Your Pup’s Ancestors Were More Than Lap Dogs

Dogs are loved for many reasons. They offer unconditional love and companionship and adore their families. Throughout history, some pups were specifically bred to perform specific jobs or tasks. Although some of these breeds still perform the jobs they were originally bred for, many have found a new job of simply being your fur-ever friend.

Below are five common household breeds who held some pretty fascinating jobs in the past.

Poodles were bred to assist their German hunter owners in retrieving waterfowl. Their water-resistant coats made them efficient in the water, while their above intelligent brains allowed them to quickly learn the tasks at hand.

Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to drive cattle, guard farmyards from predators, and were revered for their ability to pull their own weight many times as drafting dogs.

Once upon a time, Portuguese Water Dogs lived along Portugal’s coast, and because of the breed’s durability, strength, and ability to work hard, fishermen depended on them to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and act as a messenger between ships and shore.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog specialized in hauling loads of meat and dairy products to markets, and due to their build and durability, were able to travel through remote mountain passes.

The Siberian Husky was utilized as a sled dog capable of working in sub-zero temperatures. In 1925, the breed made headlines when Huskies rushed a lifesaving serum to Nome, Ala. to combat a diphtheria epidemic, traveling 658 miles in only five-and-a-half days.