What’s in a Dog?

Love a snow dog? Check out this episode to learn all about the original sled pulling champion just in time for the conclusion of the 2025 Iditarod. 

This little Italian treasure hunter will have you shouting Figo! Don't get ahead of yourselves though, a fully trained tuber hunter will set you back anywhere from $8-12,000 dollars. Mama Mia! Sources:  https://lagottoamerica.com/history/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/

A royal lap warmer almost lost to a fad of non-functional breed trends. Check out this episode to learn more about these adorable little companion dogs.    Sources:  https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/ https://ackcsc.org/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-history-behind-the-breed/  

Walking cotton candy, barking land cloud, floofy friend, all names to describe the dog on this week's episode all about the Bichon Frise. These small white companions are extremely loveable and smart to boot!    Sources:  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/bichon-frise-history/ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/ https://www.bichonrescue.org/about-the-bichon-frise

Learn about this primitive breed known for loyalty and independence. Named for the South Korean Island of Jindo, these pups are loved for their unique personalities and have even been named as the 53rd National Treasure of Korea. 

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever... small retriever, way too much name to go along with it. This tiny multipurpose dog was created to mimic the fox, and I think they did a pretty bang-up job. Find out more about this compact sporting do in our 13th episode.

Spinone? Is that a pasta? No, it is an ancient hunting breed from Italy. The Spinone is a wire coated medium sized dog with lots of love to give and strong instincts as an accomplished hunting dog. This bearded companion with soon be in your top ten when you listen to this week's episode of What's in a Dog?   Sources:  https://www.academia.edu/ Spinone Italiano - Complete History and Development - Project Upland Complete History And Evolution Of The Spinone Italiano | Spinone Life Spinone Italiano History: A Hardworking Hunter – American Kennel Club (akc.org)

What has 24 toes and crazy flexibility? The Norwegian Lundehund AKA the puffin dog. These incredible creatures helped feed the people of the Norwegian Islands for hundreds of years. After facing extinction multiple times, this still-rare breed is back for good and growing in number.  Sources:  About Lundehunds – Norwegian Lundehund Association of America (nlaainc.com) Midnattsol Kennels and Susan Torgerson in Washingtion State (lundehunds.com) Rarest Dog Breed: Norwegian Lundehund History From the Brink of Extinction – American Kennel Club (akc.org) www.akc.org/

Rare, ancient, and hairless? I'm not talking about your grandpa, this week's episode is all about the Xolo, AKA the Mexican Hairless Dog. This dog came into existence thousands of years ago and has had a long history of guiding spirits in the underworld and healing the sick.    Sources:  The Comprehensive Guide to Xoloitzcuintli: History, Care, and More - PetHelpful Xoloitzcuintli History: Where the Breed Originated (akc.org) The Aztec Underworld: A Journey Through Mictlan - Aztec Mythology (mythologyworldwide.com) https://www.nature.com/ About Xolos — Xoloitzcuintli Club of America

Poodles! The national dog of France and one of the most beloved dog breeds in America. The tale of how this sporting dog turned companion will make you say, "Oh my Dog". We also cover the doodle craze sweeping the nation and what that might mean for the future of mixed poodles.    Sources:  https://pawinspector.com/ www.akc.org Best Goldendoodle Generations: F1, F1B, F1BB, F2, F2B, F3! (welovedoodles.com) sunkencastles.com  

On this episode we explore the Viking ancestry of the ancient Swedish Vallhund. This adorable dog has the look of a wolf on the legs of a corgi. Don't let it sweet looks fool you, this dog has the work ethic and drive of modern-day herding breeds which makes it an excellent choice for a sporting dog.  Sources:   https://en.wikipedia.org/ www.swedishvallhunds.co.uk Breed History | SVCA, Inc. (swedishvallhund.com)

Listen for the tale of the Schnauzer. This dog of German origins is known as the versatile vermin hunter. From medieval times to the 21st century show ring, this dog has an incredible history and has captured the hearts and minds of many across the globe.   Sources: https://wooftrain.com/scent-games-101-a-beginners-guide The History and Origin of the Schnauzer: A Comprehensive Look (iheartdogs.com) History of the Miniature Schnauzer - The American Miniature Schnauzer Club (amsc.us) Standard Schnauzer Dog Breed Information (akc.org)

Attention Bully Lovers! In this week's episode I talk about all things American Pitbull Terrier and their close Staffordshire Terrier relatives. Listen to hear about their incredible origins and famous pits of the past. I talk about the cultural shift from one of America's most beloved dogs, to being nearly banned. Please listen and share if you love bully breeds.    Sources:  AKC.org worldanimalfoundation.org atts.org www.ukcdogs.com www.britannica.com  

Learn all about the fierce and lovely Scottish Terrier. The Scottie has been a dog beloved by many including celebrities and President Roosevelt himself. This small dog packs a lot of love and admiration for their owners and was essential for eradicating vermin from the Scottish Highlands.   Sources:  Akc.org animascorp.com stca.biz wagwalking.com

On this week's episode we explore the incredible history of an ancient guardian dog, the Great Pyrenees. GP are large and loveable protectors who gained fame from the French royalty.    Sources for this Episode:  AKC.com Biography.com iheartdogs.com  greatpyrenees.club  

From brothels to the bourgeoisie, the French bulldog takes us from a checkered pass to a bright and brilliant present. The dog whose ancestors were thought of as mindless beasts is now the highest sought-after companion in the US.   Information to create this podcast comes from www.akc.org, www.ukcdogs.com, www.caninejournal.com and en.wikipedia.org. 

The Labrador is one of America's favorite dogs. Listen to the fascinating "tail" of how this special dog came to be. This story will take us across the Atlantic and into many noble homes across the UK.  Tune in to hear about the worst dog bite I've ever had as well as a pawsitive adoption story from the shelter.    Most of the breed history and breed standards comes from the AKC website, Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information (akc.org) and from Labrador Retriever History (thelabradorsite.com)

In this episode, I break down the origin of one of the most hard-working dogs around: the Australian Cattle Dog. This dog has quite the personality and much to offer given proper upbringing and training. Listen in to hear the details of my personal experience with one of these beautiful dogs and get your training tip of the week!