The Golden Age of Canines: Americans Roll Over for Dogs Post-WWII
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
Release Date: 06/05/2024
Ask Bud: Dog Facts, Fiction, and Fun
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, Bud Boccone separates fact from fiction as he answers questions about the Titanic, allergy season, studbooks, and all kinds of other dog-related trivia. However many thousands of years we spend getting to know dogs, it seems there is always something new to learn. From their origins to survival stories, dogs lead fascinating lives. For humans, observing, collecting, and contemplating canine histories moves us closer to understanding ourselves. Bonafide Bits: There is no dog breed (or mix of dog breeds) that is truly hypoallergenic. Only three dogs survived the sinking...
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Bloodhounds: Super Sleuths, Heroes, and Icons
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this podcast episode, we explore the greatest sniffing machines in the world of dogdom: the tireless, gentle, and beloved Bloodhounds. The Bloodhound’s exceptional scenting ability has been a cornerstone of modern crime fighting and search and rescue efforts for generations. There is no equal to this dog’s olfactory talent for picking up a scent and following its trail. Bloodhounds are tenacious scent-tracking powerhouses that require only food, companionship, and plenty of walks (so they can check their pee-mail, as they say). Bonafide Bits: Bloodhounds are estimated to have...
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A Motley Crew of Canines: Meet the Non-Sporting Group
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explain how the Non-Sporting group came to be, and why the breeds that comprise the group don’t have much more than their shared group designation in common! The twenty-one different breeds currently recognized in this group range in size and stature, and some of them are downright, well, sporty. But what they do share often comes down to their original purpose and how the modern world has moved on, while these breeds stayed constant and ever-loyal like any good dog. Bonafide Bits: Dalmatians are the only dogs bred specifically to accompany carriages. Fearless...
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Canine Name Game: The Wacky World of Dog Breed Misnomers
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore beloved canine breeds whose modern names may have gotten a little bit lost in translation over time. Just as humans have migrated all over the earth, so have their loyal, hardworking companions. War, wealth, and trade have all distributed dogs over diverse geographic areas (or in some cases, jobs) that may or may not match up with their monikers. Only true dog enthusiasts could win trivia night at the local tavern if the topic were the origins of dog breed names (you can thank us later). Bonafide Bits: Great Danes are originally from Germany....
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Dogs and Divinity: Maybe It’s No Accident That “Dog” Spelled Backwards Is “God”
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore dogs with divine connections and how, for thousands of years, many disparate cultures, in different places and different eras, all chose to infuse canines into their spiritual lives and folklore. Wherever there have been humans, there have been dogs. Not just in the places we occupy, but in our traditions, folklore, and faith stories. Dogs, who want nothing more than to live with us, share our food, protect us, and help us hunt sometimes seem like they’re too good to not be a bit of a miracle. Bonafide Bits: In Ojibwe folklore, a giant’s dog bested a...
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The Golden Age of Canines: Americans Roll Over for Dogs Post-WWII
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore how the prosperous post-war era shaped the role of dogs in America, and how those dogs have shaped us since. Dogs have always been a part of the American story, but during the post-war boom, the new idealized self-portrait of the rising middle class included the family dog. Some breeds saved from extinction by American breeders rallied to become cultural icons, TV heroes, and Best in Show winners, while a comic rendering of the most popular breed of the time fascinated the nation by imagining the war through a dog’s eyes. Join us as we take a walk through...
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Northern Stars: Spitz-Type Breeds and the Story of Human-Canine Cooperation
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the breeds that have made the difference between life and death in some of the planet’s harshest conditions, the spitz-type dog breeds of the north. Northern breeds provide one of this planet’s great survival stories. For tens of thousands of years, these dog breeds outlasted the worst cold, snow, and ice our planet can impose. And, with their human partners, they’ve survived disease and deterioration. It was tangible needs that brought humans and spitz dogs together, but it’s the intangibles that have bound us since. Join us as we get all mushy (see what we...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineIn this episode, we explore how the prosperous post-war era shaped the role of dogs in America, and how those dogs have shaped us since.
Dogs have always been a part of the American story, but during the post-war boom, the new idealized self-portrait of the rising middle class included the family dog.
Some breeds saved from extinction by American breeders rallied to become cultural icons, TV heroes, and Best in Show winners, while a comic rendering of the most popular breed of the time fascinated the nation by imagining the war through a dog’s eyes. Join us as we take a walk through our shared history and our shared boom era.
Bonafide Bits:
- With his first win In 1951, Bang Away the Boxer was the first dog to top 100 Best-in-Show titles.
- At the onset of the 1950s, Charles M. Schulz introduced the world to the beloved beagle Snoopy, and shortly after “Beagle-mania” ensued.
- Westminster’s stately Best in Show winner in 1952‒’53, Storm, a Doberman Pinscher, stood motionless for a full thirteen minutes.
- In 1955, bulldog Kippax Fearnought, aka Jock, was the first dog show champion to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.
- In 2010, Christie's auctioned off the mounted remains of Bullet, the wonder-dog star of the Roy Rogers show.
Featured Breeds:
Cocker Spaniel
- The merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel, with his big, dreamy eyes and impish personality, is one of the world’s best-loved breeds. They were developed as hunting dogs, but Cockers gained wide popularity as all-around companions. Discover more about Cocker Spaniels at AKC’s Cocker Spaniel Breed Biography.
Beagle
- Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, but it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and — thanks to its pleading expression — cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing. Discover more about Beagles at AKC’s Beagle Breed Biography.
Wire Fox Terrier
- The Wire Fox Terrier, 16 to 18 pounds of coiled energy, is a sturdy, symmetrical, short-backed hunter with fire and intelligence shining in its dark, round eyes. The predominantly white coat is rough and wiry; the V-shaped ears are neatly folded forward, the better to point up the face’s distinctive, and completely irresistible, expression. Wires are delightful pets for families looking for an upbeat, friendly companion with loads of personality. They are smart and companionable; training can be a challenge but by no means impossible. Excellent athletes, natural comedians, and charming housemates, Wires are long-lived and low-shedding. Discover more about Wire Fox Terriers at AKC’s Wire Fox Terrier Breed Biography.
Border Collie
- A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog — maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. 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 Dog Breed Biography.
Saint Bernard
- The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children. Discover more about Saint Bernards at AKC’s Saint Bernard Breed Biography.
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.
Boxer
- Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America’s most popular dog breeds for a very long time. Discover more about Boxers at AKC’s Boxer 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.
For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.
Shareables:
- In the 1950s, the AKC granted Snoopy an honorary registration of “Beagle 1.”
- Post WWII, the National Geographic Society suggested the U.S. government conduct a dog census.
- Why did the registration of purebred dogs double from 1946 to 1958?