History of Dogs

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…

A Hungarian Vizsla holds an intense point while hunting
Vizsla: How the Hungarian Pointing Dog Propelled Through History to Today

The history, appearance, hunting style, and current status of the iconic hunting dog from Hungary…

Siberian Laika hunts the forest and sounds off at game.
The West Siberian Laika to the East Siberian Laika History, Breed Information, and More

The complete breakdown of the versatile Laika dog breeds Boreal forests of Europe are not…

David Hudson taking photographs on the English moors
Pointers and Setters on the English Moors with David Hudson: HDC Episode #20

Travel across the Atlantic to discover the world of shooting and field trialing with Pointers…

Etching of three men in a field netting partridge
Hunting Methods: Hunting Dog Confidential Episode #19

What defines a hunting dog and how are they used to pursue various types of…

A historic photo of two hunting terriers
Hunting and Working Terriers: HDC Episode #18

Learn about how terriers use their courage and tenacity to serve as effective hunters of…

A brown Spinone hunting dog stands in a field
Spinone Italiano – Complete History and Development

The traditional, rough-haired Italian pointing dog overcame difficult odds to become a modern, versatile hunting…

A historic image of teckels hunting game
Hunting with Teckels and Feist: HDC Episode #17

Discover the origins of two very different hunting dogs with a versatile set of hunting…

A historic photo of coonhounds at a tailgate with raccoon hunters
Scent Hounds, Running Hounds, and Badger Hounds: HDC Episode #16

Discover the origins and development of scent hounds used for hunting foxes and raccoons In…