How Dog-Fancy Has Changed
Dog breeds go through popularity cycles just like everything else, and the dogs people wanted a century ago weren't necessarily the ones filling homes today. In the 1920s, working ability, hunting skills, guarding instincts, and usefulness on farms played a major role in which breeds attracted attention. Some of those dogs became less common as lifestyles changed, while other breeds that were relatively obscure at the time eventually became household favorites.
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1. Collie
Collies were already popular household dogs before the turn of the century and soared in fame due to books and movies around that time. Loyal, smart, and good-looking dogs that made great herders, Collies were favorites among families who worked alongside them and fanciers alike. Fictional collies also brought the breed to legendary status, particularly Lassie.
2. English Setter
English Setters were beloved among hunters in the early 1900s for their skill at the job. They could help hunters locate game birds and served as capable partners in the field, rather than simply being companion animals. Sporting dogs were a big deal back then.
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3. Irish Setter
Irish Setters became well-known around the 1920s as hunters with flashy red coats. Their role was to work alongside hunters in the field, but their attractive appearances led to increased popularity as show dogs and family pets as well. While still loved by many, Irish Setters aren’t quite as common as some more popular breeds today.
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4. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers proved to serve many roles for Americans in the early 1900s. They were used to hunt, guard homes and families, and even perform police and military work. The Airedale is larger than most other terriers from that time period and is still respected for its intelligence and versatility.
5. Chow Chow
Chow Chows were another unique breed that gained American interest around this time. Their strange appearance stood out when compared to more well-known breeds, and they were associated with wealth and high-class society. They're still popular enough to be familiar, but they aren't nearly as common as they were during their early American heyday.
6. Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers were some of the most popular breeds in the early 1900s. Both Smooth and Wire varieties gained a lot of traction as loving, entertaining pets. They were still used for hunting, but their size and persona made them excellent companions in the household.
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers were a well-known breed in the US by the 1920s. Small and easy to care for, they’re ideal dogs for city life. While they're still cherished today, their historical popularity was considerably more prominent compared with many modern breed trends.
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8. Pekingese
The early 20th century gave Pekingese dogs a surge in popularity throughout America. People were fascinated by their unusual looks and history with Chinese royalty. They were popular dogs in dog shows at the time as well.
9. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, otherwise known as Scotties, were very popular among American households in the early 1900s. Small and stocky with unique coats, they were great dogs for companionship. Like many dogs of the time, they were also used for hunting.
10. Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs were common household dogs as well as working dogs a century ago. Most commonly known for herding livestock, their thick coats and size are hard to miss. While still known by many today, the breed became more popular for showing and companionship later on.
Now, here are 10 breeds that were surprisingly disliked back in the day.
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1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs did exist back in the 1920s, but they weren’t anywhere near as popular as they are today. Breed history shows their origin to be tied to both France and England. Their recognition in America grew slowly over the early 1900s.
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2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers were working dogs by the 1920s but weren’t recognized as the household dogs we know them as today. They were perfecting their niche as a retrieving breed for North America. Hunters found them great at their job, but other sporting breeds were more popular at the time.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds weren’t widely recognized in America until after the 1900s. Their intelligence and working abilities eventually helped them establish themselves as police, military, service, and companion dogs. Compared with their enormous presence today, they were still relatively new players in American dog culture a century ago.
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4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers were recognized as a distinct breed by the early 1900s but had not reached their current fame. Originating in Scotland, Golden Retrievers were used as hunting dogs. It would take decades for the Golden to become one of America's most beloved family dogs.
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5. Dachshund
Dachshunds were around during the 1920s, but many Americans shunned the breed because of World War I. As political tensions were high with Germany, many American families and organizations refused German traits. Luckily for Dachshunds, their unique body and hunting capabilities allowed them to make a comeback.
6. Poodle
Like many other dogs, Poodles existed long before the 1920s but didn’t become popularized until later on. The breed was used for water retrieving originally and gained notoriety in Europe. By the time the 1920s had come around, Standard Poodles were already well-known.
7. Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniels existed before the 1920s but became more popular throughout the century. Like many sporting dogs of the time, they were great at hunting and working in the field. But as they grew in recognition from dog shows, families fell in love with the breed.
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8. Beagle
Beagles have been in America for as long as most purebred dogs, but weren’t always popularized as pets. Beagles are known for hunting in packs, using their keen sense of smell to track rabbits. Their popularity eventually expanded far beyond their original role in the field.
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9. Boxer
Like the German Shepherd, Boxers hadn’t quite made a name for themselves in America by the 1920s. Originally from Germany, they were still known for working. Their body and instincts lent themselves to police work, and luckily, they’re also great family dogs.
10. Chihuahua
The AKC recognized Chihuahuas in 1904, so they were around in the 1920s but weren’t popularized until later on. America had favored larger dogs for work around the house and fields. As time passed, more people started bringing dogs into the home as companions.
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