This Is What Popular Dog Breeds Looked Like In The Past

If you love dogs as much as we do, you probably smile every time you see one in the street. Yet, what you might not realize is that the animals you see in front of you have changed dramatically over the years. That's primarily down to all the breeding they've been through.

As people have mixed breeds together, certain changes have occurred in both these creatures' personalities and their appearance. Thankfully, there are photos of these animals in the past that show exactly how much they've altered over time. Some of them don't look anything like they used to anymore.

The texture of Airedale Terrier fur seems to have changed over time

This is one of the first recorded pictures of the Airedale terrier, and although you can't tell from this black-and-white image, it's been noted that this dog rocked a dark tan coloring. Their hair was recognized as "hard and wiry" rather than soft and fluffy, but it seems that things have changed over the course of history.

While the color of this breed seemingly hasn't changed that much, the fur certainly has. Airedales are now known for their fluffy and ragged hair, a feature that has proven to make them quite popular with plenty of families. Something else that works in their favor is their fun and affectionate temperament, which makes them a joy to be around.

The features of St. Bernard are seemingly smaller now they're domesticated

St. Bernards rose to everyone's attention after they were featured in movies like the family comedy 'Beethoven' and the animated classic 'Peter Pan.' However, they've been around for hundreds of years, long before these films existed. In fact, today's version of these dogs were bred from their ancestors in the Alps, who were utilized for their size and their strength.

Back in the day, these animals would be used as rescue dogs in the mountains, and their history can actually be traced back to the 1700s. Since then, St. Bernard has undergone a transformation into domestic life. They now seem to have much smaller features and offer a droopy and wrinkly face that many people find adorable.

Neopolitan Mastiffs baited vicious animals before becoming more family-friendly

As you can probably tell by the name, the Neapolitan mastiff hails from regions in Italy and the surrounding areas. They are large animals that have long been used as guard dogs by their families, with their ruthless and territorial nature making them quite efficient at this. The fact they're extremely loyal and friendly to their owner also helps.

This was also the case in the 1900s when these dogs were trained to bait various animals, including bears, bulls, and jaguars. When this ended, these dogs became more mainstream, with plenty of families choosing to adopt them once they were a little friendlier to be around. They are still large today, but their droopy faces make them more appealing.

Pekingese dogs typically have flatter faces and more fur nowadays

If you've ever been to China, you may have noticed there are Pekingese dogs seemingly everywhere. That's because they were bred here and have since become a firm favorite with those in China, as well as across the globe. Throughout their existence, the breed has been celebrated and honored, although they look a bit different now than they used to.

In recent years, selective breeding has created a new form of Pekingese, leading to one with a flatter face. They are also now bred to have more fur and can often be found in dog shows across the globe because of their short stature and overwhelming locks. They typically tend to fare quite well in these competitions.

Dachshunds are now shorter and longer than they used to be

Whether you know it as a sausage dog, a wiener dog, or a dachshund, there's no denying that this breed is instantly recognizable. With their long bodies, they seem unlike any other dog in the world, and this worked in their favor back in the day. Surprisingly, they were apparently first bred to hunt the likes of badgers and rabbits.

Thanks to their low center of gravity and slim frame, they were able to burrow underground and grab these creatures. Although they haven't changed a huge amount over the years, these dogs now seem to be shorter and longer than they used to be. Although plenty of people find that appealing, it does also present certain health issues.

The stature and fur of Bedlington Terriers have changed a lot

Bedlington terriers are known for their strange and unusual appearance, with people sometimes confusing their fluffy appearance and small stature for sheep. The shape of their head also looks strangely similar to these animals, which probably doesn't help matters. However, this supposedly wasn't always the case, with their current appearance the result of certain changes over the years.

One thing that's different about these animals now than in the past is their stature, with the modern breed apparently bigger. What's more, the shape of their head has allegedly altered with time. Perhaps the most notable change that's occurred over the years, though, is with the animal's fur, as it was a lot wirier back in the day.

Schnauzers haven't changed greatly, but there are some notable differences

There are plenty of variations of schnauzers in the world, and they are all known for their long hair, particularly around the face. It almost looks like they have a beard and mustache. This dog breed has been around for hundreds of years, with the left photo at least a century old as it was reportedly taken in 1915.

Although there hasn't been a huge change in the schnauzer's appearance over the years, there are a few distinct differences to take note of. Their hair and ears are now much longer, while their legs are significantly shorter than the schnauzers of the past. Nevertheless, they are still one of the most popular dog breeds across the globe.

Bull Terriers didn't always have such a distinct appearance

If you've ever seen the musical film 'Oliver!,' you'll likely be familiar with the bull terrier. They are often considered a very unusual dog because of their oval face, pointy ears, and stocky bodies. There's nothing wrong with having a distinct appearance, though. What's more, it seems that these dogs haven't always looked this way.

These dogs were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in the late 1800s, and they were known for being extremely agile and graceful back in the day. Now, bull terriers aren't quite as lean as they once were, and they've been bred to have a football-shaped head. Moreover, they apparently seem to have developed extra teeth over time, too.

Shetland Sheepdogs are generally heavier than they were before

Whether you know it as a Shetland sheepdog or Sheltie, there's no doubt that this is yet another breed that is hugely popular with people across the globe. This picture on the left is one of the oldest photographs of a Shetland sheepdog around, and as you can see, it doesn't look too different from the dogs we have today.

In fact, one of the only differences between the two dogs is that modern Shelties are much larger in size. They are now reportedly around ten pounds heavier than they were in the early 1900s, with their fur also longer. Something that seemingly hasn't changed, though, is their ability to herd animals and be loyal companions to humans.

English Bulldogs were bred for bull-baiting before the practice became illegal

Over the years, English bulldogs have undergone a wild and tumultuous journey, with their breeding history seeing them change dramatically. When those in the 19th century realized that these dogs were strong and stocky, they decided to use them for their own entertainment. Thus, they were bred to be fearless and muscly so they could be effective bull-baiters.

When bull-baiting then became illegal in 1835, the English bulldog was thankfully given the chance to rebrand itself. It has since been bred to have a thicker body that's lower to the ground than its ancestors, with breeders also trying to make their wrinkles even more pronounced. Sadly, this breeding has left English bulldogs with various health issues.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were pretty different in King Charles II's day

If you've ever been to the United Kingdom, you may have noticed that there are many cavalier King Charles spaniels around. Although these dogs have been bred across the world, their history lies in the UK. That's because they were King Charles II's favorite breed of dog, with these animals appearing in quite a few old portraits of the ruler.

As you can see, though, this breed looks pretty different now than it used to during Charles II's reign. Their eyes have become larger, their muzzle has become more short and stout, and their forehead is much smaller. As if that wasn't enough, they are also known to be much more fluffy in today's day and age.

Shar-peis were once considered perfect guard dogs before becoming so wrinkled

The shar-pei is another dog that originates from China and has had its appearance altered through breeding over the years. Most people don't have difficulty spotting one of these animals because they're famous for their wrinkled skin. However, as you can see from the picture on the left, this feature didn't used to be so prominent.

Apparently, this ancient dog was once considered the perfect guard dog because of its loyalty and wariness of strangers. Although they are still used as guard dogs in some homes today, they are now much more common as standard pets. The alterations to their appearance may well have something to do with this, given they look a lot cuddlier.

Salukis used to be ideal hunting dogs thanks to their excellent vision

The Saluki breed of dog is an amazing specimen that has been bred from sighthounds. They were once incredibly popular for hunting, thanks to having excellent vision. Rather than simply relying on their sense of smell, these dogs were able to utilize their sight, strong legs, and stamina to hunt game animals. Things have changed since then, though.

As hunting became less popular, these slender dogs gradually became more associated with royalty, with the animals later bred to look more prim and proper. That's why their appearance is so different today. Rather than looking strong and stocky, these Salukis are much thinner, with their features elongated too. However, their hair has apparently remained relatively similar.

Old English Sheepdog didn't always have such an abundance of fur

You may well notice that there is a slight difference between these two old English sheepdogs. Nowadays, this breed is known for being incredibly large with plenty of fur. What most people don't realize, though, is that this animal has actually been bred from small sheepdogs that had a much shorter - although still pretty long - coat.

Back in the 1900s, not only were these dogs shorter, but their heads were a bit longer too. Over the years, they've undergone a small but fairly noticeable transformation, with plenty of old English sheepdogs so shaggy that their fur covers their whole face. They're now known for their cute and cuddly nature and are rarely used to herd sheep.

German shepherds often have hip dysplasia because they've been bred to be bigger

For the longest time, German shepherds have been recognized and loved for their companionship and their loyalty. As a result, they have been a popular choice as police dogs. Interestingly, this breed was actually much smaller back in the day, although they reportedly still had extremely strong legs, the perfect poise, and a charming personality.

Since then, the animals have undergone quite a transformation that has seen them grow a considerable amount in size. The average German shepherd nowadays apparently weighs around 40 pounds more than it used to. Unfortunately, this hasn't worked out perfectly in these dogs' favor. It seems that being bred this way has left many of the dogs with hip dysplasia.

Poodles' curls have apparently come about from years of breeding

The poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world, particularly when it comes to breeding them with other animals. Crossbreeds like cockapoos and Goldendoodles exist because of these dogs, and they're incredibly beloved. One of the main reasons why the poodle is such a popular choice for this comes down to their thick and curly fur. 

Nowadays, many owners like to groom their poodles to have extravagant hairstyles, which is pretty different from how things were in the past. This painting on the left apparently shows how the animals used to look, and you'll notice quite a difference with the fur. It seems this breed didn't always have the tight curls it's famous for today.

Basset Hounds are apparently even lower to the ground now than before

Like many other dogs in the world, the basset hound has an incredible sense of smell, and this definitely worked in its favor back in the day. Thanks to this impressive nose, the basset hound was used as a hunting dog that could also make its way into the tunnels below the ground to grab some of the hard-to-reach animals.

This was thanks to its small legs and low-to-the-ground body, which just seem to have become more prominent over the years. While this breed of dog has stayed relatively the same, there's seemingly no denying that it's been bred to enhance these notable features. What's more, these dogs now seem to have longer ears and a droopier face.

Pugs are a world away from how they looked centuries ago

Pugs are easily one of the most popular dog breeds out there, with many people finding their squashed faces and body rolls to be extremely adorable. However, these animals are a far cry from the pugs of the past. The painting on the left stems from the 18th century and is allegedly the first depiction of the dog breed.

Without the squashed snout and with the large, thin body, this pug is barely recognizable. Evidently, a huge amount of selective breeding has shaped this dog over the years, leaving them with various problematic health issues. Due to their small bodies and large tongues, they're often susceptible to choking. Moreover, their squashed faces frequently result in breathing difficulties.

Bloodhounds were apparently once shorter, slimmer, and less wrinkled than today

Bloodhounds are another breed of dog that is known for being pretty large and wrinkly. However, as you can see, these features weren't necessarily present many years ago. The picture on the left reportedly shows what the bloodhound used to look like way back in the 16th century, and there's quite a stark difference from today.

In the past, the bloodhound seemed to have a shorter and slimmer stature than the breed does now. Furthermore, their ears - which are now one of this animal's most distinctive features - might have been shorter, too. With these dogs seemingly having more wrinkles now as well, they've become more of a popular choice with pet owners than in the past.

Scottish terriers have changed remarkably over a few centuries

If you've ever come across a Scottish terrier, you'll know that they have long fur, a long face, and pretty short legs. So, it's amazing to think that these two pictures represent the same breed. This dog has undergone a huge transformation over the years, with selective breeding shaping the animal into the one we know and love today.

The picture on the left can be traced back to the mid-1800s, and you can see that the modern Scottish terrier looks remarkably different from its ancestor. In the past, the terrier featured a spherical head with much larger legs. Something that might not have changed, though, is their temperament, as the breed has reportedly long been the playful type.

Boxers today are shorter and stockier than in the past

There's a high chance that you have seen more than your fair share of Boxers over the years because they are extremely popular dogs. The picture on the left depicts the first registered Boxer, who apparently went by the name of "Flocki." However, you can see that Flocki is very different from the Boxer on the right.

Back in the day, this breed of dog was recognized by its short and pointy ears, softer jawline, and slimmer body. Today, Boxers are very different. They are shorter and stockier, with their ears being much longer and often drooping down. Alongside this, the Boxer's jaw has also become more square due to the results of selective breeding.

West Highland white terriers aren't proficient hunters like they once were

Whether you know it as a West Highland white terrier or a Westie, this dog is another of the most beloved breeds around. The full name gives a pretty clear indication of where this animal originates from, with these dogs hailing from the Scottish peaks across the Atlantic. They were initially bred for the purpose of hunting.

They were apparently once highly competent at fox and badger hunting, but they've since been transformed into loving and loyal animal companions. The picture on the left showcases what this breed looked like back in 1899, and they were much smaller and scruffier than the dogs we know today. Modern Westies have a longer coat and a stockier body.

Doberman pinschers had certain shorter features around a century ago

The Doberman pinscher has been portrayed in photos and paintings for its strong stature and its poise. This breed knows how to stand tall, and that's not all. The dog has also developed a reputation for being extremely territorial after they've formed a connection with people and places. This doesn't mean that the animal hasn't changed over time, though.

The left image of the Doberman pinscher reportedly stems from the early 1900s and appears to have shorter ears than the modern version on the right. Moreover, it appears to have a shorter stout. Time and breeding seem to have elongated this dog, but some owners still aren't impressed with their dog's tail. Sadly, this sometimes results in tail docking.

Chow chows appear bulkier than when they first rose to prominence

The chow chow is an amazing breed of dog that also hails from China, like the Pekingese. While there are many legends that suggest that chow chows have been around for thousands of years, they reportedly only rose to prominence during the 19th century. At this point, the breed became a staple in many Chinese homes.

Before too long, this breed of dog made its way across the pond and even wound up in Buckingham Palace with Queen Victoria. Known for looking like a cuddly teddy bear, these dogs haven't been bred too differently over the years. However, it does seem that today's version is thicker and fluffier than the animals of the past.

The Bernese mountain dog hasn't changed significantly in all these years

There's no denying that the Bernese mountain dog has undergone a distinct change over the years. However, it's also fair to say that the alterations aren't quite as drastic as some of the other breeds in the world. You can see the difference by looking at Benno Rafael Adam's painting on the left, which was reportedly completed in 1862.

Some of the most notable elements of this picture are the animal's design and the shape of its head. Over the years, the colors and markings on this breed have seemingly changed a little, with the Bernese mountain dog's head also now a slightly different shape. Apart from that, this dog has stayed relatively similar to its ancestors.

Rottweilers have largely stayed the same through years of breeding

Many people have the wrong impression of Rottweilers because they have often been used as hunting and guard dogs. This is due to their strong stature and the fact that they're fiercely loyal to those closest to them. It's believed that these dogs can be traced back to Roman times, when ancient people apparently took advantage of their intelligence.

As you can see, this is another dog breed that hasn't changed a huge amount over the years. While the head shape of the animal might be a little different from how it was in the past, there have been no major changes that we can see. Perhaps their friendlier nature is a little more defined now, though.

Irish Setters apparently used to have more variety in fur color

Nowadays, Irish setters can normally be found with families that have children or in dog shows. That's because they are known for their beautiful coats and peaceful temperament. The first reference to Irish setters can supposedly be traced back to the 1500s, although these dogs reportedly weren't the solid red color that many know and love today.

Instead, they boasted a variety of different colors, including red coloring with white accents. Not much else has changed in terms of this dog and its breeding differences, though, apart from the odd thing. For instance, Irish setters reportedly have slightly longer ears and more elongated bodies than they did before. This simply makes them look even more beautiful.

Wire Hair Fox Terriers appear to have longer snouts nowadays

As great as it would be to have photos of how these dogs looked in the past, cameras are relatively new inventions in the history of the world. Luckily, paintings still offer a helpful insight, like this one of a wire hair fox terrier from the 1800s. The difference between this breed then and now is quite remarkable.

In the past, this animal's fur seemingly wasn't as long and soft as it tends to be nowadays. What's more, the animal appeared to boast quite a different shape and size of head than it does today. It seems that years of breeding have resulted in an elongated snout for this terrier that so many people now love.

English Setters supposedly didn't use to be so elongated

If you have ever seen an English setter, you'll know that they have extremely long and tall bodies with even longer fur. This stuff often seems to reach the ground, which can be a nightmare for keeping clean. Interestingly, while these animals were still rather large back in the day, they apparently weren't quite as big as they are now.

The picture on the left was reportedly taken in 1902 and shows an English setter that isn't nearly as stretched out as the one on the right. Over the years, the body, neck, and snout of this breed of dog have seemingly become elongated, resulting in a very majestic appearance. This seems to be quite common with these dog breeds.

Bearded Collies used to have much shorter fur than today

Bearded collies are often known colloquially as "Beardies," and we get why. Hailing from Scotland, this breed of dog was once used for herding, hence why it used to look very different. Supposedly, this dog breed first emerged sometime in the 1500s, but the photo on the left only shows what it looked like back in 1915.

The dog was much smaller than it is today and featured a very different body shape. Aside from being smaller, it was also seemingly thinner and not as hairy. It's that last part that's the most noticeable, with this breed now popular for being heavily covered in fur. Sometimes, it's so long that you can't even make out their eyes.