Amazing Dog Breed Changes in 100 Years

For over 30,000 years, dogs and humans have shared a unique bond. Humans have made a conscious effort to domesticate these creatures, which is why there are so many different types of household dogs today. Within the past one hundred years, careful breeding has greatly changed some breeds, resulting in clear differences in how they look. Here is what some of our dog breeds looked like a hundred years ago.

English Bulldogs 100 Years Ago

Before, these canines were lean, athletic, and tall. Dog owners used them primarily for work and sports. They were healthier and more dynamic creatures, and don’t have the slew of health issues their modern iterations have today. 

English Bulldogs Today

Today’s English Bulldogs are broad, muscular, and short. They’re adored for their loose, wrinkled skin and pushed-in noses. However, these physical changes have come with health issues, including breathing problems and overheating.  

Pugs 100 Years Ago

Pugs before were not as compact as today’s version. They had longer legs and a pronounced nose. They were stronger and more active, unlike the health issues we see in Pugs today.

Pugs Today

Characterized by their adorable curly tail and flattened snout, modern pugs are usually small, robust, and muscular. However, their features can induce breathing issues and other health problems. Despite all this, they remain firm crowd favorites! 

German Shepherds 100 Years Ago

German Shepherds a century ago bore more of a resemblance to wolves, with straight backs and a lean physique. These diligent dogs were versatile, strong, and enjoyed a healthier state than their modern-day counterparts.

German Shepherds Today

Today’s German Shepherds have a laid-back stance with a curved back and wider chest, unlike their ancestors. They also have thicker and longer fur. They’re acknowledged for their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty but can be prone to hip dysplasia because of their body shape. 

Boxers 100 Years Ago

Boxers are mischievous, energetic, and lively, making them good companions. But they weren’t as muscular as they are now. Their muzzles were longer, and they did not have such a robust physique. Overall, these dogs had a more natural and healthier look. 

Boxers Today

Boxers today are packed with muscle and a distinctive broad and short skull. Their faces have notably evolved, turning downwards more than in the past. Modern breeding practices have led to some health complications, including heart conditions and cancer. 

Salukis 100 Years Ago

Known as one of the oldest dog breeds, Salukis has a graceful body with feathering on the tail and legs. It was a prized hunting dog and was admired for its speed and agility. Modern Salukis may keep their sleek form and elegance, but they are not typically used for hunting as they once were. 

Salukis Today

The modern Saluki or Persian Greyhound today has a more stretched-out body shape and longer legs. Their ears have also become longer and are covered in soft hair. 

Basset Hounds 100 Years Ago

Bassets a century ago had less saggy skin, and their bodies were built for more active hunting rather than the sedate, scent-tracking reputation they have today. 

Basset Hounds Today

The Basset Hound today has shorter hind legs, longer ears, and a droopier face. Notable for its long body and low-slung stature, the Basset has transformed into a dog that is more suited to a slow-paced lifestyle. 

Scottish Terriers 100 Years Ago

Before, Scottish Terriers were leaner and less fluffy, with shorter, coarser fur. Bred to be adept vermin hunters, their physique was considerably more agile and athletic. 

Scottish Terriers Today

Now, Scotties possess a distinct, longer, and softer coat compared to their ancestors. Selectively bred over the years, Scotties boast a robust and sturdy body. Nevertheless, they retain their age-old feisty character and instinctive urge to hunt for small vermin.

West Highland White Terriers 100 Years Ago

A century ago, the Westies were less fluffy, and their fur was shorter. They were purposely bred in the 19th century for qualities like bravery and determination, originally used for hunting rats. Their appearance was less ‘cute’ and more pragmatic, which reflected their roles as working dogs. 

West Highland White Terriers Today

Today, West Highland White Terriers have a compact and robust look. Their coat has become notably longer and thicker than before. Along with being a good companion, they are also appreciated for their dual nature—adorable looks combined with a tough and tenacious nature. 

Airedale Terriers 100 Years Ago

In the past, Airedales had a longer face and fur. Bred to hunt otters and other games, they were more muscular and strong.

Airedale Terriers Today

Nowadays, Airedale Terriers look fluffier. They’re the largest form of terriers, full of energy, and have a unique personality.

Newfoundlands 100 Years Ago

Newfoundlands are fluffy, bear-like creatures. Before, they were smaller. They were bred for hard work and displayed marked endurance. Their primary roles were to haul nets for fishermen and to perform water rescues. 

Newfoundlands Today

Now prized as family pets, these dogs have grown significantly in size, with males weighing up to 150 pounds. They’ve retained their love for water and their natural swimming proficiency, which were originally inherited from their ancestors who were bred as working dogs by fishermen. 

Irish Setters 100 Years Ago

Much less opulent, Irish Setters of the past were still a treat to the eyes. Bred predominantly as ‘sporting’ dogs, their role was to silently point and retrieve game from the field. They were admired for their intelligence and stamina, attributes they’ve carried over the years to today.

Irish Setters Today

Today’s Irish Setters are known for their strikingly beautiful, long, thick, mahogany red fur, and leaner body. They’ve shifted from a sporting dog to a household companion. And even though they’re now family dogs, they still remain energetic and intelligent.

Old English Sheepdogs 100 Years Ago

Old English Sheepdogs looked shaggier than before. Bred for their capabilities as working and herding dogs, their physique and sheddable coat made them a significant force in the agricultural scene of old England.

Old English Sheepdogs Today

Today’s Old English Sheepdogs have a luxurious double coat of fur, which constantly grows and requires regular grooming. These dogs retain a playful and adaptable personality, making them great family pets. 

Dobermans 100 Years Ago

Dobermans were initially bred in 1890 by Louis Doberman to be loyal and protective companions. They were larger, with a broader body and a thicker snout. They also had docked tails and cropped ears, a trend that started to prevent injuries during their guard duties, which gave them an intimidating appearance and became their signature look.

Dobermans Today

Dobermans today are sleek and powerful dogs, known for their distinctive coat, which is typically black and tan. These are still protective and loyal pets but are less aggressive. People’s awareness about animals’ welfare has lessened the practice of having Dobermans with cropped ears and docked tails.

Bull Terriers 100 Years Ago

Historically, Bull Terriers were bred for versatility in activities like herding, ratting, and even blood sports. They have a less rounded head and a more athletic body which is fit for rigorous activities.

Bull Terriers Today

The modern Bull Terrier is readily identifiable by its egg-shaped head and small, triangular eyes. These dogs are typically muscular and robust, boasting a strong and active physique. They are compact, lively, and friendly, with a particular fondness for playful activities and company. 

Dachshunds 100 Years Ago

A century back, Dachshunds were predominantly used as hunting dogs in Germany. They were a bit larger and had a more robust build. While their shape was similar, the most notable difference was in the length of their legs, which were slightly longer compared to today’s breed. 

Dachshunds Today

The Dachshund of today is a small and friendly dog, associated with an elongated body and short legs, a feature purposely bred for burrow-digging. They come in three varieties—short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired—and two sizes—standard and miniature.

Rottweilers 100 Years Ago

Historically, Rottweilers were primarily bred to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat. They were somewhat leaner with less defined musculature. Their tails were docked, and their coats were also predominantly black. Also, their markings were not as defined as those of their modern counterparts. 

Rottweilers Today

The Rottweilers of today have a larger head, stronger jaw, shorter snout, with muscular and rugged physique. They also have more noticeable rust or mahogany markings. And their tails aren’t docked anymore. Rotties are also recognized for their unwavering loyalty and natural guarding instincts. 

Shetland Sheepdogs 100 Years Ago

Small and rustic in appearance, Shetland Sheepdogs were bred to tend livestock in the harsh and barren terrain of the Shetland Islands. They were smaller, more robust, and less decorative, with their coat and manes not as lush as it is today. 

Shetland Sheepdogs Today

Known as Shelties, this breed bears a striking resemblance to Rough Collies. They now have small to medium sizes. They also have a dense double coat and a distinctive “mane” around their neck. Their intelligence and agility make them excellent competitors in herding and agility trials. 

Great Danes 100 Years Ago

Great Danes looked longer and weighed less than they do today. Their ears were often cropped to prevent injuries while hunting, a practice that has fallen out of favor today. 

Great Danes Today

The Great Dane is recognized today as one of the world’s tallest dog breeds. They are elegant and statuesque, with a well-formed muscular body. Their faces also have a slight droopy appearance. This breed is known for its friendly and protective nature, and surprisingly gentle for its immense size. 

Chow Chows 100 Years Ago

Originally from China, this breed was smaller, with a longer snout, and less fluffy fur.

Chow Chows Today

Chow Chows today are best recognized for their lion-like mane, slightly wrinkly face, blue-black tongues, and extensive fluffy coat. These compact, squarely built dogs have a distinctive walking gait and can come in five different colors.

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