Beautiful Dogs: Their Personalities And Histories
Adorable. Affectionate. Loyal. Intelligent. We don’t seem to have enough good things to say about humankind’s best friend! Here’s a list of pups—along with their characteristics and stories—that are not just the goodest boys and girls, but beautiful, striking breeds.
Remember: While dogs from a breed can be predicted to have certain tendencies, properly socializing and training a dog is key to a successful relationship.
Siberian Husky: Stunning And Primal
Beloved for their striking eyes, thick fluffy coats, and wolf-like looks that nod at the dog’s wild ancestry, the Siberian Husky is an energetic, sometimes independent companion. Ideal for cooler weather climates, these dogs shed a lot and have a reputation for being noisy talkers.
Siberian Husky: Their Story
The Siberian Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi people of Asia’s cold northeast. Bred as sled dogs, they were used during the Alaskan Gold Rush. Two famous huskies you may have heard of are Balto and Togo. These lead dogs helped bring serum to diphtheria victims in Nome, Alaska—running 340 miles over six days.
Samoyed: Polar Bear-Like Cuteness
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the Samoyed as “drop-dead gorgeous but highly functional”. These all-white, always-grinning bundles of fluff are beloved for their friendliness and sociability. The Samoyed’s smile isn’t just cute—it helps keep the dog from drooling.
Samoyed: Their Story
The Samoyed gets its name from its original breeders: the Samoyedic people, who kept them as sled pullers and watchdogs. They were also used to hunt reindeer, but as the Samoyed people shifted to herding, their dogs’ jobs changed to herding as well. The American Kennel Club registered the first Samoyed in 1906.
Afghan Hound: Magazine-Like Glamor
With a supermodel-like appearance that exudes grace and glamor, Afghan Hounds look like they belong more on a fashion runway than a dog park. Despite their luscious looks, they’re not super heavy shedders, but their coats do require a consistent level of maintenance.
Afghan Hound: Their Story
The Afghan Hound is one of the world’s oldest living breeds. They originated in Afghanistan and were first bred to chase hare and gazelle. At one point, they were seen as a status symbol and popular among celebrities, but they’ve since fallen lower in popularity.
Silken Windhound: An Accurate Name
Silken Windhounds are exactly what their name suggests: a silky and graceful, flowy hound that looks its most natural when running at high speeds. This gentle, intelligent breed requires exercise but is also happy lounging around an apartment. Like other sighthounds, they have a notable prey drive.
Silken Windhound: Their Story
The Silken Windhound is a recent breed. With origins in the 1980s, it was only recognized as a breed by the United Kennel Club in 2011. It has still not been recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
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Saluki: Graceful And Sleek
With its flowy ear tassels and elegant form, the Saluki is another slender running hound with eye-catching looks. They’re known to be gentle and sensitive family dogs, but can be indifferent to strangers and independent when training. They are not considered good watchdogs.
SALUKIWORLD, Wikimedia Commons
Saluki: Their Story
Thought to be an ancient breed, there are images of Saluki-like dogs from as early as the Sumerian Empire. We’re not sure where the word “Saluki” comes from, but it may have been derived from the city of Saluk, Yemen, the city of Seleukia, Syria, or from a transliteration of “hound” in Arabic.
Shiba Inu: Bright And Adorable
With their perky, fox-like ears and bright expressions, Shiba Inus are known both for their cuteness and their iconic status as a cultural meme (see Doge). These medium-sized, double-coated dogs with curly tails can be independent and challenging to train. But they’re also essentially pre-housebroken, with an instinct to do their business far from where they sleep.
BeŻet, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons
Shiba Inu: Their Story
The Shiba Inu was originally a hunting dog. According to the American Kennel Club, they’re the most popular dog breed in Japan. They’ve become very popular in the West too; the breed was first recognized by the AKC in the early 1990s.
TsutsuiKennel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Poodle: Elegant Intelligence
With its tight curls and elegant poise, the Poodle is one of the most recognizable dogs. Well-known for their flamboyant grooming styles, the Poodle is also a remarkably intelligent and trainable breed. It comes in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and a variety of coat colors.
Misty721, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Poodle: Their Story
The Poodle is the national dog of France, where it’s known as the Caniche, or “duck dog”. With roots in Germany as a duck hunting dog, the Poodle’s coat was shaved down to give it freedom of movement in water. Puffs of fur, called “pompons,” were left on key body parts to keep the dog warm.
Lagotto Romagnolo: Curly-Coated Loveableness
The Lagotto Romagnolo isn’t as well-known as other fluffy, curly-coated dogs, but it should be! With a warm and friendly demeanor, this playful breed is eager to please their human when it comes to training.
Lagotto Romagnolo: Their Story
“Lagotto” comes from the Italian word “lago,” meaning “lake”. The Lagotto Romagnolo was originally bred as a waterfowl retriever during the Renaissance. They later became known as truffle sniffers, hunting down hard-to-find delicacies for humans with discerning palates.
German Shepherd: Majestic And Dignified
With a commanding presence, the German Shepherd is a handsome and majestic dog. Best known with a black and tan uniform, the classic police dog also comes in black, white, and various color combinations. Beloved for their loyalty, German Shepherds are known to fiercely and fearlessly protect their loved ones.
German Shepherd: Their Story
The German Shepherd as we know it was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz, a Germany cavalry officer. His mission was to breed an ideal herder, and what emerged was the highly intelligent and agile German Shepherd. The breed’s popularity also soared thanks to canine celebrity Rin-Tin-Tin.
localpups, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Collie: The Long, Luscious Locks Of Lassie
When you think of a Collie, do you imagine a beautiful dog with a long, white and tan coat and darker ears? The Collie actually comes in two categories: long, or “rough” coated, and smooth coated. These family dogs are also quite colorful, with blue merle, sable merle, and white merle varieties.
Collie: Their Story
Queen Victoria herself popularized the dog, but its origins are speculated go back as far as the Roman conquest of Great Britain. More recently in the 20th century, the novel by Eric Knight and subsequent movie Lassie Come Home inspired a new generation of Collie lovers.
Lassie Come Home (10/10) Movie CLIP - My Lassie Come Home (1943) HD , Movieclips
Border Collie: Brains And Beauty
Renowned for their intelligence and athleticism, the Border Collie is a frequent contestant in canine sports. But these sleek and agile dogs are also cuddly and rewarding companions. Just be careful if you have small children—they have a strong herding instinct and will try to herd everything!
Border Collie: Their Story
Considered a world-class herding dog, the Border Collie is descended from herding dogs brought over by the Romans to Britain and, later, Viking spitz-type dogs. But the word “Collie” is a Scottish dialect word. These dogs have since enjoyed a positive reputation as extremely smart dogs and have even starred in movies like Babe.
█ Slices of Light ✴ █▀ ▀ ▀, Flickr
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: The Queen’s Favorite
The cute little corgi is small yet strong, with stocky, powerful legs and the agility of a serious herding dog. They can be independent but are also trainable. Don’t fall for their adorable looks: this little guy makes a keen watchdog.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Their Story
The corgi is long associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose first corgi in 1933 was named Dookie. She’d go on to own over 30 corgis in her lifetime. The breed was first introduced to the UK by Flemish weavers, who brought along herding dogs for their sheep.
Dalmatian: A Coat Like No Other
No dog’s coat is as unique as a Dalmatian’s. Thanks to the Disney animated film 101 Dalmatians, these dogs are iconic and popularly recognized as firefighting companions. As puppies, Dalmatians are born without spots. Unfortunately, deafness runs in the breed.
Dalmatian: Their Story
The origins of the Dalmatian are a little muddy, but they’re strongly associated with the Dalmatia region of Central Europe. Historically, the Dalmatian was used to guard coaches, carriages, and fire brigades. They jogged alongside caravans and coaches, and they guarded the vehicles while their humans were away.
Airedale Terrier: A Grand Canine
The tallest of all terriers, the Airedale stands with a stately air reminiscent of royals and nobles. But don’t let their grandpa-like looks fool you—these bearded canines make excellent watchdogs.
Airedale Terrier: Their Story
This breed originated in the Aire Valley, a manufacturing locus in northern England. Airedales were used for hunting, but they also played a role in World War I as guard dogs and messengers. US presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren G Harding, and Calvin Coolidge all had Airedales. So did author John Steinbeck.
Xoloitzcuintli: Sleek And Unique
With an ear-catching name and an eye-catching appearance, the Xoloitzcuintli, or “Xolo”, is a lesser known but unique dog. It comes in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and two coat types (hairless or coated). These dogs are watchful and will alert their owners of happenings in their environment.
Xoloitzcuintli: Their Story
The official dog of Mexico, sculptures of Xolos can be found from over 3,000 years ago. Traditionally, they were seen as guardians against both mortal aggressors and evil spirits. They were first registered with the American Kennel Club as the “Mexican Hairless” in 1887 but was later removed because there weren’t enough dogs. The breed returned to the AKC in 2011.
Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Princely Canine
Regal yet adorable, the handsome Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically gets along well with adults, children, and other dogs and animals. It’s eager to please and can match the energy level of its humans and is happy to lounge or to scruff around a yard.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Their Story
The breed is named after King Charles I of House Stuart. When the Stuarts fell from power, owning these spaniels became prejudiced and the breed thus became rare. Queen Victoria later revived the breed, but by then it had evolved significantly from its original form.
Papillon: The Butterfly Dog
“Papillon” means “butterfly” in French, and you can see how this dog got its name from its playful, butterfly-like ear tassels. Affectionate and excellent with children, this lap dog enjoys retrieving and has been trained to do its business in a potty indoors.
Papillon: Their Story
The Papillon is descended from hunting spaniels. In the 1500s in Europe, small spaniels were beloved companions that were also used to warm feet and hands. Papillons became popular show dogs in the 20th century and were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Association in 1915.
Bichon Frisé: An Impish Fluffball
The sprightly little Bichon Frisé is a family favorite, especially among city dwellers who need a small yet entertaining companion that can live in small spaces. While its coat requires a high level of maintenance, the Bichon Frisé is considered a low shedder.
Bichon Frisé: Their Story
The Bichon Frisé is descended from the Bichon Tenerife and belongs to a family of dogs that include the Maltese, Havanese, and Bolognese. They were popular among European nobles until the French Revolution, after which they gained popularity as adorable street performers thanks to their trainability.
Pomeranian: Your Personal Pompom
A small dog with a big personality, the Pomeranian—or “Pom” as it’s affectionately known—is a trainable, active little dog. While it’s most commonly seen with a long reddish coat, the Pom actually comes in a variety of colors, including blue merle, black and tan, and tri-colored.
Pomeranian: Their Story
Interestingly enough, this little poofball is descended from Arctic sled dogs. Its name comes from Pomerania, a region of northeastern Europe. Queen Victoria was a passionate breeder of Poms, and other high-profile owners have included Marie Antoinette and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Golden Retriever: A Beloved And Classic Family Pet
The Golden Retriever remains one of our most beloved dogs, regarded by many as the ultimate family pet. It’s also a beautiful dog, with shiny coats that range from dark to light gold. Friendly, eager-to-please, and fantastic with children, the Golden Retriever serves humans as a guide dog, hunting companion, and search-and-rescue hero among other things.
Golden Retriever: Their Story
The Golden Retriever was developed by an aristocrat named Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, who sought a hunting dog suitable to the climate and terrain of the Scottish Highlands. The Golden Retriever was thus created using traits from the “Yellow Retriever,” Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct), Irish Setter, and Bloodhound.
Golden Retrievers are now considered one of the most beautiful dog breeds, and in recent years, the rare English Cream variants have become more popular for their white coats—but not everyone is happy about this. In the US, most English Cream Goldens don't have lineage in the UK, but have been specifically bred for their white color. While white Golden Retrievers do occur naturally, those that have been purposefully bred are more predisposed to health issues due to their small gene-pool. Naturally, the popularity of English Cream Golden Retrievers has led to controversy among breed enthusiasts and dog lovers.
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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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