Then And Now: How Dog Breeds’ Appearances Have Evolved Over The Past Century

For decades, dogs have been man’s faithful buddies, helping with guarding, herding, and even emotional support. However, over the years, humans have selectively fostered dogs for distinct traits. As a result, modern dog breeds are diverse and varied, ranging from small White Terriers to the massive Doberman, and focused German Shepherds. 

Historians agree that the pug breed has its origin in China. It was a mark of royalty in ancient China before the breed spread to other parts of Asia. The pug’s snout has grown shorter from breeding, making it likely to get face injuries.

This breed of dog is known to have originated in France. Emperor Napoleon III was said to have kept some dogs of this breed. They are easy to identify with their short legs and drooping ears. But there are notable features that have changed in how they look.

Also called the Alsatian, German Shepherds are a crossbreed of several native German herding dogs. This dog breed is one of the most popular, as it is very versatile and has been recorded to serve well in various capacities. 100 years ago, German Shepherds weren’t as big as they are today –  they were also more nimble and could easily scale an eight-foot wall.

Also known as the British Bulldog, this breed inspired some policies that prevent the indiscriminate breeding of dogs in the U.K. Breeding bulldogs is illegal in the Netherlands and Norway. Several health issues arise from breeding them all in the name of getting a good-looking mastiff. 

The Dachshund is a dog breed from Germany. Many variants of this breed that you’re likely to see around have especially short legs and long torsos. As you see in the picture, this breed has not always been that way.

The Bull Terrier originated in England as a bull-baiting dog until the sport became prohibited. Although their most iconic differentia is their egg-shaped head, the Bull Terriers did not start that way, as you can see in the picture. 

This breed is named after the German tax collector — Louis Doberman — that developed it. More recent breeds of this dog are distinct for their long neck, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and leads to other health issues.

The Saint Bernard breed is native to the Alps of Switzerland and Italy. They were used as work dogs and rescue dogs. But new breeds of Saint Bernard have become more homely and are now being bred as pets. 

Boxers were developed in Germany. This breed has some genes of the Old English Bulldog. In the United States, Boxers were once the seventh most popular dog for six straight years. But they now look like a shadow of their former selves due to a flattening of their muscles.

Salukis are a feminine-looking breed with hairy and drooping ears. They were bred in the Middle East by royalty. This heritage earned them the alias Persian Greyhound. Breeding has made the waist of Salukis thinner, accompanied by medical conditions.

Bearded Collies were herding dogs and were first bred in Scotland. The new breeds are featured more often as pets, with their attractive and silky fur. The hair requires regular grooming to avoid the attachment of dirt particles and disease carriers. 

This is another dog breed of Scottish origin. If you want a dog to grow with your kids and horse around with them, Terriers would fit. They are very intelligent, learn, and adapt to new environments. Modern White Terriers have shorter legs and fuller hair than they did 100 years ago.

Rottweilers first became popular in Germany. It was called the Butcher’s dog because every butcher had one. The Rottweiler was used in driving herds and pulling meat-laden carts to the market. In more recent times, new breeds of Rottweiler have been adopted as guard dogs, security, or police dogs.

In recent times, Irish Setters have been bred as show dogs. Early breeds had a structure that looked like that of a greyhound — deep-chested, thin waist. Irish Setters are not very suited for guard purposes. Though quite active, they’re not spontaneous in reflexes. 

Called the ‘King of Terrier,’ Airedales originated from the Vale of River Aire, near Yorkshire. Their peculiar goatee makes them easy to identify. But, as seen in the picture, this has not always been the physical features of the Airedale Terrier.