The Big Book
of Dogs
By Linda Alchin
Smashwords Edition.
Copyright 2011 Linda Alchin
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Disclaimer
Limit of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty: The publisher has used its best efforts in preparing this book, and the information provided herein is provided “as is.” Linda Alchin makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of fitness for any particular purpose and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential, or other damages
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Author Biography
Linda Alchin is a website author with a keen interest in dogs. Her career initially focussed on conventional training techniques to provide adult education. With the advent of the Internet she moved on to distance learning projects. Combining new technology with her love of dogs she has created a variety of highly successful educational websites which, in turn, have led to the publication of this book. She lives with her family just outside London.
Websites
by Linda Alchin:
http://www.dog-names.org.uk
http://www.dog-symptoms-canine-health.info
http://www.dog-breeds.org.uk
http://www.facts-about.org.uk/dogs/index-dogs.htm
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Table of Contents
American Staffordshire Terrier
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog
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Dog Breeds and Nicknames
A
Affenpinscher - The Moustached Little Devil
Afghan Hound - Hound of the Pharaohs and Cavemen
Airedale Terrier - Dog from the Valley of Aire
Akita - The Most Venerated
Alaskan Husky - The Sled Racer
Alaskan Klee Kai - A Rare Breed
Alaskan Malamute - The Artic Dog
Alsatian - The German Shepherd Dog
American Cocker Spaniel - The American with a British Heritage
American Eskimo Dog - The Performer
American Foxhound - The Pilgrim Father's Dog
American Staffordshire Terrie - King of the Fighting Pits
American Water Spaniel - The Great Lakes Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog - The Wolf Hunter
Australian Cattle Dog - The Heeler
Australian Kelpie Sheep Dog - Water Sprite
Australian Shepherd - The Basque Shepherd Dog
Australian Terrier - National Terrier of Australia
B
Bandog - The American Bandogge
Basenji - The Bark-less Dog
Basset Hound - The French Aristocrat
Beagle - The Snoopy Dog
Bearded Collie - Olde English Dog
Beauceron - Berger de Beauce
Bedlington Terrier - The Lamb-like Dog
Belgian Malinois - Bred in Malines
Belgian Sheepdog - World War I Hero
Belgian Tervuren - The Tervuren Village Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog - The Berne Herdsman's Dog
Bichon Frise - The Curly Lap Dog
Black and Tan Coonhound - The Raccoon Raider
Black Russian Terrier - A Bull Baiter
Bloodhound - The Sleuthhound
Boerboel - Dog of the Boers
Border Collie - The Trainers Dream Dog
Border Terrier - The Head of an Otter
Borzoi - Sighthound of the Russian Czars
Boston Terrier - The American Gentleman among Dogs
Bouvier des Flandres - The Strong Guy
Boxer - The Fighter
Briard - The Emperor Charlemagne's Dog
Brittany - Epagneul Breton
Brussels Griffon - Hansom Cab Stable Dogs
Bull Terrier - The White Cavalier
Bulldog - The British Bull Baiter
Bullmastiff - Poachers Beware
C
Cairn Terrier - Toto, in the Wizard of Oz
Canaan - Dog from the Land of Canaan
Canary Dog - The Canary Islands Dog of Prey
Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Dog of the Celts
Catahoula Leopard Dog- The Leopard-like Dog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - The Merry Monarch's Dog
Chesapeake Bay Retriever - The Strongest Swimmer
Chihuahua - The Smallest Dog in the World
Chinese Crested - A Hairless Dog or a Powder Puff !
Chinese Foo Dog - Mascot of the Tongs
Chinese Shar-pei - Chinese Fighting Dog
Chow Chow - The Dog with the Black Tongue
Clumber Spaniel - French Revolution Emigre
Collie - The Lassie Star
Curly-Coated Retriever - The Gamekeeper's Dog
D
Dachshund - The Hot Dog
Dalmatian - Immortalised by Disney
Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Sir Walter Scott's Inspiration
Doberman Pinscher - The Tax Collectors Dog
Dogue de Bordeaux - French Mastiff
E
English Cocker Spaniel - Hunter of Woodcock Pigeons
English Foxhound - Favourite of the English Aristocracy
English Setter - The Dog who Sits
English Springer Spaniel - The Quarry Springers
English Toy Spaniel - Lapdog of Mary, Queen of Scots
F
Field Spaniel - The Field Worker
Finnish Spitz - Barking Bird Dog of Finland
Flat-Coated Retriever - Natural Water Dog
French Mastiff - French Mastiff
French Bulldog - The Toy Bulldog
G
German Pinscher - Saved from Extinction
German Shepherd Dog - The Alsatian Wolf Dog
German Shorthaired Pointer - The Short Haired Dog
German Wirehaired Pointer - The Leading Pointer Dog
Giant Schnauzer - The Small Beard
Glen of Imaal Terrier - The Turnspit Dog
Golden Retriever - The World's Most Popular Dog
Gordon Setter - Gun Dog of Scotland
Great Dane - The Gentle Giant
Great Pyrenees - The Court Dog of France
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - The "Swissy"
Greyhound - The Fastest Dog on Earth
H
Harrier - The Hare Hunter
Havanese - The Dog from Havana
Hovawart - Farm Watchdog
I
Ibizan Hound - Sighthound of Hannibal
Irish Setter - A Victorian Favorite
Irish Terrier - The Racy Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel - The Tallest Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound - War Dog of Irish Chieftains
Italian Greyhound - Gaze Hound of European Royalty
J
Jack Russell Terrier - The Scamp
Japanese Chin - The Ornamental Dog
Japanese Spitz - The Pure White Dog
K
Keeshond - The Dutch Barge Dog
Kerry Blue Terrier - County Kerry Beauty
Komondor - The Ultimate Sheep Dog
Kuvasz - The Dog of the Magyars
L
Labrador Retriever - The Fisherman's Friend
Lakeland Terrier - The Showman
Leonberger - The Lion-like Dog
Lhasa Apso - The Sacred Dog of Tibet
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog - The Leopard-like Dog
Lowchen - The Little Lion Dog
M
Maltese - Prized Dog of Malta
Manchester Terrier (Standard) - The Cat-like Dog
Manchester Terrier (Toy) - The Rat Killer
Maremma - The Italian Sheepdog
Mastiff - War Dog and Gladiator
Miniature Bull Terrier - The Gladiator of Terriers
Miniature Pinscher - The Mini Pin
Miniature Schnauzer - Small Beard
N
Neapolitan Mastiff - The Dog of the Romans
New Guinea Singing Dog - Gazehound of New Guinea
Newfoundland - The Landseer Dog
Norfolk Terrier - The Demon
Norwegian Elkhound - War Dog of the Vikings
Norwich Terrier - The "Jones" Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - The Splasher!
O
Old English Sheepdog - The "Bobtail"
Otterhound - The Otter's Foe
P
Papillon - The "Butterfly" Dog
Parson Russell Terrier - The Minister's Scamp
Patterdale Terrier - The Fell Terrier
Pekingese - The Lion Dog - Sacred Symbol of Buddha
Pembroke Welsh Corgi - The Tiny dog of the Celts
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Small Dog with the Big Name
Pharaoh Hound - Sighthound of the Pharaohs
Plott - Mr. Plott's Dog!
Pointer - The Bird Locator
Polish Lowland Sheepdog - The Nizinny
Pomeranian - Poms or Puffballs
Poodle - The Stylish Breed
Portuguese Water Dog - Trawler Crew Member
Pug - The Dog of Kings & Monks
Puli - The Hungarian Water Dog
R
Rat Terrier - The Ratter
Redbone Coonhound - The Treeing Red Dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback - The Lion Dog
Rottweiler - Marched with the Romans
S
Saint Bernard - The Saviour of Lost Travellers
Saluki - Sacred Dog of the Sumerian Empire
Samoyed - The Dog with the Smiling Face
Schipperke - Little Captain
Scottish Deerhound - Royal Dog of Scotland
Scottish Terrier - The Scotty Dog
Sealyham Terrier - The Mystery Dog
Shetland Sheepdog - The Sheltie
Shiba Inu - The Brushwood Dog
Shih Tzu - The Chrysanthemum Dog
Shikoku - The Most Venerated
Siberian Husky - The Team Racer
Silky Terrier - The Sydney Silky
Skye Terrier - Greyfriars Bobby
Smooth Fox Terrier - The Adventurer
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - The Teddy Bear
Spinone Italiano - Italian Renaissance Pointer
Staffordshire Bull Terrier - The Nanny Dog
Standard Schnauzer - The Rat Catcher
Sussex Spaniel - The Flusher
T
Thai Ridgeback - The Thailand Spitz
Tibetan Mastiff - A War Dog
Tibetan Spaniel - The Prayer Dog
Tibetan Terrier - The "Good Luck" Dog
Tosa Inu - Dog from Tosa
Toy Fox Terrier - The AmerToy
V
Vizsla - The Hungarian Pointer
W
Weimaraner - The Forester's Dog
Welsh Springer Spaniel - Dog of the Celts
Welsh Terrier - The Loveable Rogue
West Highland White Terrier - The Westie
Whippet - The Snap Dog
Wire Fox Terrier - The Live Wire
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - The Rough Coat
Y
Yorkshire Terrier - The Yorkies
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The Evolution of Dogs
Is Man's best friend really a descendent of tamed wolves?
Biologists have debated over the history and evolution of the domestic dog for hundreds of years. Most Scientists now agree that dogs are directly descended from Canis Lupus - the Grey Wolf.
Dr. Robert K. Wayne, canid biologist and molecular geneticist at UCLA, has shown, through DNA research, that dogs are more closely related to the Grey Wolf than Biologists had previously suspected. In fact, due in large part to Dr. Robert K. Wayne's genetic research, the authors of the "Mammal Species of the World" the internationally accepted reference source on mammal species, reclassified the dog in 1993 from Canis Familiaris to Canis Lupus.
The Evolution Dogs from Wolves - How could Wolves be tamed and Why?
We will never now exactly why or how wolves were tamed by man, but remains of dogs dating back 10 to 15 thousand years have been found, so we at least have a "ball-park" figure of when which helps to build a picture of the History and Evolution of dogs. The wolf and man had several important things in common; we were both hunters and also hunted in packs. It is certain that during our history our paths would have regularly crossed, we would have even hunted and eaten each other! The most likely scenario is that a human hunting party came across a very young Wolf Cub and decided to take it with them. The Wolf Cub would have been very puppy like at an early age, when grown although far less trustworthy than a dog of today, would not have been quite as dangerous as a wild Wolf. A semi-tamed Wolf would probably have had considerable value to a hunter gatherer group, lending its superior hunting senses to the group. This would have helped not just in hunting but defensively as a warning system as well. The evolution of the wolf to the domestic dog began.
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The largest, smallest, oldest and fastest – keep reading for amazing dog information and facts. Interesting information and facts about dog anatomy and development are also included!
Interesting Dog Facts - The World Record Breakers!
The Greyhound is the Fastest Dog on Earth and can run 45 miles per hour for short periods of time.
The Irish Wolfhounds is the largest dog.
The Great Dane is the tallest dog.
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog.
The St. Bernard is the heaviest dog.
The Worlds oldest dog was an Australian cattle-dog named Bluey who lived to the age of 29 years and 5 months!
Did you Know...
Barking Sands Beach, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is known for its unusual dry sand that squeaks or "barks like a dog."
Two dogs survived the sinking of Titanic.
The Great Dane breed of dog originates from Germany!
At the end of the Beatles' song "A Day in the Life", an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for the enjoyment of his Shetland sheepdog.
When a dog bays at the moon, it is following its basic instinct to call the pack together.
Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible.
Prairie dogs are not dogs - they're a kind of rodent.
The only dog to ever appear in a Shakespearean play was Crab in "The Two Gentlemen of Verona."
Dalmatian puppies are pure white when they are born and develop their spots as they grow older.
The Poodle's "haircut" was to improve their swimming abilities. The pom-poms were left to keep their joints warm!
There are approximately 68,000,000 dogs owned by people in the United States ranging from mutts, pedigree dogs, exotic dogs and those considered to be cool dogs!
An American Animal Hospital Association poll showed that 33 percent of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages on an answering machine while away.
It is estimated that one million dogs in the United States have been named the primary beneficiary in their owner's will.
Approximately 1 in 3 households keep dogs as pets.
36% of homes have dogs.
85% of dogs visit an animal doctor in a year.
There are a total of 157 types of dog breeds recognised by the AKC (American Kennel Club). However, there are as many as 800 distinct breeds recognised by various groups world wide.
The Top 5 favourite types of dog breeds in the US are:
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Beagle
Dachshund
The Labrador Retriever is the Number 1 type of dog breed in the USA, Canada and UK!
According to a survey done by the American Animal Hospital Association 70% of people sign their pet's name on greeting cards.
Based on a life span of 11 years the average cost of owning a dog is $13,550.
Some Amazing Dog Anatomy Facts!
A young dog has only 28 milk teeth.
Dogs take between 10 and 30 breaths every minute.
A dog's heart beats between 70 and 120 times a minute, compared with a human heart which beats 70 to 80 times a minute.
A dog's temperature is between 100.2 and 102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat through the pads of their feet.
Female dog bites are twice as numerous as male dog bites.
The Chow Chow dog has a black tongue.
A dogs sight is better than that of a human in dim light.
Dogs have a visual range of 250 degrees compared to the human range of 180 degrees.
A dog can hear sounds 250 yards away that most people cannot hear beyond 25 yards.
Dogs have twice as many muscles for moving their ears as people
The average dog's mouth exerts 150 to 180 pounds of pressure per square inch. Some dogs can apply up to 450 pounds
Interesting Puppy Facts
More than five million puppies are born every year in the United States.
A puppy is born blind, deaf and toothless.
During its first week 90% of a puppys time is spent sleeping and 10% eating.
A puppy is only able to crawl during its first week.
A puppy begins to see when it is between 2 to 3 weeks old.
During the ages of 3 to 7 weeks a puppys first teeth, or milk teeth will appear.
At the age of 3 weeks a puppy will develop its sense of smell.
A puppy will sleep for 14 hours every day.
A puppys adult teeth start to come through between 4 and 8 months when it starts to chew everything!
Some dogs reach sexual maturity at the age of eight months.
A puppy is considered and adult at the age of one year. At this age it is as physically as mature as a 15 year-old human.
The Origins of Dog Phrases & Expressions
The expression "three dog night" originated with the Eskimos and means a very cold night - so cold that you have to bed down with three dogs to keep warm.
The phrase "raining cats and dogs" originated in 17th Century England when many dogs and cats drowned during heavy downpours of rain and when rivers burst their banks. Their bodies would be seen floating in the rain torrents that raced through the streets giving the appearance that it had literally rained "cats and dogs".
The term "Dog Days" dates back to Roman times, when it was believed that Sirius, the Dog Star, added its heat to that of the sun from July 3 to August 11 and created exceptionally high temperatures. The Romans called the period "dies caniculares" or "Days of the Dog."
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Famous Dogs
There have been many famous dogs in history. The names of these famous dogs might prove to be inspirational for anyone who is looking for a suitable name for their dog. The famous dogs we have included cover all sections of the dog community and achieve their fame from: Movies, TV, Fiction as well as famous police dogs and dogs owned by famous people and celebrities.
Nipper - His Master's Voice
Nipper was the most famous dog recognised by millions of music lovers. The record label for HMV (His Master's Voice) featured a picture of Nipper listening to his master's gramophone - take a look at the picture at the top of the page which might stir a few happy memories!
Fluffy
Who can forget the three-headed dog that guarded the Philosopher's Stone at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Certainly not Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger!
Toto - Dorothy's dog - The Wizard of Oz
Toto was Dorothy's dog in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. A mischievous dog portrayed as a Cairn Terrier in the movie The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland.
Lassie
There have been many dogs called Lassie but the first Lassie a rough collie starred in the 1942 movie 'Lassie Come Home'. Lassie was played by several male dogs, despite the female name, because male collies were thought to look better on camera.
Bingo
Bingo is the name of the dog on the Cracker Jack box.
Lady and Tramp
Walt Disney's family dog was a poodle named Lady. Perhaps this name was the inspiration for Disney's famous animated movie 'Lady and the Tramp'
Rover
In 1905 the first canine movie star was featured in "Rescued by Rover".
Max
The name of the dog from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" is Max.
Crab - The Shakespearean Dog
The only dog to ever appear in a play by William Shakespearean was Crab who appeared in "The Two Gentlemen of Verona."
Thisbe
The tragic Queen of France Marie Antoinette, who was beheaded on the Guillotine, owned a spaniel dog named Thisbe.
Pongo and Perdita - 101 Dalmations
Pongo and Perdita were the stars of the famous animated Disney movie - 101 Dalmatians. Pongo has 72 spots, Perdita has 68 and each of the puppies has 32!
Blondi
Adolf Hitler's favorite dog was an alsatian called Blondi. Adolf Hitler used Blondi to make sure cyanide capsules were lethal. Hitler then used the cyanide to commit suicide when he saw it worked on Blondi.
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby was a famous Skye Terrier immortalised in the Disney movie of the same name. In 1858 a man named John Gray (Old Jock) was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard, in Edinburgh. This loyal dog slept on his master's grave for the next 14 years until his own death. A statue commemorates this most loyal of dogs.
Flush
Flush was the name of the dog owned by the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning immortalised in the movie the ' Barretts of Wimpole Street ' starring Charles Laughton who played her strict father. Elizabeth Barrett was an invalid and confined to the house for many years. During this time she acquired a love of poetry and wrote the famous dog poem simply called ' To Flush, My Dog '. Her love of poetry lead her to meet another famous English poet called Robert Browning. They fell in love and married despite the objections of her father.
K9
A mechanical dog was given the name K9 in the cult British TV series Dr. Who. Originally intended as a children's program Dr. Who quickly became popular with adults thanks to K9 and, of course, the Daleks.
Bullseye - Fictional Dog from Oliver Twist
Bullseye was the famous dog belonging to the villain Bill Sykes dog in the book called Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The dog was vicious having been badly treated by Bill Sykes but nevertheless was loyal to his owner.
Nana - The Darling's Dog in Peter Pan
Nana was the Newfoundland dog belonging to the Darling Family in Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. Nana howled to alert Wendy's parents that the children were flying away. Mr. Darling ignored the warning of Nana and was so remorseful at the loss of the children that he slept in the kennel in Nana's place until their safe return.
Quoodle
Our favourite dog poem of all time is The Song of Quoodle by G.K.Chesterton - a real treat for anyone who has never heard of this poem. Gilbert Keith Chesterton, otherwise known as G. K. Chesterton was an English Poet and Journalist who lived between 1874 and 1936. He was educated at University College and was first published in 1896.
Balto - Siberian Husky
Balto was the lead dog in the team of Siberian huskies who carried Diptheria serum 650 miles from Anchorage to epidemic-ridden Nome, Alaska in 1925.
Robot - The Lascaux Cave Paintings
Robot was the dog who discovered the cave paintings at Lascaux September 12, 1940. His owner was a young 17 year old French lad called Marcel Ravidat.
Rin Tin Tin
Rin Tin Tin was one of the most famous and popular canine movie stars. Rin Tin Tin was always played by a German shepherd, or alsatian. "Rinty" was featured in a total of 24 Warner Brothers movies.
Suening - The Dog King
King Eystein who ruled Norway between 1104 and 1123 decreed that, as a punishment to his people, that a dog called Suening should rule in his place. Three years passed where Suening routinely signed decrees with with paw-prints!
Luath
Luath was the name of the dog owned by the famous poet Robert Burns. Robert Burns came from Scotland and lived between 1759 and 1796. He was educated at home and his father was a gardener and farmer. The most famous poems by Robert Burns were A Red Red Rose and Auld Lang Syne! Robert Burns was a Dog Lover who wrote a poem dedicated to dogs called The Twa Dogs
Argus - Odysseus's dog
Argus (or Argos) was the name of a long-lived dog owned by Odysseus in the Odyssey by Homer. When Odysseus returns from his long voyages he wears the disguise of a beggar and only Argus his loyal old dog, recognizes him.
Anubis - Ancient Egyptian God
Anubis was an Ancient Egyptian god with a dog's (or a jackal's) head. Anubis was the God of the Dead and is usually depicted as a black dog with long sharp ears The black colour of Anubis is not natural to jackals or to the wild dogs of Egypt - it may refer to the dark discoloration of a body after death and during mummification.
Black Shuck - The Spectre Hound - The Baskerville Hound?
Black Shuck is the name of a legendary ghost hound said to haunt the ancient roads of Norfolk, England. Said to be the size of a calf with blazing eyes. This mythological ghost dog is said to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous book The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Cafall - Noble Dog of King Arthur
Cafall is reputed to be the dog who was owned by King Arthur of Camelot. Cafall was a mighty dog, brave, loyal and regal. The type of dog only a King such as Arthur was able to own.
Cerberus - The Hound of Hades
According to Greek Mythology Cerberus was a strange and fiercesome mixture of creatures - having three heads of wild dogs, a dragon or serpent for a tail and heads of snakes all over his back. It was the twelth labour of Hercules to go to the depths of Hades and kill Cerberus.
Boatswain - Lord Byron's Dog
Boatswain was the Newfoundland dog referred to in one of the Dog Epitaphs by Lord Byron.
Scylla - The She-Dragon
Scylla, or Skylla, was a part-dog figure featured in Greek mythology. A She-Dragon with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a serpentine fish with the foreparts of six dogs for legs.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Hound of the Baskervilles, the terrifying killer dog portrayed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the book of the same name. It is possible that he based the hound on the legendary Black Shuck of Norfolk, England.
Timmy
Timmy was the fifth member of the Famous Five in the Famous Five series of books by Enid Blyton.
Flash
Flash was the Basset Hound from The Dukes of Hazzard TV series.
Hachiko - Japanese symbol of loyalty
Each year on April 8th at a ceremony in Tokyo's Shibuya railway station dog lovers do homage to the loyalty and devotion of an Akita dog called Hachiko. Hachiko was the loyal and faithful pet of Dr. Eisaburo Ueno, a professor at Tokyo University. On May 21st 1925, when Hachiko was eighteen months old Dr Ueno died. The next day and for the next nine years, Hachiko returned to the station and waited for his master before walking home, alone.
Old Shep - Faithful American dog
Old Shep maintained a five year vigil at the train station in Fort Benton, Montana after seeing the coffin of his master loaded onto a train.
Pickles - The World Cup Dog
Pickles, discovered the Jules Rimet trophy under a bush in South London (the Football World Cup) after it had been stolen in England in 1966.
The Bandog
The Bandog is said to be a huge spirit-world mastiff with massive jaws from which flames appear. The Bandog was believed to guard treasure buried beneath the Rock of Dunamase, the stronghold of the Kings of Leinster, overlooking Portlaoise in County Laois in Ireland.
Bob - The Parliamentary Candidate
In 1982 Bob, a Springer Spaniel, stood for Parliament representing "The Monster Raving Loony Barking Mad Dog Party". He was was owned by Lord David Sutch (Screaming Lord Sutch).
Toby - The Richest Dog in the World
In 1932 the American millionairess, Ella Wendal left a record legacy of 75 million dollars in her will to her standard Poodle called Toby.
The Dam Buster Dog
Nigger was a black Labrador Retriever who belonged to the World War II Dam Buster Squadron Leader Guy Gibson who gave his dog's name as the codename to be used as the indication that the mission had been successful. The dog was sadly run over immediately prior to the raid and was killed. Guy Gibson ordered that the dog should be buried at midnight, the time that the raid was taking place.
Search and Rescue dogs - September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Terrorist attacks.
Over 300 dogs were brought into the site we now know as Ground Zero. The NYPD dogs were the first there.
Sirius - 2001 World Trade Center hero
Sirius was was attached to the Port Authority Police Department and was the only dog to lose his life in the search and rescue efforts following the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Terrorist attacks.
Appollo - hero of NYPD K9 Search and Rescue team
Appollo, part of the New York police Department K9 Search and Rescue team was on the scene just fifteen minutes after the disaster.
Riva and Salty - Guide Dog World Trade Centre heroes
Riva and Salty were two guide dogs who saved their owner's lives just before the World Trade Centre collapsed. Riva and Salty guided their blind owners, Mr Roselle and Mr. Hingson down the crowded, smoke filled stairs from the 71st floor and were later honoured for their bravery.
Dogs in Space - Sputnik dogs
All of the Space dogs deserve a mention on any page dedicated to famous dogs. Five dogs tragically died during their flights.
Laika
Laika was the first dog in space on the Russian satellite Sputnik 2. This momentous event occurred on November 3rd,1957 at the height of the Cold war between Russia and the USA. It was a one-way trip as she burned up in the Earth's atmosphere on 4 April 1958.
Lisichka and Bars
Died during a test flight on July 28, 1960
Strelka and Belka
Safely recovered from a Sputnik launched August 19, 1960, it orbited the Earth 18 times. This was the first successful recovery of living creatures after an orbital mission. Strelka gave birth to puppies, one of them called Pushinka was presented by Soviet Premier Kruschev to President Kennedy. Pushinka had 4 puppies of her own who JFK called “pupniks”!
Pchelka and Mushka
Died when Sputnik-3 re-entered the Earth's atmosphere in December 1960.
Damka and Krasavka
Launched December 22, 1960 and the two dogs survived an unplanned suborbital flight.
Chernushka
Launched March 9, 1961.
Zvezdochka
Launched on March 25, 1961 and orbited once in final preparation for the Vostok 1 mission. Zvezdochka was named by cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
Verterok and Ugolek
Were launched on February 22, 1966, in the satellite Kosmos 110. This was a 22-day mission.
The meanings of the Russian Space Dogs names are as follows:
Bars (Panther or Lynx)
Belka (Squirrel)
Chernushka (Blackie)
Damka (Little Lady)
Krasavka (Beauty)
Lisichka (Little Fox)
Mushka (Little Fly)
Pchelka (Little Bee)
Strelka (Little Arrow)
Ugolyok (Little Piece of Coal)
Verterok (Little Wind)
Zvezdochka (Little Star)
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Presidents & Their Dogs
A total of 26 of America's 44 Presidents have owned Dogs as their pets. Our interest in the US Presidents dogs is not surprising - 1 in every 3 Americans own dogs and are interested in the pets belonging to the US first family.
The details of the Presidents dogs, their breeds, some anecdotes and their names follow in chronological order:
1789 - 1797 George Washington
The first US President George Washington owned 10 Hounds called Mopsey, Taster, Cloe, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips and Searcher
1801 - 1809 Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson owned a sheep dog and is the President who instituted the first dog license. He actually had a dog hanged once for attacking his sheep. a sheep dog to Washington.
1817 - 1825 James Monroe
James Monroe owned a Spaniel.
1861 - 1865 Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln owned at least 2 dogs called Fido and Jip. Fido, suffered a violent death much like his master. Fido was knifed to death in the street by a drunk who became angry when the dog jumped on him with muddy paws.
1869 - 1877 Ulysses S Grant
Ulysses S. Grant brought a Newfoundland dog named Faithful to the White House. Faithful belonged to Jesse Grant, the son of President Grant.
1877 - 1881 Rutherford Hayes
Rutherford Hayes owned an English Mastiff called Duke, two German Shepherd dogs named Hector and Nellie and a Greyhound called Grim.
1885 - 1889 Grover Cleveland
Grover Cleveland was believed to have owned a Poodle.
1889 - 1893 Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison owned a dog called Dash.
1901 - 1909 Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt owned a Pitbull Terrier (Pete), a Chesapeake Retriever (Sailor Boy), a Terrier (Jack), a mongrel (Skip) and a Spaniel called Manchu. Teddy Roosevelt’s bull terrier, Pete, almost caused an international scandal when he ripped off the French ambassador’s pants during a White House function.
1913 - 1921 - Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson did not own a dog whilst he was President. He was the first to shake hands with a dog which was a war hero. Woodrow Wilson. The dog was Stubby, a bullterrier, who captured a German spy in World War I. Woodrow Wilson made the following quote, "If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience."
1921 - 1923 Warren Harding
Warren Harding owned an Airedale called Laddie Boy and a Bulldog called Oh Boy. Laddie Boy had his own chair to sit on at cabinet meetings!
1923 - 1929 Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge owned at least 12 dogs:
Terrier (Peter Pan)
Airedale (Laddie Buck/Paul Pry)
2 White Collies (Oshkosh/Rob Roy and Prudence Primm)
Shetland Sheepdog (Calamity Jane)
2 Chows (Tiny Tim and Blackberry)
Brown Collie (Ruby Rough)
Yellow Collie (Bessie)
Bulldog (Boston Beans)
Police Dog (King Kole)
Bird Dog (Palo Alto),
1929 - 1933 Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover owned at least 9 dogs
2 Police Dogs (King Tut and Pat)
2 Fox Terriers (Big Ben and Sonnie)
Scotch Collie (Glen)
Eskimo Dog (Yukon)
Wolfhound (Patrick)
Setter (Eaglehurst Gillette)
Elkhound (Weejie)
1933 - 1945 Franklin D Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt owned at least 7 dogs:
German Shepherd (Major)
2 Scotch Terriers (Meggie and Fala)
Llewellyn Setter (Winks)
English Sheepdog (Tiny)
Great Dane (President)
Mastiff (Blaze)
Fala was given to the President by his cousin, Margaret Suckley. Fala was the star of an MGM Hollywood movie about the typical day of a dog in the White House. He also became an honorary army private. He received this honor by contributing one dollar to the war effort setting a trend for the rest of the US.Fala is depicted in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Meggie, the other Terrier, was infamous as she once bit a senator! Manchu was owned by Alice Roosevelt and was a small black Pekingese which she received as a gift from the last Empress of China.
1945 - 1953 Harry S Truman
Harry S. Truman owned a mongrel called Feller and an Irish Setter named Mike. President Harry S. Truman is attributed with the following quotes:
"If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."
"Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads."
1953 - 1961 Dwight D Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower owned a Weimaraner named Heidi.
1961 - 1963 John F Kennedy
President John F. Kennedy owned the following dogs:
Welsh Terrier - Charlie and Pushinka
German Shepherd - Clipper
Irish Cocker Spaniel - Shannon
Irish Wolfhound - Wolf
Terrier - White Tips, Blackie and Streaker
John F. Kennedy was the first president to request that his dogs meet the presidential helicopter when the president arrived at the White House.
Soviet Premier Kruschev gave him a dog named Pushinka who was the offspring of the Russian space dog Strelka. Pushinka had 4 puppies of her own puppies who JFK called “pupniks”! Pushinka often made the President laugh by climbing up the ladder to Caroline's tree house. The Prime Minister of Ireland gave JFK the Irish cocker spaniel, Shannon.
1963 - 1969 Lyndon B Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson owned 7 dogs:
Mongrel - (Yuki)
5 Beagles - Beagle, Little Beagle, Him and Her and J. Edgar
White Collie - (Blanco)
As president he received as a gift the white collie, Blanco. He always shook hands with the dog whenever he left or returned to the White House. His favorite dog, the beagle called Him, was run over and killed on the White House grounds. Edgar Hoover gave him a dog t o replace Him which he named J. Edgar. His mongrel dog, Yuki, was famous for disgracing everyone present in the oval office including the Shah of Iran. His next escapade occurred when he bit a White House police officer in the groin. Despite these indiscretions Yuki was honoured by his picture appearing on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
1969 - 1974 Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon owned 4 dogs
Spaniel (Checkers)
Irish Setter (King Timahoe)
Terrier (Pasha)
Poodle (Vicky)
When he entered the White House a member of his staff gave him the Irish setter, King Timahoe, which he named for the little village in Ireland where his mother’s ancestors came from. Richard Nixon.
1974 - 1977 Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford owned a Golden Retriever called Liberty who gave birth to nine puppies at the White House.
1977 - 1981 Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter gave a dog as a gift to his daughter Amy. The dog was a mongrel that was called Grits.