If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
All types of dog also have a geographical history, having a country where they were first bred and developed – before spreading across the world and being recognised by kennel clubs.
Here are 13 breeds of dog that have American heritage.
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9. American Fox Hound
Another type of dog not recognised as a distinct breed by the UK Kennel Club is the American Fox Hound. They were created by President George Washington and used to hunt foxes. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Plott Hound
Developed in North Carolina from German hunting dogs brought by Johannes Plott’s family, the Plott Hound is a determined scent hound that is famous for fearlessly tracking bears and other large game. It was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2006 but has yet to make its way over the Atlantic. | Canva/Getty Images
11. American Pit Bull
Now banned in the UK due to their perceived high levels of aggression, the American Pit Bull was bred from dogs that arrived in the USA from Britain in the late 19th century which were created from a mix of Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Black and Tan Coonhound
Bred in its native America to hunt racoons, the Black and Tan Coonhound can trace its heritage back to the Talbot Hound that was a common in 11th century England. It is one of six breeds of Coonhound recognised by the American Kennel Club - but the only one recognised by the UK Kennel Club. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken