We’ve already told you some fascinating tidbits about popular small breeds and shared plenty of cool trivia about the top large dog breeds. Now it’s time to learn fun facts about the 10 most popular medium-size dog breeds. Even if you regularly peruse our dog breed profiles, we may have some interesting info you’ve never heard before. For instance, do you know the origins behind the Cocker Spaniel‘s name? Are you familiar with the correct way to hold a Dachshund? Well, get ready: You’re about to discover 10 little-known facts about the top medium-size breeds.
Border Collie
You may have heard that Border Collies are one of the
smartest dog breeds. And for the most part, they live up to their brainy
reputation. For instance, a Border Collie named Chaser knows more than a
thousand words and can make inferences about words she doesn’t know.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, who is a member of the Sporting Group,
gets his name from his talent for hunting woodcock, a type of wading bird.
English Springer Spaniel
There are two types of Springer Spaniels: those from hunting
lines and those from show lines. So what’s the
difference? English Springers from show lines have solid patches of color next
to their solid white fur; long, flowing coats; and heavier bodies. Springers
from hunting lines have coats of moderate length and lots of brown ticking in
their white fur.
Brittany
The Brittany hails from the province of Brittany in France
and was bred to point and retrieve in different types of terrain.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
According to Welsh legend, Corgis were a gift from the
fairies, who rode them like horses. Need proof? Some Corgis wear a “saddle” on
their backs, and others have white “harness” marks behind their shoulders.
Shetland Sheepdog
Although the Sheltie is a distinctive breed from the Collie,
he’s gone by several names that reflect both his Collie ancestry and diminutive
size: Miniature Collie, Lilliputian Collie, Toonie Dog and Fairy Dog.
Dachshund (Standard)
There's a right way to hold a Dachshund: Help protect
his back by tucking one arm beneath his hind end and supporting his front end at the
chest with your other arm, while keeping his body in a horizontal position.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog originated in England but became popular in his adopted homeland of
France after the Industrial Revolution. When lacemaking became mechanized, many
English lace workers lost their jobs and moved to France, where their skills
were still in demand, and they took their beloved Frenchies with them.
Beagle
Thanks to their generally friendly disposition and excellent
scent-detection skills, Beagles are often used at airports to sniff out
weapons, drugs and illegal food items without making passengers nervous like a
large police dog might.
Bulldog
The Bulldog is relatively easy to groom, but his facial and
nose wrinkles may require special care. Depending on the individual dog, you
may need to clean his wrinkles a couple times a week or every day with a soft damp
cloth or baby wipe, then dry them thoroughly.
