Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast By cover art

Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast

By: The American Kennel Club Inc.
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  • Summary

  • Host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and dog-loving humans who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Tapping 140 years of historical records, archival footage, oral histories, interviews, and more, Down and Back brings the stories of the sport of dogs to life as only AKC can.
    © The American Kennel Club, Inc. All rights reserved
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Episodes
  • A Motley Crew of Canines: Meet the Non-Sporting Group

    A Motley Crew of Canines: Meet the Non-Sporting Group
    Jul 17 2024
    In this episode, we explain how the Non-Sporting group came to be, and why the breeds that comprise the group don’t have much more than their shared group designation in common! The twenty-one different breeds currently recognized in this group range in size and stature, and some of them are downright, well, sporty. But what they do share often comes down to their original purpose and how the modern world has moved on, while these breeds stayed constant and ever-loyal like any good dog. Bonafide Bits: Dalmatians are the only dogs bred specifically to accompany carriages.Fearless Bulldogs were bred with tenacious terriers to create cunning rat killers.A Boston Terrier is the official mascot of Boston University.In a triumphant recovery story, Chinese Shar-Peis were once listed as the world’s rarest dog breed in the Guinness Book of World Records.The impossibly cute Bichon Frise were once prized circus performers. Featured Breeds: Dalmatian The dignified Dalmatian, dogdom’s citizen of the world, is famed for his spotted coat and unique job description. During their long history, these “coach dogs” have accompanied the horse-drawn rigs of nobles, gypsies, and firefighters. Discover more about Dalmatians at AKC’s Dalmatian Breed Biography. Bulldog You can’t mistake a Bulldog for any other breed. The loose skin of the head, furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, small ears, undershot jaw with hanging chops on either side, and the distinctive rolling gait all practically scream “I’m a Bulldog!” The coat, seen in a variety of colors and patterns, is short, smooth, and glossy. Bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds, but that won’t stop them from curling up in your lap or at least trying to. Bulldogs enjoy brisk walks and need regular moderate exercise, along with a careful diet, to stay trim. Discover more about Bulldogs at AKC’s Bulldog Breed Biography. Boston Terrier The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname “The American Gentleman.” Discover more about Boston Terriers at AKC’s Boston Terrier Breed Biography. French Bulldog The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. Discover more about French Bulldogs at AKC’s French Bulldog Breed Biography. Chinese Shar-Pei This fascinating but challenging breed of ancient pedigree is steadfastly loyal to family but standoffish with strangers. The Chinese Shar-Pei has physical characteristics that make him a one-of-a-kind companion and guardian dog. Discover more about Chinese Shar-Peis at AKC’s Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Biography. Poodle Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as sissy dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart “real dogs” of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all Poodles can be trained with great success. Discover more about Poodles at AKC’s Poodle (Standard) Breed Biography. American Eskimo Dog The American Eskimo Dog combines striking good looks with a quick and clever mind in a total brains-and-beauty package. Neither shy nor aggressive, Eskies are always alert and friendly, though a bit conservative when making new friends. Distinctive traits include a dense, sparkling white coat with a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders; a smiling face, with black nose, lips, and eye-rims that convey a keen, intelligent expression; and a plumed tail carried over the back. They move with a bold and agile gait. Eskies are social animals and can develop problem behaviors when neglected or undertrained. Among the most trainable of breeds, the clever, kid-friendly Eskie practically invented the phrase “eager to please.” Discover more about American Eskimo Dogs at AKC’s American Eskimo Dog Breed Biography. Bichon Frise The small but sturdy and resilient Bichon Frise stands among the world's great “personality dogs.” The breed’s glory is a white hypoallergenic coat, plush and velvety to the touch, featuring rounded head hair that sets off the large, dark eyes and black leathers of the nose and lips. Alert and curious, Bichons make nice little watchdogs but they are lovers, not fighters, and operate under the assumption that there are no strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet. Bichons train nicely and enjoy performing for their loved ones. Discover more about Bichon Frises at AKC’s Bichon Frise Breed Biography. For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org. Shareables: The AKC non-sporting group is defined not by what it is, but by what it is not.Want to know how Boston Terriers became the official dog of ...
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    26 mins
  • Canine Name Game: The Wacky World of Dog Breed Misnomers

    Canine Name Game: The Wacky World of Dog Breed Misnomers
    Jul 3 2024
    In this episode, we explore beloved canine breeds whose modern names may have gotten a little bit lost in translation over time. Just as humans have migrated all over the earth, so have their loyal, hardworking companions. War, wealth, and trade have all distributed dogs over diverse geographic areas (or in some cases, jobs) that may or may not match up with their monikers. Only true dog enthusiasts could win trivia night at the local tavern if the topic were the origins of dog breed names (you can thank us later). Bonafide Bits: Great Danes are originally from Germany.Australian Shepherds are more at home in the American West than in Sydney.Newfoundlands and Labrador Retrievers—both from Newfoundland—share a common lineage.The first Italian Greyhounds are believed to be from Greece.Ancestors of Japanese Chins are from China. Featured Breeds: Great Dane This breed is indeed great, but not a Dane. As tall as 32 inches at the shoulder, Danes tower over most other dogs, and when standing on their hind legs, they are taller than most people. These powerful giants are the picture of elegance and balance, with the smooth and easy stride of born noblemen. The coat comes in different colors and patterns, perhaps the best-known being the black-and-white patchwork pattern known as “harlequin.” Despite their sweet nature, Danes are alert home guardians. Patient with kids, Danes are people pleasers who make friends easily. Discover more about Great Danes at AKC’s Great Dane Breed Biography. Old English Sheepdog The Old English Sheepdog is the archetypical shaggy dog, famous for his profuse coat and peek-a-boo hairdo, a distinctive bear-like gait, and a mellow, agreeable nature. The OES is a big, agile dog who enjoys exploring and a good romp. Beneath the Old English Sheepdog’s profuse double coat is a muscular and compact drover, with plenty of bone and a big rump, standing 21 or 22 inches at the shoulder. Their eyes (when you can see them) are dark brown, or blue, or one of each. Regular exercise is required for these strong, able-bodied workers. Equally famed are their many fine housedog qualities: watchfulness, courage, kindliness, and intelligence. Great with children, they make patient, protective playmates. They are sensible watchdogs known for a loud, ringing bark. Discover more about Old English Sheepdogs at AKC’s Old English Sheepdog Breed Biography. Australian Shepherd The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those “only in America” stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia. The Australian Shepherd, the cowboy’s herding dog of choice, is a medium-sized worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye. Aussie coats offer different looks, including merle (a mottled pattern with contrasting shades of blue or red). Aussies exhibit an irresistible impulse to herd, anything: birds, dogs, kids. This strong work drive can make Aussies too much dog for a sedentary pet owner. Aussies are remarkably intelligent and quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner. Discover more about Australian Shepherds at AKC’s Australian Shepherd Breed Biography. Norwegian Elkhound The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust spitz type known for his lush silver-gray coat and dignified but friendly demeanor. The durable Elkhound is among Europe's oldest dogs. They sailed with the Vikings and figured in Norse art and legend. Norwegian Elkhounds are hardy, short-bodied dogs standing about 20 inches at the shoulder. They have a dense silver-gray coat and a tail curling tightly over the back. The deep chest, sturdy legs, and muscular thighs belong to a dog built for an honest day’s work. Reserved until introductions are made, an Elkhound is a trustworthy friend ever after. These strong, confident dogs are truly sensitive souls, with a dash of houndy independence. Discover more about Norwegian Elkhound at AKC’s Norwegian Elkhound Breed Biography. Newfoundland The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful “nanny dog” for kids. Discover more about Newfoundlands at AKC’s Newfoundland Breed Biography. Saint Bernard The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children. Discover more about Saint Bernards at AKC’s Saint Bernard Breed Biography. Greyhound Greyhounds are the essence of the dog breeder’s credo “Form follows function.” From the narrow, aerodynamic skull to the shock-absorbing pads of the feet, Greyhounds are perfectly constructed for high-speed pursuit. The lean beauty of the Greyhound “inverted S” shape, created by the deep chest curving gently into a tightly tucked ...
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    27 mins
  • Dogs and Divinity: Maybe It’s No Accident That “Dog” Spelled Backwards Is “God”

    Dogs and Divinity: Maybe It’s No Accident That “Dog” Spelled Backwards Is “God”
    Jun 19 2024
    In this episode, we explore dogs with divine connections and how, for thousands of years, many disparate cultures, in different places and different eras, all chose to infuse canines into their spiritual lives and folklore. Wherever there have been humans, there have been dogs. Not just in the places we occupy, but in our traditions, folklore, and faith stories. Dogs, who want nothing more than to live with us, share our food, protect us, and help us hunt sometimes seem like they’re too good to not be a bit of a miracle. Bonafide Bits: In Ojibwe folklore, a giant’s dog bested a Wendigo to assist humans.In ancient Greece, the Goddess Hecate is often depicted accompanied by an enormous Molossian-type hound.In ancient Egypt, the part-canine God Anubis is said to have been inspired by a Basenji.In France, Saint Guinefort, a Greyhound, was legendary for his healing powers.In Tibetan folklore, the country’s protector is the mythical Snow Lion, and the Lhasa Apso is its earthly incarnation. Featured Breeds: Xoloitzcuintli The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”), the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog. The alert and loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and either hairless or coated varieties. Discover more about Xoloitzcuintlis at AKC’s Xoloitzcuintli Breed Biography. Lhasa Apso The lavishly coated Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed that served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries isolated high in the Himalayas. Smart, confident, and complex, Lhasas are family comedians but regally aloof with strangers. Discover more about Lhasa Apsos at AKC’s Lhasa Apso Breed Biography. Greyhound Greyhounds are the essence of the dog breeder’s credo “Form follows function.” From the narrow, aerodynamic skull to the shock-absorbing pads of the feet, Greyhounds are perfectly constructed for high-speed pursuit. The lean beauty of the Greyhound’s “inverted S” shape, created by the deep chest curving gently into a tightly tucked waist, has been an object of fascination for artists, poets, and kings for as long as human beings have called themselves civilized. Greyhounds are the template from which other coursing hounds have been struck. Discover more about Greyhounds at AKC’s Greyhound Breed Biography. Chihuahua The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor, weighing no more than six pounds. The rounded “apple” head is a breed hallmark. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive. Coats come in many colors and patterns and can be long or short. The varieties are identical except for the coat. Chihuahuas possess loyalty, charm, and a big-dog attitude. Even tiny dogs require training, and without it, this clever scamp will rule your household like a little Napoleon. Compact and confident, Chihuahuas are ideal city pets. They are too small for roughhousing with kids, and special care must be taken in cold weather, but Chihuahuas are adaptable as long as they get lots of quality time in their preferred lap. Discover more about Chihuahuas at AKC’s Chihuahua Breed Biography. Saint Bernard The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children. Discover more about Saint Bernards at AKC’s Saint Bernard Breed Biography. Basenji The Basenji, Africa's “Barkless Dog,” is a compact, sweet-faced hunter of intelligence and poise. They are unique and beguiling pets, best for owners who can meet their exercise needs and the challenge of training this catlike canine. They are recognizable by their glistening short coat, tightly curled tail, wrinkled forehead, and expressive almond-shaped eyes that convey a variety of subtle, humanlike emotions. Basenjis are a lovely sight at a standstill but more impressive yet at a fast trot when they exhibit the long, smooth strides of a mini-racehorse. And yes, it’s true, they don't bark, but they make their feelings known with an odd sound described as something between a chortle and a yodel. This has been called a cult breed, small in numbers, but those lucky enough to own one do so with singular devotion. Discover more about Basenjis at AKC’s Basenji Breed Biography. Pharaoh Hound Pharaohs are sleek, aerodynamic coursing hounds bred for high-speed pursuit on rocky terrain. Among their several distinguishing traits are a tight tan coat with matching leather on the nose, ears, and eye rims; ravishing amber eyes; a white-tipped tail; the ability to smile; and a unique way of blushing when happy or excited (“His face glows like a god,” wrote an admirer some 3,000 years ago). These elegant visitors from antiquity possess the speed and graceful movement of all coursers descended from Bronze Age hounds. Discover more about Pharaoh Hounds at AKC’s Pharaoh Hound ...
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    29 mins
World Social Sciences
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