Dogs of North America
Dogs are a large part of the culture of many areas in North America, from Mexico’s little Chihuahua to the now well-known Labrador Retriever of Canada. The Canadian Eskimo Dog, Alaskan Malamute, and Chinook where once indispensable breeds of the snowy northern terrain of Canada and the United States’ Alaska. Snow mobiles have largely replaced these sled dogs simply because of the amount of speed that can be achieved, unfortunately leaving some of them to become rare breeds even in North America.
Breeds of North American hunting dogs include everything from retrievers to coonhounds. As already mentioned the Labrador Retriever was breed and developed in Canada and is widely still used to this day. The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever also hails from Canada, and although unknown it is quite unique. This breed actually will be let loose to romp and play near water, enticing waterfowl to come investigate. Once the kill has been made it plays the part of the average retriever and brings the fowl back to its owner. Other North American retrievers include the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the American Water Spaniel.
North America is also the home of the uniquely bred coonhounds of the United States. In early colonial times Foxhounds were brought to the United States for hunting; however they were inadequate for animals that don’t escape by going underground. Raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and larger prey such as cougars and bears would take to the trees to escape the dogs. Selective breeding eventually brought about the coonhounds that are known today, including the Black and Tan and Bluetick Coonhounds. Lesser known North American coonhounds include the Plott Hound and English Coonhound.
Cattle and herding dogs were also very important to the development of the North American landscape. Contrary to its name the popular Australian Shepherd was actually bred and developed in the United States.
