The Aztecs called this dog xoloitzcuintle, which literally translates to “dog god,” and believed it carried special healing powers granted directly by the gods. That same sacred status, though, also made it a sacrificial offering, ritually killed and eaten as a gift to those same deities. It’s a striking contradiction for a breed now known…

Could a dog that can sprint at around 35 miles per hour be happy spending most of the afternoon asleep on your sofa? That’s the Whippet for you. The Whippet dog breed combines an athlete’s body with a gentle temperament, and that contrast is part of what makes these dogs so appealing. Whippets were developed…

Postage stamps from Tajikistan, Mali, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Russia, and Sweden have all featured this dog’s face, despite most of those countries having zero historical connection to the breed. The Swedish Vallhund dog breed is genuinely obscure outside its homeland, which makes that international stamp collection all the more surprising. This is a dog with far…

During World War I, this breed carried messages across the battlefield when radio lines failed, trusted for its courage under fire. The Irish Terrier dog breed earned its nickname “Red Devil” long before that war, but the wartime service only added to a reputation for genuine bravery. That fierce nickname is a bit misleading, though….

The Sussex Spaniel has a serious-looking face, a sturdy body, and a nose that can keep it busy for a long time. Bred to work through dense undergrowth while hunting, this rare British spaniel still carries many of the traits that made it useful in the field. It can be affectionate and relaxed at home,…

Could you keep up with a dog that wants to be outside, follow every interesting scent, and stay close to you throughout the day? The English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate, athletic sporting breed that needs plenty of exercise, training and company. Its enthusiasm makes it a rewarding companion for active households, but its energy…