Classy dogs
Many breeds can thank ‘friends in high places’ for boosting their popularity in the early days of their development.
The Great Dane is not, as his name suggests, from Denmark but is the national dog of Germany where he is known as the ‘Deustche Dogge’ and was a great favourite of Bismarck.
The Pyrenean Mountain dog was named the ‘Royal Dog of France’ by Louis XIV.
The earliest Borzois in Britain were a gift by the Tsar of all Russias to Queen Alexandra.
The Clumber Spaniel was imported from France by the Duke of Newcastle two hundred years ago. The name stems from the Duke’s family home, Clumber Park, in Nottingham.
The Tibetan Terrier is believed to be the original ‘Holy Dog’ of Tibet, much prized for its work in guarding traders, not so much for its stature but for the awe in which it was held.
The Pug, having arrived from the east with traders from the Dutch East India Company, became the symbol for the Royal Patriots of Holland, then arrived in England with William of Orange and became a favourite of the Royal family, famously being owned by Edward and Mrs Simpson.
The Pekingese is perhaps the most aristocratic of breeds, whose connections can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. By the early 1800s the breed was so revered in China that only the Imperial court could own them.
Do you know of any well connected breeds? Please feel free to ‘name drop’!
- Author:
- Caroline Hallett
- Publisher:
- The Kennel Club
- Date:
- 07-Mar-08
- Last updated on:
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