Little-Known Facts About 10 of the Most Popular Large Dog Breeds

Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd does not hail from the Land Down Under. The breed was developed right here in the United States. So why the misnomer? His possible ancestors include long-haired, bobtailed, Collie-type dogs from Australia; German sheepdogs exported to Australia and known there as German Koolies; and herding dogs brought by Basque shepherds who came to work in the United States both before and after World War II.

It may be hard to believe, but the Great Dane can be a good candidate for apartment living. The breed tends to be quiet, gentle and laid back. Plus, he’s typically not much of a barker.

Tax collector Louis Dobermann needed a guard dog to help him keep himself and the money he carried safe from thieves, so he developed the Doberman Pinscher. He crossed short-haired shepherd dogs with Rottweilers, black and tan Terriers, and German Pinschers to create the breed.

Fans of the movie Balto know that the Siberian Husky's biggest claim to fame occurred in 1925 when people in Nome, Alaska, suffered a diphtheria epidemic in the middle of winter. To get desperately needed antitoxin to Nome, a team of about 20 mushers traveled nearly 700 miles from Anchorage in six days in extremely cold conditions. 

Not only is the German Shorthaired Pointer capable of pointing birds, the versatile Sporting dog can also hunt rabbits and raccoon, trail deer and retrieve on land or water.

With the invention of the motorized vehicle, the need for the Rottweiler decreased — they were often used in the German town of Rottweil to pull butchers' carts to deliver meat and milk to customers — and the breed almost died out. Thankfully, German dog lovers recognized the Rottie’s work ethic and generally protective nature and saved the breed.

The origin of the Boxer's name is a little hazy. It could be a corruption of the word “beisser,” which comes from Bullenbeisser, a German descriptive term for the breed’s Mastiff-like ancestors. Or it could be a reference to the breed’s habit of using his front paws in a fight.

There are two types of Golden Retrievers: the fluffy, teddy bear Goldens of the show ring and the leaner, darker and smaller Goldens that are popular as hunting companions and dog-sport competitors.

Rin Tin Tin is perhaps the most famous German Shepherd of all. The iconic pup was found in a World War I battle zone and became the world’s first canine movie star.

Not only is the popular Labrador Retriever often a wonderful companion, this versatile breed can also be a great show dog, hunting dog, canine athlete, guide dog, service dog, sniffer dog, search and rescue dog, and therapy dog.