At the end of August every year there is one of the most impawtent days of the year - International Dog Day! This is a day when you can appreciate your pooch (owned or borrowed) more than normal, if that’s even possible. So in honour of all the wonderful international dog breeds, let’s go on a journey around the world of doggos…
Australia
These gorgeous, hardy-working dogs, also known as Heelers, were developed in Australia to manage herds of cattle from as far back as the 1800s. They are now happy to be pets as long as they have a very active life!
Canada
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Most Tollers love a good swim, thanks to their 19th century heritage where they would retrieve ducks from the water in Canada. These happy pooches make a great addition to an active family, and are sure to make furiends with everyone they meet.
China
These popular pooches hail from China, where they were developed as working dogs for jobs including hunting, herding and guarding. They are now perfectly happy to spend time with their family, and can be a loving breed for an experienced dog owner.
Congo
Interesting traits of the Basenji include them being quite cat-like, including keeping themselves clean, and also being barkless, instead preferring to make a yodelling sound. The dogs we know now are traced back to the Congo basin, but there are some historical artefacts of images of Basenji-type dogs in Egypt in 3000BC!
Croatia
No-one knows exactly where this Hollywoof famous breed originally comes from, but their first definitive home is the historical region of Dalmatia, modern day Croatia. Born white, these pooches then go on to develop their distinctive, and unique, spots.
Cuba
Did you know that the national dog of Cuba is the Havanese? These cute pups were bred as companions for the Cuban aristocracy, and are now popular family pets with their kind and loving natures.
England
Often also referred to as “Dulux” dogs, due to the brand’s usage of this stunning breed for over 60 years, before they were looking gorgeous on the small screen, this breed was developed for herding. These pooches can make loving family pets, as long as they can be kept active and mentally exercised!
France
These dashing doggos are named after the French word for butterfly, due to their distinctive shaped ears thought to look a bit like a butterfly’s wings. Now popular pets, they were much-loved by European nobility and can be seen depicted on the laps of French aristocracy in Renaissance paintings as far back as the 13th century.
Germany
Germany is responsible for a lot of popular dog breeds including Dachshunds, Schnauzers and Dobermans, but one of their most famous exports is the German Shepherd Dog. Originally bred for their shepherding abilities, GSDs now have important roles working for the police, the military and search and rescue to mention but a few. They can also make excellent pets for an active, experienced and committed owner.
Hungary
If you like your dog with buckets of enthusiasm and energy then a Vizsla might be for you. Due to the nomadic nature of the Magyar tribe who are thought to have first developed the Vizsla, as a companion and hunting dog, finding their exact place of origin can be a little tough. However, they are now the national dog of Hungary.
Ireland
These glamorous dogs, with hair colour to dye for, were developed in Ireland in the early 18th century to find birds for hunters. These pooches are now happy to be part of an active family that has time for adventures and the inevitable grooming afterwards!
Italy
Although there is no agreement on the exact origin of the Italian Spinone, they can be traced back to the Piedmont area of Italy in the 15th century. One of the first gundogs, they are now more commonly seen as pets, and although their numbers dwindled in the 20th century, their popularity is now increasing!
Japan
Shibas are one of the oldest and smallest Japanese spitz-like dogs, and the famous face of Dogecoin. Originally bred to flush out game, they are now more often pet dogs, with popularity all over the world. Although loving dogs, their independent and stubborn nature often means they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Madagascar
Coming from Madagascar, and the official Royal dog of the country, the cute, floofy Coton de Tuléar loves nothing more than cuddles with their BFF. They take their name from the city of Toliara (previously known as Tuléar), and the legend states that there was a ship which wrecked off the coast of Madagascar, no humans survived, but a pack of little white dogs did, swam to shore, and then bred to create the Coton de Tuléars we know today.
Malta
These gorgeous pooches have a long history, and can even be seen in Roman and Egyptian artwork! They were bred as companions for royalty, and even if you’re not a King or Queen yourself, they’re still sure to enjoy your cuddles and playtime.
Scotland
Scotland has blessed us with lots of fantastic dog breeds, including the distinctive Scottish Terrier. Scotties are full of character, and although loving, their independent and stubborn nature can bring training challenges! They were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms, and modern Scotties, in honour of their ancestors no doubt, will still happily chase squirrels up trees.
Spain
Believed to have descended from ancient Egyptian dog breeds, the modern Podenco Canario comes more recently from the Spanish Canary Islands. Known as excellent jumpers (high fenced gardens are a must, then be sure to add another metre!) these intelligent and independent pups can make excellent pets for a patient and committed dog owner.
Switzerland
These handsome hounds originate from Switzerland, near the city of Berne. Going back even further, their ancestors were thought to have been brought to the country by the Romans over 2000 years ago! They are kind, loving dogs, and can make an excellent family pet if you have the time and the space.
USA
Initially bred by the indigenous Mahlemut people to pull sleds in modern day Alaska, these gorgeous floof balls can cope well with freezing Arctic temperatures. Often now seen around the world, these are not dogs for those who want a lazy time, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy!
Wales
Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis come from Wales, traditionally bred as herding dogs, with roots tracing back to the 10th century! Now much more likely to be pets, these confident, bright pooches were a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.
Zimbabwe
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originally comes from Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe and Zambia. These powerful pups were bred as hunting and guarding dogs, and could track and hold a lion until their owner arrived. Now they are mostly pets who need lots of mental and physical exercise to be happy.
