Doggone History

Commonly called Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, or just Russell Terriers, these feisty and energetic terriers were bred for the hunt. They're twelve pounds of pure nerve, born from one Devonshire clergyman's obsession with fox hunting. This week on Doggone History, we trace the Jack Russell Terrier back to a chance encounter outside Oxford in 1819, when Reverend John "Jack" Russell bought a dairyman's terrier and unknowingly founded one of the world's most recognizable breeds. 📝 Transcripts and past episodes: ⁠⁠doggonehistory.com⁠⁠ Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Rich Napoli...

Ever wonder how the short-legged, big-eared Welsh Corgi became one of the world's most beloved dog breeds? And actually that is TWO breeds! The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating origins of both breeds, from their ancient herding roots in Wales to their rise as a favorite of British royalty. Learn about the breed's unique physical traits, working-dog heritage, and how it captured hearts (and internet memes) around the globe. Perfect for dog owners, breeders, and animal lovers who want the full story behind...

Doggone History: Dachshunds: The Badger Dogs They're low to the ground, long in the body, and utterly convinced they run the household. But where did the dachshund actually come from? This week on Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the surprisingly fierce backstory of one of the world's most recognizable breeds. Long before they were curled up on couches and starring in wiener dog races, dachshunds were bred in Germany for a seriously gutsy job: tunneling underground to hunt badgers. In fact, their name literally translates to "badger dog." We'll trace how these tenacious...

They're the goofy grin in every "good boy" meme, the go-to breed for therapy dogs, guide dogs, and family portraits alike. But where did the Golden Retriever actually come from? This episode digs into the surprisingly aristocratic origins of America's (and honestly, the world's) favorite good boy. We're heading to the misty highlands of 19th-century Scotland, where a wealthy nobleman named Dudley Marjoribanks, Lord Tweedmouth, set out to breed the perfect gundog for retrieving waterfowl on his sprawling estate. What he ended up creating was a dog so friendly, so trainable, and so photogenic that it would...

The World's Smartest Dogs | Border Collies If you've ever watched a Border Collie work a flock of sheep, you already know this is no ordinary dog. With a piercing gaze, an almost supernatural instinct, and a brain that seemingly never clocks out, the Border Collie has earned its reputation as the world's most intelligent dog breed. But how did this extraordinary animal come to be, and what makes them tick? This week on Doggone History, Rich digs into the fascinating story of the Border Collie, from the rugged hills dividing England and Scotland where the...

For over a thousand years, only emperors were allowed to own this dog. This week, Rich Napolitano traces the wild history of the Shih Tzu, from its roots as a sacred "lion dog" in Tibetan Buddhist legend, to its exclusive life inside the Forbidden City, where palace eunuchs ran a cutthroat breeding program just to catch the Emperor's eye. Then things took a turn with the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the chaos of revolution that nearly wiped the breed off the map entirely. Find out how a handful of dogs smuggled out of China by a determined...

Ever wonder where the Beagle came from? In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating history of one of the world's most beloved dog breeds. From their origins as scent hounds in ancient England to their rise as one of the most popular family pets in America, the Beagle has one of the most interesting stories in the canine world. Rich covers how Beagles were bred for hunting, how they found their way into the hearts and homes of everyday families, and why this compact, curious, and famously loud little hound has...

Ever wondered where that scrappy little "monkey dog" came from? In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating history of the Affenpinscher, one of Europe's oldest and most entertaining toy breeds. From the ratting dogs of 17th-century Germany to the polished show rings of the modern era, the Affenpinscher has lived many lives. We'll explore how this pint-sized pup earned its quirky nickname, its role as a working dog in German homes and shops, how breeders refined the breed into the compact companion we know today, and the Affenpinscher's long road to...

From the Fields of Germany to the World's Most Trusted Dog — The History of the German Shepherd Few dogs have left a paw print on history quite like the German Shepherd. This week on Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating origins of one of the world's most beloved and versatile breeds. From the pastoral hillsides of 19th-century Germany to the front lines of World War I, the silver screen, and your living room couch. Discover how cavalry captain Max von Stephanitz set out to create the perfect working dog in 1899 and ended up...

From the rolling hills of the English countryside to the parlors of America's most powerful families, the Old English Sheepdog has one of the most fascinating journeys in canine history. In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano traces the breed from its murky origins, likely descended from the Scottish Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar, to its rise as a beloved family companion and cultural icon. Discover how this rugged, hardworking drover's dog transformed into a show-ring star, winning over the Vanderbilts, Morgans, and Guggenheims along the way. Learn why their tails were bobbed, what...

Explore the fascinating history of Border Terriers in this episode, where we trace the origins of one of the most hardworking and beloved dog breeds. Bred along the rugged borderlands of England and Scotland, Border Terriers were developed as tough, agile dogs capable of keeping up with fox hunts and controlling vermin. This episode looks at how these determined little dogs evolved from working farm companions into popular household pets, while still retaining the intelligence, endurance, and friendly temperament that define the breed today. Whether you’re a dog lover, researching different dog breeds, or considering Border Terriers as pe...

bIQQCXIPmzX1ivabnLYr Compact, quirky, and full of personality, the French Bulldog has a history as charming as its bat-like ears. This episode traces the breed’s origins from 14th century mastiff-type dogs used for bull-baiting, to 19th-century England, where lace workers bred miniature bulldogs, to its rise in popularity among Parisian café society after being brought to France during the Industrial Revolution. Along the way these small companions became favorites of artists, aristocrats, and everyday city dwellers, eventually making their way across the Atlantic to become one of America’s most beloved breeds. If...

The Vizsla comes from a long line of sleek and agile Hungarian hunting dogs, and were once the hunting dogs of nobles. Over a thousand years of selective breeding has produced a dog with keen prey instincts, but also an intense loyalty and a strong bond with its master. Vizslas have an extreme and primal need to remain close to their humans. Incredibly energetic and playful, Vizslas make a perfect companion dog for an active family who can give it a lot of attention. If you would like to feature YOUR DOG on the cover art of...

Discover the fascinating history of the Scottish Terrier, one of the most iconic and spirited dog breeds to come out of Scotland. From their origins as fearless vermin hunters in the rugged Highlands to their rise as beloved companions of presidents and celebrities, this episode explores it all. Learn how their bold personality, distinctive look, and unwavering loyalty earned them a permanent place in pop culture. Perfect for dog lovers and history buffs alike, this episode uncovers the story behind the legendary “Scottie.” Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Rich...

Discover the fascinating story behind one of the world’s smallest and boldest dog breeds in this episode of Doggone History. Where did Chihuahuas come from? Are they truly descendants of ancient dogs like the Techichi of Mesoamerica? And how did these tiny companions go from sacred animals of early civilizations to beloved lapdogs and pop culture icons? In this episode, we explore the Chihuahua’s mysterious origins in Mexico, their connection to ancient societies like the Toltecs and Aztecs, and their journey into the modern world. Along the way, you’ll learn about the breed’...

The Saluki is one of the most ancient dog breeds, originating from the sands of ancient Middle Eastern deserts. These "Royal Dogs of Royalty" were prized hunters and revered companions. Their elegance, endurance, and gracefulness remains in the Saluki today. Doggone history is a lighthearted look at the history of dogs, one breed at a time. Written, edited, and produced by, and original theme music by, Rich Napolitano. Please remember to subscribe or follow Doggone History in your podcast app and leave a rating and review. Show notes, transcripts and more are available...

Discover the fascinating story behind the beloved Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular dogs in the world. In this episode of Doggone History, we dive into the history of the Labrador Retriever, from its hardworking origins along the rugged coasts of Newfoundland to its rise as a loyal family companion and one of the most recognizable breeds on the planet. Long before Labradors were chasing tennis balls in suburban backyards, their ancestors worked alongside fishermen in the icy waters of Atlantic Canada. Descended from the legendary St. John's Water Dog, these sturdy, intelligent dogs were prized...

Doggone History is a lighthearted history of dogs, one breed at a time. Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, French Bulldogs, German Sherpherds, and all of the other breeds weren't always what they are today. Join host Rich Napolitano for a fun journey and hear our beloved pets have developed over time into the furry freinds we know today. If you love dogs, you will love Doggone History! https://www.doggonehistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices