Dog Breeds 100 Years Ago vs Now: What Has Changed?

This list explores 100 dog breeds, comparing their status and recognition 100 years ago versus today. It’s designed for dog lovers, historians, breeders, and anyone curious about how canine breeds have evolved over the last century. You’ll discover which breeds were popular or rare a century ago, which new breeds have emerged, and how the roles and appearances of certain dogs have shifted over time.

Hunting and Sporting Dogs

1. 1. English Setter – Known for its graceful hunting style, it was prized a century ago for upland game bird hunting in England.
2. 2. Irish Setter – Beloved for its striking red coat, it was a top choice for bird hunting and remains popular today.
3. 3. German Shorthaired Pointer – Developed for versatility in hunting, it was less common 100 years ago but now widely recognized.
4. 4. English Springer Spaniel – A classic flushing dog, highly valued in the early 1900s for retrieving game in Britain.
5. 5. Labrador Retriever – Less common 100 years ago, it has become the world’s most popular retriever due to its friendly temperament.
6. 6. Brittany Spaniel – Known as a skilled bird dog in France, it had a smaller presence in the U.S. a century ago but has since grown in popularity.
7. 7. Weimaraner – This sleek hunting dog was well established in Europe 100 years ago but gained more recognition worldwide recently.
8. 8. Chesapeake Bay Retriever – Originating in the U.S. for waterfowl retrieval, it was less widespread 100 years ago than today.
9. 9. Pointer (English Pointer) – A classic pointing breed, widely used in field trials and hunting since the 19th century.
10. 10. Cocker Spaniel – Originally bred as a hunting dog for woodcock, it has evolved into a popular companion breed.

Working and Herding Dogs

11. 11. German Shepherd – Already well established 100 years ago, this breed is famed for police, military, and service work worldwide.
12. 12. Border Collie – Known for exceptional herding ability, it was prized on farms a century ago and remains the top herding dog.
13. 13. Belgian Malinois – Less known 100 years ago, it is now widely used in protection and police work.
14. 14. Siberian Husky – Bred for sled pulling in Arctic regions, it was less common in the U.S. 100 years ago but is now popular as a pet.
15. 15. Saint Bernard – Known for alpine rescue, it was already famous in the early 1900s for saving travelers in the Swiss Alps.
16. 16. Rottweiler – Once a cattle herder and cart-puller, it has transitioned into a guard and police dog role over the last century.
17. 17. Doberman Pinscher – Developed in the late 19th century, it gained prominence in the early 1900s as a guard dog.
18. 18. Great Dane – Known for its imposing size, it was a hunting and guard dog 100 years ago and remains popular as a gentle giant.
19. 19. Old English Sheepdog – Recognized for herding sheep, it was a common farm dog in Britain a century ago.
20. 20. Australian Shepherd – Although named after Australia, it was developed in the U.S. and became more recognized in the mid-20th century.

Terriers

21. 21. Jack Russell Terrier – Popular with hunters for vermin control 100 years ago, it remains energetic and feisty today.
22. 22. Scottish Terrier – Known for its distinctive beard and loyalty, it was a common terrier breed in the early 1900s.
23. 23. Bull Terrier – Recognized for its egg-shaped head, it was bred for dog fighting but has become a family companion.
24. 24. Airedale Terrier – The largest terrier, it was used for hunting and police work 100 years ago and still admired today.
25. 25. West Highland White Terrier – A popular Scottish breed prized for hunting small game, it remains a beloved companion.
26. 26. Fox Terrier – Both smooth and wire-haired varieties were well known 100 years ago as hunting and show dogs.
27. 27. Bedlington Terrier – Known for its lamb-like appearance, it was popular in mining communities in the UK.
28. 28. Cairn Terrier – Famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, it was a hardy hunting breed in Scotland 100 years ago.
29. 29. Sealyham Terrier – Developed in Wales for hunting small game, it was more common a century ago than today.
30. 30. Norfolk Terrier – One of the smallest working terriers, it was bred for ratting and hunting small pests.

Companion and Toy Dogs

31. 31. Pomeranian – Smaller and less exaggerated in appearance 100 years ago, it has become a popular toy breed worldwide.
32. 32. Pekingese – Bred as a Chinese imperial lap dog, it was highly prized 100 years ago and remains so today.
33. 33. Chihuahua – Long established in Mexico, it gained more international popularity in the late 20th century.
34. 34. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Developed from older spaniel types, it has surged in popularity as a gentle companion.
35. 35. Maltese – A toy breed with ancient origins, it was a favored companion for nobility centuries ago and remains so.
36. 36. Shih Tzu – Another Chinese lap dog, it was well established 100 years ago and continues to be cherished as a family pet.
37. 37. Yorkshire Terrier – Bred in England’s industrial north for ratting, it has become one of the most popular toy breeds.
38. 38. Italian Greyhound – Smaller and more delicate than the standard Greyhound, it was a favorite among European aristocracy.
39. 39. French Bulldog – Rare 100 years ago, it has exploded in popularity recently as a city-friendly companion dog.
40. 40. Boston Terrier – Developed in the U.S. in the late 1800s, it was less common 100 years ago but now a popular small breed.

Guardian and Mastiff Breeds

41. 41. Mastiff (English Mastiff) – Known for its massive size and gentle temperament, it was a guard and war dog a century ago.
42. 42. Bullmastiff – Developed in England to guard estates, it was less common 100 years ago but now widely recognized.
43. 43. Tibetan Mastiff – A rare and ancient breed used to guard livestock in Himalayan regions, less known globally a century ago.
44. 44. Great Pyrenees – Bred to guard flocks in the Pyrenees mountains, it was a working dog before becoming a family companion.
45. 45. Neapolitan Mastiff – Known for its loose skin and protective nature, it was used as a guard dog in Italy a century ago.
46. 46. Cane Corso – A powerful Italian mastiff breed, it was nearly extinct 100 years ago but has experienced a revival recently.
47. 47. Kuvasz – A Hungarian livestock guardian, it was more regionally known 100 years ago and less common internationally.
48. 48. Komondor – Famous for its corded coat, it guarded sheep in Hungary and remained a rare breed outside its homeland a century ago.
49. 49. Boerboel – Developed in South Africa as a farm guard dog, it was less known internationally 100 years ago.
50. 50. Dogo Argentino – A large hunting and guardian breed from Argentina, it was developed mid-20th century, so not present 100 years ago.

Rare and Extinct Breeds

51. 51. English Water Spaniel – A now-extinct breed once used for waterfowl hunting in England, it disappeared in the early 20th century.
52. 52. Turnspit Dog – A small breed used to turn meat spits over fires, extinct by the early 1900s.
53. 53. Talbot Hound – An old hunting dog breed extinct before the 20th century but foundational in modern hounds.
54. 54. Catahoula Bulldog – A crossbreed used for hunting and herding in Louisiana, less documented but historically significant.
55. 55. St. John’s Water Dog – An ancestor of the Labrador Retriever, now extinct, it was used by fishermen in Newfoundland.
56. 56. English White Terrier – A breed that died out in the early 1900s, replaced by more popular terriers.
57. 57. Old English Bulldog – The original bulldog type used in blood sports, extinct by the 20th century but bred back in modified form.
58. 58. Russian Tracker – A scent hound breed used in Russia, now extinct or absorbed into other breeds.
59. 59. Toy Trawler Spaniel – An extinct toy spaniel breed once popular in England.
60. 60. Norfolk Spaniel – Not to be confused with Norfolk Terrier, this hunting spaniel breed became extinct by the early 20th century.

Hounds

61. 61. Beagle – A traditional scent hound used for rabbit hunting, well established 100 years ago and still very popular.
62. 62. Bloodhound – Famous for its incredible scent-tracking ability, it was widely used in law enforcement a century ago.
63. 63. Basset Hound – Known for its short legs and excellent nose, it was a hunting dog 100 years ago and a family favorite today.
64. 64. Dachshund – Developed in Germany for badger hunting, it was popular 100 years ago and remains common now.
65. 65. Afghan Hound – Famous for its long flowing coat and speed, it was a hunting dog from Afghanistan gaining recognition in the West over the past century.
66. 66. Whippet – A smaller relative of the Greyhound, prized for racing and hunting small game.
67. 67. Greyhound – One of the oldest dog breeds, prized for speed and coursing game for centuries.
68. 68. Harrier – A medium-sized hound used for hunting hares, less known today but established 100 years ago.
69. 69. Otterhound – Developed in England to hunt otters, it was more common 100 years ago and is now rare.
70. 70. Norwegian Elkhound – A spitz-type hound used for hunting elk in Scandinavia, well known a century ago.

Modern and Recently Recognized Breeds

71. 71. Labradoodle – A hybrid of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, developed in the late 20th century for allergy-friendly companionship.
72. 72. Goldendoodle – Another popular Poodle crossbreed, bred for temperament and hypoallergenic coats.
73. 73. American Bully – A newer breed developed from American Pit Bull Terriers for a companion dog with a muscular build.
74. 74. Alaskan Klee Kai – A small spitz-type dog developed in the 1970s as a companion breed resembling a miniature Husky.
75. 75. Lagotto Romagnolo – An Italian water dog gaining popularity recently as a truffle hunter and family pet.
76. 76. Dogue de Bordeaux – Though historic, it gained renewed attention and breed standard changes in recent decades.
77. 77. Boerboel – Recognized more widely in the late 20th century as a South African mastiff breed.
78. 78. Belgian Laekenois – One of the four Belgian shepherd varieties, less known historically but now more appreciated.
79. 79. American Eskimo Dog – Despite the name, it originated from German Spitz breeds and became popular in the U.S. 20th century.
80. 80. Rat Terrier – Developed in the U.S. in the 20th century for farm work and pest control.

Non-Sporting and Miscellaneous Breeds

81. 81. Dalmatian – Famous for its spotted coat and carriage dog history, it was well known a century ago.
82. 82. Bulldog – The modern English Bulldog has evolved from the fighting dogs of the past into a gentle companion.
83. 83. Chow Chow – An ancient Chinese breed known for its blue-black tongue and lion-like mane, prized for guarding.
84. 84. Basenji – An African hunting dog known as the “barkless dog,” it was less known outside Africa 100 years ago.
85. 85. Chinese Shar-Pei – Recognized for its wrinkled skin, it was rare outside China until the late 20th century.
86. 86. Keeshond – A Dutch water dog and companion breed, well established 100 years ago.
87. 87. Lhasa Apso – A Tibetan breed used as a sentinel in monasteries, known for its long coat and alertness.
88. 88. French Spaniel – An old French hunting spaniel breed, less common today but historically important.
89. 89. English Toy Spaniel – A small companion breed, distinct from Cavalier King Charles, popular in Victorian times.
90. 90. Japanese Chin – A delicate lap dog with aristocratic origins in Japan and China, known for its expressive face.

Rare and Regional Breeds

91. 91. Norwegian Lundehund – A rare hunting dog from Norway with unique foot anatomy, used for puffin hunting.
92. 92. Azawakh – A West African sighthound breed prized for speed and endurance.
93. 93. Thai Ridgeback – A rare breed from Thailand with a distinctive ridge of hair along its back.
94. 94. Canaan Dog – The national dog of Israel, used for herding and guarding in desert conditions.
95. 95. Kangal – A Turkish livestock guardian breed known for its protective instincts and strength.
96. 96. Mudi – A Hungarian herding dog, versatile and rare outside its homeland.
97. 97. Sloughi – A North African sighthound breed, prized for hunting and speed.
98. 98. Swedish Vallhund – A small herding dog from Sweden, known since Viking times but less common globally.
99. 99. Chinook – An American sled dog breed developed in the early 20th century for sled racing and work.
100. 100. Icelandic Sheepdog – An ancient Nordic breed used for herding sheep in Iceland, less known outside Scandinavia.

How to Use This List

This list serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding how dog breeds have changed or persisted over the past century. When choosing a breed, consider its historical purpose and how that aligns with your lifestyle today. For example, hunting and working breeds often require more exercise and mental stimulation, while companion and toy breeds may be better suited for apartment living. Recognize that some breeds have evolved physically or temperamentally, so researching current breed standards and health considerations is crucial. Use this list to identify breeds that match your activity level, living environment, and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Have any dog breeds gone extinct in the last 100 years?
Yes, breeds like the English Water Spaniel and Turnspit Dog have become extinct due to changes in utility and breeding trends.

Q2: Why are some breeds more popular now than 100 years ago?
Changes in lifestyle, urbanization, and media exposure have increased demand for certain breeds, especially companion dogs and hybrids.

Q3: Are modern breeds healthier than those from 100 years ago?
Some breeds face more health issues today due to selective breeding for appearance, but responsible breeding practices can improve health.

Q4: Can I find all these breeds at local shelters?
Many common breeds and mixes can be found in shelters, but rare or regional breeds may require contact with specialty breeders or rescue groups.

Q5: How did hybrid breeds like Labradoodles become popular?
They were developed to combine desirable traits like hypoallergenic coats and friendly temperaments, gaining popularity in recent decades.

Q6: Are working breeds still used for their original purposes?
Many are, especially in farming, police work, and search-and-rescue, though some have transitioned mainly to family pets.

Final Thoughts

Examining dog breeds from 100 years ago to today reveals fascinating shifts in canine roles, popularity, and breed development. While some breeds have vanished, many have thrived or evolved, adapting to modern human lifestyles. Whether you seek a loyal hunting companion, a protective guardian, or a loving lap dog, understanding this history can guide you in finding the perfect breed. Remember that responsible ownership, respect for breed traits, and commitment to care are timeless essentials for any dog lover.

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