by The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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.
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6/17/2020
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August 14, 2024
<p class="p3">In this episode, Bud Boccone separates fact from fiction as he answers questions about the Titanic, allergy season, studbooks, and all kinds of other dog-related trivia.</p> <p class="p3">However many thousands of years we spend getting to know dogs, it seems there is always something new to learn. From their origins to survival stories, dogs lead fascinating lives. For humans, observing, collecting, and contemplating canine histories moves us closer to understanding ourselves.</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p4"><strong>Bonafide Bits:</strong></p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li3">There is no dog breed (or mix of dog breeds) that is truly hypoallergenic.</li> <li class="li3">Only three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic, two Pomeranians and a Pekingese.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></li> <li class="li3">In some circumstances, the Bloodhound is the only dog whose evidence is admissible in 44 U.S. state courts.</li> </ul> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p5"><strong>Featured Breeds:</strong></p> <p class="p7"><strong>Pomeranian</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">The fluffy Pomeranian is one of the world’s most popular toy breeds — and for good reason! These dogs may weigh less than seven pounds, but they have a commanding presence and a big personality. Unlike many spitz dogs, the Pom has always been a companion breed and royals and notable historical figures, including Marie Antoinette and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, were enthusiasts. Discover more about Pomeranians at AKC’s <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/"><span class= "s1">Pomeranian</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Pekingese</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">Pekingese are compact, stocky toy dogs weighing up to 14 pounds. The coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, giving Pekes their famous “lion’s mane.” Coats come in various reds, from golden red to darker shades. The large, short-muzzled head is a wider-than-long, envelope-shaped rectangle, and the eyes are large, dark, and sparkly. A unique feature of Pekes is their effortless “rolling” gait. Pekes are charming, confident companions who develop a tight bond with their favorite human. Ever alert, they make good watchdogs. Pekes will tolerate kids but won’t stand for a lot of roughhousing. Discover more about Pekingese at AKC’s <a href="https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/"><span class= "s1">Pekingese</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Greyhound</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greyhound/"><span class= "s1">Greyhound</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Great Dane</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty “Apollo of Dogs,” is a total joy to live with — but owning a dog of such imposing size, weight, and strength is a commitment not to be entered into lightly. This breed is indeed great, but not a Dane. Discover more about Great Danes at AKC’s <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-dane/"><span class="s1">Great Dane</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Schipperke</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">Standing no higher than 13 inches, Schipperkes are small dogs built for hard work. Schips were created as ratters and watchdogs. Their powerful jaws, necks, and forequarters coupled with a stealthy, catlike hunting style make them ideal rat-catching machines. The black coat is profuse around the neck, shoulders, and legs, giving the breed a silhouette that accentuates a thick, substantial body. The foxy face completes the unique look of a unique breed. If you can’t tell a Schipperke from an ordinary dog, you simply haven't been paying attention. Discover more about Schipperkes at AKC’s <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/schipperke/"><span class= "s1">Schipperke</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p8"> </p> <p class="p9"><em>For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or</em> <a href= "https://www.akc.org/"><span class= "s1"><em>AKC.org</em></span></a><span class="s2">.</span></p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p10"><strong>Shareables:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">Dog show handlers often pay a hotel “pee fee” that permits special “in-hotel” potty areas for their canine charges.</li> <li class="p3">Do you know the breeds of the three dogs that survived the sinking of the Titanic?</li> <li class="p3">More than a century’s worth of studbooks are preserved in the AKC archives.</li> </ul>
July 31, 2024
<p class="p3">In this podcast episode, we explore the greatest sniffing machines in the world of dogdom: the tireless, gentle, and beloved Bloodhounds.</p> <p class="p3">The Bloodhound’s exceptional scenting ability has been a cornerstone of modern crime fighting and search and rescue efforts for generations. There is no equal to this dog’s olfactory talent for picking up a scent and following its trail. Bloodhounds are tenacious scent-tracking powerhouses that require only food, companionship, and plenty of walks (so they can check their pee-mail, as they say).</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p4"><strong>Bonafide Bits:</strong></p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li3">Bloodhounds are estimated to have three times more scent receptors than other dogs.</li> <li class="li3">Dogs’ olfactory systems project an “odor image” similar to how photographs capture scenes.</li> <li class="li3">In 1848, Lyricist Barry Cornwall wrote the song <em>Bloodhound</em> as an ode to the breed’s friendly nature.</li> <li class="li3">Kentucky Bloodhound “Nick Carter” is a Master Detective and an American legend.</li> <li class="li3">In 2022, “Trumpet” was the first Bloodhound to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.</li> </ul> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p5"><strong>Featured Breeds:</strong></p> <p class="p7"><strong>Bloodhound</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">Bloodhounds are large, substantial dogs standing 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 110 pounds. Their most famous features are a long, wrinkled face with loose skin; huge, drooping ears; and warm, deep-set eyes that complete an expression of solemn dignity. Coat colors can be black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Powerful legs allow Bloodhounds to scent over miles of punishing terrain. As pack dogs, Bloodhounds enjoy company, including other dogs and kids. They are easygoing, but their nose can sometimes lead them into trouble. A strong leash and long walks in places where they can enjoy sniffing around are recommended. Discover more about Bloodhounds at AKC’s <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bloodhound/"><span class= "s1">Bloodhound</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p8"><em>For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or</em> <a href= "https://www.akc.org/"><span class= "s1"><em>AKC.org</em></span></a><span class="s2">.</span></p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p9"><strong>Shareables:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">A dog’s olfactory bulb is impressive. It is relatively 40 times larger than a human’s olfactory bulb.</li> <li class="p3">Some quip that “a Bloodhound is a nose with a dog attached.”</li> <li class="p3">After 50 hours of searching, the Bloodhound Buttercup discovered James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., hiding deep in the Tennessee woods after he and six other inmates escaped from prison.</li> </ul>
July 17, 2024
<p class="p3">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!</p> <p class="p3">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.</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p4"><strong>Bonafide Bits:</strong></p> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li3">Dalmatians are the only dogs bred specifically to accompany carriages.</li> <li class="li3">Fearless Bulldogs were bred with tenacious terriers to create cunning rat killers.</li> <li class="li3">A Boston Terrier is the official mascot of Boston University.</li> <li class="li3">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.</li> <li class="li3">The impossibly cute Bichon Frise were once prized circus performers.</li> </ul> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p5"><strong>Featured Breeds:</strong></p> <p class="p7"><strong>Dalmatian</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dalmatian/"><span class= "s2">Dalmatian</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Bulldog</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/"><span class= "s2">Bulldog</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Boston Terrier</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boston-terrier/"><span class= "s2">Boston Terrier</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>French Bulldog</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/"><span class= "s2">French Bulldog</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Chinese Shar-Pei</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei/"><span class= "s2">Chinese Shar-Pei</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Poodle</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p8">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/"><span class= "s2">Poodle (Standard)</span></a> <span class="s3">Breed Biography</span><span class="s4">.</span></li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>American Eskimo Dog</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-eskimo-dog/"><span class= "s2">American Eskimo Dog</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p7"><strong>Bichon Frise</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">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 <a href= "https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/"><span class= "s2">Bichon Frise</span></a> Breed Biography.</li> </ul> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p9"><em>For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or</em> <a href= "https://www.akc.org/"><span class= "s2"><em>AKC.org</em></span></a><span class="s5">.</span></p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p10"><strong>Shareables:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="p3">The AKC non-sporting group is defined not by what it is, but by what it is not.</li> <li class="p3">Want to know how Boston Terriers became the official dog of Massachusetts?</li> <li class="p3">The Chinese Shar-Pei was brought back from the brink of extinction by a Life magazine cover.</li> </ul>
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