectively bred for their appearance. Queen Victoria played a major role in popularizing Pomeranians as pets and once had 35 of them in her kennel.
English Mastiffs Were Fierce Fighters
The Old English Mastiff is one of the oldest and most formidable dog breeds, with a history dating back to at least the days of Julius Caesar. During his invasion of Britain in 55 B.C., Caesar was amazed by the strength and bravery of these dogs as they defended their land. So impressed was he that he brought some back to Rome, where they were used in the arena to fight wild beasts and gladiators.
Back in England, Mastiffs served a different yet equally heroic purpose—guarding estates, hunting large game, and even going to battle. Though "mastiff" is a broad term for powerful, muscular dogs worldwide, the Old English Mastiff is especially noteworthy for its rich legacy and commanding loyalty.
Lhasa Apsos Were Tibetan Guard Dogs
The Lhasa Apso boasts an ancient lineage, tracing its roots back to around 800 B.C. in Tibet's Himalayan region. Nicknamed "Bearded Lion Dogs," these small but alert companions were initially bred to serve as vigilant watchdogs in Buddhist monasteries and in the homes of Tibetan nobility in the city of Lhasa.
Recognized as one of the oldest dog breeds, Lhasas were prized for their keen hearing and piercing bark. They often partnered with larger Tibetan Mastiffs—while the Mastiffs guarded the exteriors, the Lhasas stayed indoors, ready to sound the alarm if anyone managed to breach the premises.
Shar-Peis Were Chinese Peasant Dogs
Originating from southern China, the Shar-Pei has a history stretching back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Initially, this breed belonged mostly to peasants who relied on them for a variety of tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding livestock against predators.
The Shar-Pei's role remained important for centuries until 1949, when dog ownership was heavily restricted under the Communist regime of the People’s Republic of China, leading to the slaughter of many purebred dogs. Fortunately, a handful of Shar-Peis were spared, and the breed experienced a revival after being introduced to the United States in the 1960s.
Rottweilers Helped Guard And Herd Cattle
The Rottweiler is a herding breed that dates back to the Roman Empire. They're believed to be descendants to the Roman drover dog, a mastiff-type dog that was used to herd and guard the cattle that Roman soldiers traveled with during their conquest of Europe. During the Middle Ages, they accompanied traveling butchers as guards.
Rottweiler numbers decreased as railroads took over as the main method for moving stock but the breed found new purposes as police dogs, messengers, guard dogs, and in other forms of service during the First and Second World Wars.
Miniature Schnauzers Were Barnyard Ratters
Schnauzers have been working dogs across Europe since at least the 1400s. They started out helping farmers with everyday chores and keeping an eye on the property. Over time, German farmers began breeding them into a smaller version to take on a specific job—hunting down rats in barns.
That's how the Miniature Schnauzer came to be known as a top-notch ratter. Even though they come from feisty terrier roots in Scotland and Ireland, Miniature Schnauzers tend to be much more friendly and eager to please.
Dalmatians Were Carriage Dogs
The exact origins of Dalmatians are still a mystery. They've appeared in everything from ancient Egyptian wall art to Italian frescoes, and many believe they traveled with Romani gypsies—possibly explaining their elusive history.
What we do know is that by the 1600s, Dalmatians were popular in England as carriage dogs. They'd run alongside horses and carriages to offer protection on the road. That same instinct made them perfect for early firehouses, which is why they’re still closely tied to firefighters today.
Vizslas Were All-Purpose Hunting Dogs
If you've ever seen a Vizsla run at a lightning fast speed, just know that that was by design. They were originally bred by the Magyar people, Hungarian tribesmen native to the steppes of Russia during the 9th century. The Magyars were brutal warriors who ravaged their way through Western Europe on horseback and needed dogs that could keep up.
As a result, they bred nimble red dogs that became ancestors of the modern-day Vizsla. Throughout history, these swift canines were used as an all-purpose hunting dog.
Shih Tzus Were Property Of The Royal Chinese Court
Shih Tzu's were cherished by ancient Chinese emperors as foot and bed warmers. There's evidence that around 1,000 years ago, these dogs were bred by Tibetan Monks who gifted them to the emperors of China. Because of this, Shih Tzus have long been considered sacred property of the royal court. Anyone else caught owning one was sentenced to death.
It's believed that every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced to one of 14 dogs. Seven males and seven females are responsible for rebuilding the breed after the Communist Revolution in China nearly wiped them out.
Labrador Retrievers Fetched Fish Out Of Icy Waters
Labrador Retrievers are descendants of St. John's water dogs on the island of Newfoundland. Bred from a mix of English, Irish, and Portuguese working breeds, fishermen used St. John's water dogs to pull in fishing nets and to jump in the icy water to retrieve fish that fell off fishing hooks. The fishermen then began breeding them with mastiffs brought in by Portuguese fishermen.
In the 1800s, a British Sportsman named Colonel Hawker was impressed by these dogs, whose coats repelled water and had webbed feet that allowed them to swim. He brought them back to England to assist with hunting and began calling them Labradors.
Bulldogs Were Once Bred To Fight Bulls
In the 5th century, Bulldogs were originally bred to assist butchers in controlling livestock but it wasn't long before they were trained for a bloodsport known as bull-baiting. Bulldogs would latch onto a tethered bull's nose until they successfully pulled the bull to the ground or were killed by the bull. This went on until 1835 when bull-baiting became illegal.
Because of this, Bulldogs wouldn't be around today had they not been brought to America and other parts of Europe. In the U.S., they were used to herd hogs and cattle. In Germany, they were crossbred to create the Boxer.
Whippets Were A Smaller Alternative To The Greyhound
If you guessed that Whippets are related to Greyhounds, then you guessed correctly. Though the two breeds share the same penchant for speed, Whippets are considerably smaller in size and mild mannered.
In Victorian England, coal miners enjoyed dog racing and rabbit hunting in their off time but couldn't handle owning an actual Greyhound due to their size and amount of food they needed. As a result, miners set out to breed a smaller version of the Greyhound to much success. Since then, Whippets have been known as the "Poor Man's Racehorse" that gets its name from the Victorian word "whappet," which means "a small dog that yaps."
Beagles Were Made For Hunting Hares
Beagles were around as early as the 15th century in France, Greece, Italy, and England. They were believed to be brought over by the Romans during the conquest of Britain and bred with the now-extinct Talbot hounds initially brought to Great Britain by William the Conqueror.
By the 18th century, they were popular among farmers and small landholders for hare-hunting throughout England. Beagles made for a good-looking utilitarian hound at that point, adding to their popularity. They were especially popular among the English Royal Family for amusement and Queen Elizabeth I supposedly owned an entire pack of them.
Dachshunds Burrowed Underground To Hunt Badgers
Dachshund is a German word that translates to "badger dog." Their origins are traced back to 17th-century Germany, where they were used to hunt badgers. Their short legs and big chests were ideal for digging into badger tunnels.
As the breed developed, standard sized Dachschunds were still used to hunt badgers as well as wild boar. Smaller versions of the breed were used to hunt hare and foxes. They developed flap-down ears to prevent debris and such from entering the ear canal, while their curved tails helped owners see them in tall grass and pull them out if they got stuck in a burrow.
Yorkshire Terriers Were Excellent Pest Control Specialists
During the Industrial Revolution, Yorkshire Terriers were ideal for catching rats in mills and mines. Workers from Scotland brought various types of small terriers with them when they traveled to Yorkshire for work, which is how the breed got its name.
While they made for excellent pest control in factories, hunters started bringing Yorkshire Terriers along to hunt other species. These brave little dogs were carried in the hunters' pockets and unleashed into the dens of other animals. Because of this and their small size, Yorkshire Terriers were highly desirable pets for royalty and the upper class.
Boxers Are A Multipurpose Dog That Used To Be A Lot Bigger
Boxers, as we know them today, are a cross between Bulldogs from Britain and an extinct Mastiff-type dog called a Bullenbeisser. During medieval times, Bullenbeissers helped hunt bears, wild boars, and deer. But as the tradition of lavish hunting among German noblemen went out of style by the mid-19th century, the Bullenbeisser breed was deemed obsolete.
They were thus mixed with smaller breeds to make for a sleeker dog much like modern-day Boxers. They've since been formidable companions for soldiers at war and policemen, in addition to being utilized as guard and guide dogs.
Corgis Shepherded Cattle And Sheep
In medieval times, the best weavers hailed from Flanders (modern-day northern Belgium), so monarchs swayed weavers to move to their kingdoms. As a result, Flemish weavers brought the Corgi breed to Wales in 1107, using the dogs to herd cattle and sheep. Corgis were small enough to nibble at cattle legs while being able to avoid retaliatory kicks.
There are now two distinct breeds of corgi: Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have tails and rounded ears, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis have no tails and pointed ears. Their resemblance is a result of crossbreeding in the 19th century.
Siberian Huskies Have Always Been Sled Dogs
Siberian Huskies were originally bred in northeastern Asia and their lineage dates back more than 4,000 years. They were developed by the Chukchi people who hailed from eastern Siberia, where they were loved as companion dogs and endurance sled dogs.
These dogs were bred out of a need to travel across vast expanses of land while hauling a light load without having to use too much energy. Because the Chukchi were isolated from the rest of the world, they maintained the purity of the breed for many generations until the early 1900s, when they were first used in Alaskan sled-dog racing.
Great Danes Hunted Wild Boar
Contrary to what their name suggests, Great Danes are not from Denmark. These German dogs can actually be traced back to 3000 B.C. where monuments in ancient Egypt displayed drawings of dogs that resembled Great Danes.
Though Great Danes were initially used as Boarhounds, German noblemen started breeding these dogs in large numbers to keep in the home. Because only the wealthy classes owned Great Danes, this breed was pampered and even wore gilded collars. Even though these dogs hail from Germany, they got their name when a traveler in Demark saw one and thought they looked like a bulkier version of a Greyhound.
Akitas Were Made In A Competition
Akitas are known to have originated in ancient Japan. In the early 17th century, it is believed that the emperor banished a nobleman to the Akita prefecture of northern Japan, where he was left to rule alone. As a result, this nobleman held a competition to breed a large hunting dog and after many generations, the Akita Inu was born.
Akitas were made to be strong and stout, capable of taking on wild boar, deer, and sometimes bears. These dogs are revered as objects of myth and legend due to their origin story.
St. Bernards Saved Thousands Of Lives
The earliest records of the St. Bernard breed date back to the late 17th century, when they were hailed as search and rescue dogs. Named for the dangerous St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, these dogs were kept by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice to help them on rescue missions after snowstorms.
The St. Bernard's sense of direction and resistance to cold helped them save an estimated 2,000 lives over the span of 200 years. The original St. Bernard was closer to the size of the average German Shepherd, instead of the behemoths they are today.
Greyhounds Hunted For Egyptian Royalty
Greyhounds were bred as hunting dogs. With keen eyesight and pursuit speed, they could detect far-away prey and were fast enough to pursue and capture them. Because of this, they were worshiped by royalty and noblemen, who cherished Greyhounds as companions as well.
The earliest depictions of Greyhounds date back around 5,000 years to the times of ancient Egypt. These sleek hounds were considered an extension of an Egyptian ruler's divine majesty and were so loved that the death of a Greyhound was treated with the same depth as the death of a human.
Doberman Pinschers Were The "Tax Collector's Dog"
Dobermans are believed to have been bred by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who ran the Apolda dog pound in the German state of Thuringia during the 1880s. Dobermann had access to many breeds and decided to conceive a new breed that would protect him in whatever dangerous job he took on next.
Doberman wanted a dog with stamina, strength, and intelligence and thus, the Doberman Pinscher was born. Known as the "Tax Collector's Dog," as one of Dobermann's dangerous occupations was tax collecting, the breed has gone on to become a working dog in police and military K-9 duty.
German Shepherds Are The Result Of Selective Breeding
During the mid-19th century, local shepherds in German communities sought to standardize a breed of dog that had all the perfect characteristics necessary for herding sheep: intelligence, speed, strength, and impeccable sense of smell. Breeders ended up with dogs that had all these traits but differed in appearance from one another.
Arguments arose over whether the dogs should solely be bred for working purposes or if appearance should be considered as well. Eventually, by 1899, the German Shepherd we know and love today became standardized. Because of their inherited traits, German Shepherds are often employed in military and police forces around the world.
Pugs Were Only Meant To Keep Us Company
Pugs date back as far as 400 B.C. and while most dog breeds originated to serve some type of purpose, Pugs were bred simply to keep humans company. Originating in China, the breed's adaptability and natural affection for people made them popular companion dogs for the wealthy. Chinese emperors valued pugs so much that the dogs had their own guards and servants.
Pugs eventually made their way into Russia and Europe, where European courts hailed these dogs for the same reasons. By the 19th century, Pugs became popular show dogs in the United States.
Boston Terriers Were Made To Fight And Catch Rats
Boston Terriers were bred as a result of the popularity of blood sport in Europe throughout 19th-century England. Breeders would cross bull-type breeds with terriers to create a dog that was good at pit fighting and could also dominate in a ratting contest.
One such muscular dog named Judge impressed an American named William O'Brien who brought Judge to Boston. Judge is considered the patriarch of the Boston Terrier breed and accepted as a common ancestor among pure Boston Terriers today.
Bernese Mountain Dogs Were A Favorite On Farms
Bernese Mountain Dogs served multiple purposes in their native Bern, an agricultural region known for dairy production in Switzerland. Throughout history, they've guarded farms from predators, helped farmers herd cattle and sheep, and at the end of the day, they were there to be your loyal companion after a day's hard work.
By the late 19th century, their numbers were dwindling, however, and Swiss breeders made a concerted effort to reverse the breed's decline. Luckily, the efforts were a success and Bernese Mountain Dogs have been favored as farm dogs ever since.
Havanese Were Always Lap Dogs For The Filthy Rich
Havanese dogs get their name from Havana, Cuba, where wealthy planters and aristocrats owned these dogs as lap dogs. Havanese are believed to be cousins of sorts to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. In early human civilization, seafaring merchants would sell these dogs around the world. They were brought to Cuba in particular by Spaniards who were set on colonizing the "New World" back in the 1600s.
Over time, Havanese were likely bred with more refined breeds such as Poodles. They were brought to America by Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro's revolution during 1959.
A Cane Corso Would Charge At Enemies With Flaming Oil
The Cane Corso originated in Italy, where they were favored as guard dogs. They are believed to be descendants of the ancient Roman molosser dog. Throughout history to the present day, Cane Corsos are useful in protecting property, livestock, and families.
The ancestor of the Cane Corso was a dog of conquest who would charge at enemy lines with buckets of flaming oil strapped to their backs. In those days, the dog was much bulkier than the sleek Cane Corso of the present.
Border Collies Were A Cross Between Roman And Viking Dogs
Border Collies were bred from two types of dogs from two very different regions. When the Romans occupied Britain from 43 to 410 A.D., they brought along their herding dogs since they brought over their own livestock.
Similarly, when the Vikings raided Britain long after the Romans, they too brought over their own dogs. The old Roman dogs and the dogs of the Vikings were thus cross bred over the years, to create a compact and agile dog that made for efficient herders in the hilly landscape of Scotland and Wales.
Pointers Led Hunters In The Right Direction
Pointers have been traced as far back as the 17th century and are thought to have been brought to England from the European mainland. This breed is believed to have been derived from Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers that were already established breeds at the time.
True to their name, Pointers were used to seek out and indicate prey during hunting season. Before the advent of rifles, Pointers were used alongside hounds during the hunt. They'd point out prey, while hounds would give chase. Because of this, they've made excellent bird dogs ever since.
Chinooks Are Hybrid Sled Dogs
Chinooks were developed by polar explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden in the late 19th century. He traveled across the Klondike for six years and when he returned to his native New Hampshire, he was set on developing his own line of sled dogs. He combined a mastiff-type dog with a descendant of a Greenland husky and ended up with puppies that were friendly and perfect for sledding.
Walden named his new breed after his lead sled dog Chinook, which is a Native American word meaning "warm wind." Chinooks are relatively rare compared to most dog breeds.
