History of Guardian & Working Breeds

19/07/2025

Vintage photo of Springers

18/07/2025

Romanian Bucovina shepherd

18/07/2025

18/07/2025

The Italian Bergamasco Sheep/Shepherd dog - Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, is used as a herding dog for both sheep and cattle.

Bibliographical descriptions mention a rough-haired dog of Italian origin that passes as being the ancestor of the present Spinone. Sélincourt, in his book Le parfait chasseur (The perfect Hunter) from1683, speaks of a Griffon coming from Italy and the Piedmont.
In the Middle Ages this dog has often been represented by famous painters; the best known painting is a fresco by Andrea Mantegna in the ducal palace of Mantua, from the 15th century.
The origins of the Pastore Bergamasco are unknown. A genetic study in 2018 found evidence of haplotypes shared with other European breeds including the Berger Picard, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Briard.
A dog of this type was exhibited at the first Italian dog show in Milan in 1881. The first registration of the breed in the Libro Origini Italiano, the Italian national stud-book for dogs, was in 1891. A breed association, now called the Associazione Amatori del Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, was established in 1949. The breed was recognised by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1956 and was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in the same year.
will update this history tomorrow. Fell asleep 3 times through out, after work.

18/07/2025

Engraving of an Icelandic Sheepdog from Georges-Louis Leclerc (1755), Histoire naturelle, générale, et particulière, avec la description du Cabinet du Roy, Tome V.

18/07/2025

Italian Sheepdog from 1915

18/07/2025

16/07/2025

Info and photos are supplied by Dr Murat Ogut. Which I thank. He’s is the author of the Australian NSW AND QLD sites. Its the official Kangal description. He works directly with Turkish Kennel Federation and represent Kangal overseas.
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The name derives from the town Kangal which is connected to the Central Anatolian city of Sivas. Colloquially, the Turkish people refer to these dogs as Sivas Kangal or more officially Kangal Coban Kopegi (Kangal Shepherd Dog).
Kangal Shepherd Dog is considered to be an ancient or primitive breed. For centuries it has successfully protected herds of sheep in the Sivas region, against jackals, wolves and bears. Almost exclusively found in Sivas region until the 80s, Kangal dogs can now be found all over Turkey. It is not possible to conclusively determine the exact origins of the Kangal Shepherd Dog. One common theory is that these dogs have come to Anatolia with the migrating Turkic tribes from Asia in the 11th century.
Kangal Shepherd Dog’s existence outside of Turkey is nascent. Their rapidly increasing popularity overseas can be attributed to their gentle character combined with their unrivalled ability to protect livestock against all kinds of predators.
Large, muscular and rectangular from the side profile, the Kangal dog possesses speed like a cheetah, agility like a leopard and strength like a lion. The tail is characterised by a curl that becomes tighter and held above the back line when fully alert. The most important and distinguishing feature of the Kangal dog is its head shape. From the side, Kangal dog displays a rather flat skull, and a strong muzzle. Combined with almond shaped eyes that are positioned slightly to sides, a strong neck and a thick double layered coat in winter, the Kangal dog manifests a regal appearance like a wolf.
Kangal is intelligent, independent, and courageous. Calm and vigilant, the Kangal dog can quickly switch to high alert by the slightest sounds and scents. With a strong intuition he is an expert at accurately identifying threats. They are affectionate, loyal and gentle. Their gentleness with small children, the fragile and elderly, as well as their gentleness towards all creatures large and small, is leading to it’s popularity as guardians. Regarding their human family as “flock”, they guard them as well as their animals with extreme devotion and loyalty.
Note: Kangal dog does not need training to protect. Just letting the puppy free amongst the herd of sheep is all one needs to do. Even a full grown Kangal that has never seen livestock can naturally bond and start working as a livestock guardian very quickly.

Speed, agility and strength combined with unyielding courage and loyalty - the Kangal Shepherd Dog has successfully protected flocks of sheep in the open harsh wild central tablelands of Turkey against jackals, wolves and bears for centuries. With the ever-growing wild dog problem in Australia, Kangals are quickly proving to be the most reliable, cost efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Similarly they are also becoming increasingly popular as gentle affectionate guardians in family homes.
Note: A pair is sufficient for large herds of sheep even in the heavily populated wild dog regions.

Words: Dr Murat Ogut
Image: supplied by Dr Murat Ogut

15/07/2025

Just bought another book.
For those that dont know, I collect old Dog books from around the world, so one day when I am know longer here, they will be donated to a Library? or uploaded(copyright free) to a site were the children of tomorrow can still see how dogs were and there history.
Dog pics from book. 1966

15/07/2025

Thomas Blinks
Stag at Bay, 1899

15/07/2025

In the mid-1800s, Captain John Tucker Edwardes began developing the dog that would eventually become known as the Sealyham Terrier. The Sealyham was a mixture of the Bull Terrier, Basset Hound, West Highland White Terrier, Welsh Corgi, the Fox Terrier, Cheshire Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Captain Edwardes began breeding the dog for hunting tough but small game such as badgers, otters, and foxes. Edwardes kept crossing breeds until he found offspring that excelled in hunting ability. The Sealyham’s name comes from Captain John Tucker Edwardes’ estate, Sealyham. Edwardes was responsible for crossbreeding a number of dogs in order to produce the perfect hunting and gaming breed. Edwardes was rumored to have given neighboring farmers puppies; if, at eleven months, the puppies showed promise in hunting and gaming, Edwardes paid the farmer an extra fee to get the puppy back. The dogs became popular across England, and in 1903, the breed was first included in a dog show. England’s Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1910.

15/07/2025

Great Dane Gnosis