Fetching Phrases: The Curious Origins of Dog-Inspired Expressions
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the stories behind some of the expressions we use in everyday conversation that were inspired by our relationship with dogs. Dogs have been companions to humans across all cultures and on every corner of the globe. So, it is no surprise that language is rich with dog-related idioms, metaphors, and rhetorical devices. Join us as we sniff out the intriguing history of canine expressions with dogged determination. Bonafide Bits: In 1896, the first “double dog dare” was laid down in the book, The Child and Childhood, by Alexander Francis Chamberlain. In...
info_outline
Poodles: A Marvel of Intelligence and Versatility
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we introduce you to the wicked smart, Swiss Army Knife of breeds, the beloved Poodle. Over the centuries, Poodles were bred as hunting companions but their versatility and intelligence led them to starring roles such as fashion plates, status symbols, comedians, rescue heroes, and crimefighters. Though often underestimated, underrated, and misunderstood, Poodles make excellent guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Join us as we plunge into the history of these excellent swimmers and treasured family members. Bonafide Bits: In the 19th century, the French fell in...
info_outline
Sighthounds: Sleek, Swift, and Eternal
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the indispensable Sighthounds. The sleek, swift, and beloved desert hunters and guardians of antiquity. The story of Sighthounds is the story of the oldest known domesticated dogs. Many of the breeds cherished today pre-date recorded history. Their loyalty, speed, and ability to spot and catch prey over long distances in the cruelest of conditions made them essential assets to pharaohs, kings, and nomads alike. Sighthounds were so revered that statues, murals, and golden relics were created in their honor. As a final testament to their merit, Sighthounds have been...
info_outline
Pet Loss and Grief: Paying Homage to Our Beloved Dogs
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the weighty subject of humans finding ways to say goodbye to a beloved dog, and the spectrum of ways people deal with the grief of losing a beloved pet. For ages, proof of the unique bond between humans and dogs has existed in literature, song, and lore. But rarely discussed are the lengths humans will go to pay homage to their dogs after they have passed. Everyone mourns pet loss differently. From the creation of pet cemeteries to bestowing monetary gifts to cover future care, the love we feel for dogs extends beyond this earthly realm. Bonafide Bits: In a 50...
info_outline
Canine Mythbusting: Fact, Fiction, or Folklore?
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we dig deep into the depths of dog lore to separate fact from fiction. If humans understood all the wags of a dog’s tail there might not be so many misconceptions about what they prefer to eat, whether or not they want that giant hug, or if they really play poker. But, the better we get to know our favorite dogs, the more myths we’re able to bust. More importantly, the better humans understand their dog’s needs, signals, and communication, the stronger the bond between us becomes. Bonafide Bits Great Danes are actually German, not Danish. In 2023, Bobi, a Rafeiro...
info_outline
How Dog Breeds Get Their Names (Plus, the Most Popular Dog Names of the Year)
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we scour through the archives for irresistible stories behind breed names. Breed names are a vital tool for classifying our canine companions, yet it’s the individuals, the Lunas and Maxs, the Rovers, Spots, and Fidos who breathe meaning into who these breeds become in our lives. Many breeds acquired their names from the prey they hunted, the location in which they were discovered, or by inheriting the names of the people who developed or fancied them. The names we give dogs highlight times, places, and people in every chapter of the human story. Dogs accompanied our...
info_outline
Small and Significant: The Enduring Dog Breeds of the Toy Group
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this pick-me-up episode, we introduce you to the characters, companions, clowns, and survivors that are the dogs of the Toy group. Once seen as symbols of royalty and aristocracy, dogs of the Toy group were often the coveted spoils of revolutions, war, and palace coups. The refined elegance and charm of these compact dogs assisted in their survival and solidified their place in many decidedly non-royal homes of today. Join us as we look at how favorite breeds of kings, queens, monarchs, and fashionistas both plummeted and soared in popularity. Bonafide Bits: Chihuahuas, originally...
info_outline
Leading the Way: Guiding Eyes, Ears, Noses, and Beyond (Part 2)
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this second installment of guide dog history, we introduce you to a new generation of service dogs and the growing, often unexpected, range of breeds being deployed. Today, in every part of the world service dogs are being trained and certified to guide the visually and hearing impaired. As scientists explore new frontiers in canine capabilities, evidence suggests that dogs can modify their behavior when a human’s biochemistry changes. This incredible olfactory sense offers humans yet another reason to appreciate, admire, and adore the canine counterparts who stay by their side in...
info_outline
Leading the Way: The History of Guide Dogs (Part 1)
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this podcast episode, we introduce you to a pivotal moment in the story of humans and canines, the training of guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired. Historical data suggests that throughout the millennia, dogs have been in service to humans. From a town square in Ancient China to the perilous battlefields of World War I, dogs have sacrificed their own needs and desires to care for, save, and guide us. Trainers spend months working diligently with guide dogs and their human partners in complex training exercises to prepare them for the tasks. It just may be that dogs are the only...
info_outline
All-American Dogs in the AKC: A Winning Combination
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this podcast episode, we introduce you to “All-American Dogs,” or mixed-breed dogs, and share some remarkable stories about them and the owners who love and train them. The AKC expanded American dog sports to welcome mixed-breed dogs in 2010, and they’ve been competing in events like Agility, Obedience, Fast CAT, and Scent Work ever since. These wild cards of the genus Canis can become circus performers, professional trick dogs, agility champs at Westminster, and lots more. We take a deep dive into the history of All-American Dogs in the AKC to find out more. Bonafide Bits The...
info_outlineThis podcast episode features the surprisingly modern story of canine obedience and introduces you to the remarkable breeds who inspired it. It is part of the Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives series. Host Bud Boccone hunts down information and faithfully shares it in this fun and frisky format.
Today’s tale has a human element, as most of the best dog stories do. It follows the lives of Ms. Helen Whitehouse Walker and Ms. Blanche Saunders, who are recognized for legitimizing obedience trials within the AKC, popularizing poodles in the United States, and entrancing an entire nation by showcasing their dog handling skills on the road. Please enjoy this brief, yet bountiful history of humans learning new tricks from dogs and their purpose-bred traits.
Bonafide Bits:
- Poodles’ roots can be traced back to Germany where they were bred for retrieving ducks
- Munito, the famous dog franchise in Europe, was based on a dog’s ability to comprehend cues from its handler
- Breeds that excel at obedience training include Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher
- Obedience is the sport of tapping into abilities for which dogs are already hard-wired
- In 1936, the American Kennel Club acknowledged Obedience as a sport
Poodle
- Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as sissy dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart “real dogs” of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all Poodles can be trained with great success. Discover more about Poodles at AKC’s Poodle (Standard) Breed Biography.
Border Collie
- The intelligence, athleticism, and trainability of Borders have a perfect outlet in agility training. Having a job to perform -- like agility, herding, or obedience work — is key to Border happiness. Amiable among friends, they may be reserved with strangers. Discover more about Border Collies at AKC’s Border Collie Breed Biography.
German Shepherd Dog
- There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there’s a “certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC’s German Shepherd Breed Biography.
Golden Retriever
- The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, stands among America’s most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and fieldwork, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. Discover more about Golden Retrievers at AKC’s Golden Retriever Breed Biography.
Doberman Pinscher
- Sleek and powerful, possessing both a magnificent physique and keen intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher is one of dogkind’s noblemen. This incomparably fearless and vigilant breed stands proudly among the world’s finest protection dogs. Discover more about Doberman Pinschers at AKC’s Doberman Pinscher Breed Biography.
Newfoundland
- The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful “nanny dog” for kids. Discover more about Newfoundlands at AKC’s Newfoundland Breed Biography.
Dachshund
- The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund have made him a superstar of the canine kingdom. Dachshunds come in two sizes and three coat types of various colors and patterns. Discover more about Dachshunds at AKC’s Dachshund Breed Biography.
- For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.
Shareables:
- Obedience begins and ends with training humans.
- Through the last half-century, there has been a renaissance in thinking about breed attributes.
- Ms. Helen Whitehouse Walker never set out to champion the Poodle but eventually became a Poodle evangelist.