History of Dogs

Historical illustration of the Large Water Spaniel
Water Spaniels – Origins, Development and Modernization

Explore the fascinating history and evolution of water spaniels, from their origins in the British…

a painting of dogs believed to have been russian setters
The Russian Setter

Explore the history and story of a curious dog breed that never was. Sprinkled here…

A Standard Poodle trained for hunting
Standard Poodle – Hunting Dog Breed

Think Poodles are just for show? Think again! Dive into the world of Poodles as…

a Stichelhaar or German Rough Haired Pointer
Stichelhaar – German Rough Haired Pointer: Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, and History

The Stichelhaar (German Rough Haired Pointer) is a rough-and-tumble hunting dog that is probably the…

Craig Koshyk, Dog Historian in the field
Dog Willing – Craig Koshyk the Dog Historian of a Generation

The history of hunting dogs is preserved in the iconic Pointing Dog volumes thanks to…

A Weimaraner in a field
Weimaraner – Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, History, and More

Weimaraners are a medium to large pointing dog breed that are tireless, cooperative workers and…

A Hungarian Vizsla holds an intense point while hunting
Vizsla: Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, History, and More

The Hungarian Vizsla is a Medium-sized pointing dog breed with an energetic, affectionate, eager-to-please personality…

A side profile of a Pudelpointer while hunting.
Pudelpointer – Dog Breed Form, Function, History, and More

This medium-sized versatile dog breed is known to be friendly, inquisitive, and very social. Way…

A Drahthaar retrieves a hare in Germany
Drahthaars, Langhaars, Bretons, and other International Breeds in America: HDC Episode #32

Is there a difference between a Deutsch Drahthaar and a German Wirehaired Pointer? Explore breeds…

A dog trainer works on pointing steadiness with a German Shorthaired Pointer
The Modern Era of Bird Dogs in North America: HDC Episode #31

The modern era of hunting dogs is characterized by technology and information, making new breeds…

Deer Shooting historic hunting dog artwork
The Golden Age of Hunting Dogs in North America: HDC Episode #30

As dog shows and field trials became popular, 19th-century Americans looked to standardize the breeding…

A German Shorthaired Pointer training in a field
German Shorthaired Pointer – ‘The Most Popular Versatile Dog in the World’

The author explores the German Shorthaired Pointer’s multiple connections with hunting dogs around the world…

A beagle stands with its owner before a hare hunt.
New Hampshire Beagle Clubs in the Crosshairs as State House Pushes Bill to Ban Live Snowshoe Hare Trapping

Though New Hampshire was home to another legislative push by anti-hunting advocates, HB 1308 has…

Early North American Hunting Dogs
Early American Hunting Dogs, Part 2: HDC Episode #29

The arrival of European hunting dogs and the culture of recreational hunting in North America…

a group of setting spaniels
The Word “Setter” Does Not Mean What We Think It Does

The truth behind the word ‘setter’ has quite the history behind it; one you may…

A painting of the Brown and White Norfolk or Water Spaniel.
Extinction: The History of Lost Dog Breeds

Among pointing dogs, a number of breeds have already disappeared; others may follow them unless…

Illustration of the Hare Indian Dog by J.W. Audubon
Early American Hunting Dogs, Part 1: HDC Episode #28

The origins of hunting dogs in North America from indigenous peoples through the end of…

Nadja Niesner with her Weimaraner and a pheasant
Big Game and German Utility Dogs with Nadja Niesner: HDC Episode #24

Versatile dogs of German origin have a rich history in hunting big game We start…

Grant St Germain with his duck tolling retriever on a waterfowl hunt.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers with Grant St. Germain: HDC Episode #22

Explore an old hunting method of luring ducks to the hunter using the fox-like Toller…

An old painting of early gun dogs used by nobility.
Gun Dog – The Evolution and Definition of Modern Dog Breeds

The history of gundogs and firearms are intertwined as the development of one fueled the…

Marjolein Kamman-van Eijk
Hunting and Field Trials in Continental Europe with Marjolein Kamman-van Eijk: HDC Episode #21

Versatile dogs and English Setters find their niche while hunting and trialing in Europe and…