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Dogs have been around humans for over 30,000 years and have earned themselves the title of humans’ best friends. Since being domesticated, the species has undergone dramatic changes due to selective breeding. People have bred dogs for their advantage, sometimes causing the animals severe health problems. However, only in the 20th century did the selective breeding of dogs become more sophisticated as new methods were discovered.

What Is Selective Breeding, and When Did It Start?

Selective breeding means selecting the species with desirable traits for breeding to increase those qualities in a population. This is usually done to benefit humans and might not always be favorable to the particular animal in its natural environment.

Some of the earliest examples of selective breeding can be found more than 9,000 years ago in Mesoamerica. Humans used to breed teosinte plants, which had a large number of kernels, and this gave rise to corn. 

Why Did Humans Start Selectively Breeding Dogs?

It is believed that when humans shifted toward agricultural societies, they started selectively breeding dogs for a smaller size and more docile behavior. This was done to make living together more comfortable for humans and dogs.

Domestic dogs first emerged as early as 30,000 years ago in Southeast Asia thanks to the selective breeding of wolves. This resulted in over 450 globally recognized dog breeds today.

What Did The Original Dogs Look Like?

Many well-known dog breeds look pretty different from how they did a century ago. We compiled this list of dog evolution comparison pictures with the help of the ‘Dogs of All Nations’ book. Scroll down to see the interesting changes in these dog breeds, and let us know which one surprised you the most.

#1

Pugs 100 Years Ago

Then and now: Pug breed evolution from 100 years ago to today, showcasing selective breeding impact.

Pugs before breeding were roughly the same size a century ago. 100 years ago, original pugs had longer legs and noses and a slimmer build. They were bred to have bigger eyes and flatter noses. Unfortunately, this led to malformed and sick pugs with breathing problems and other health issues.

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kate h
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pugs are such great little dogs - happy, friendly, funny and loyal. It's a shame what people have done to this breed and many others. :(

Jilly Von Dee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All breeders have done is create health problems for these beautiful animals.

Neva Nevičica
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People doing this to dogs love to consider themelves dog lovers, destroying their bodies, inflicting them pain to make them look 'cute' (and they are all cute naturally). Stop buying, adopt, so selling deformed dogs won't be profitable any more. But i know it won't happen because a lot of people buy dogs because of their looks and not to have a friend.

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Eloise Arrington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They also can have a lot of health problems though... like their eyes popping out...

Dilly Millandry
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, this is true. Along with the breathing problems they are terribly unhealthy. A friend of mine is a pug owner and he, along with many others I know, have nothing but health problems constantly.

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Elizabeth Clothier
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate what people have done to this breed, and bull dogs too. It's not ok for humans to intentionally "breed" a dog to the point they have trouble breathing their entire life. (And they have other health problems as well), This is probably not a popular comment, but I care more about animal suffering than what anyone thinks about my opinion.

Saara-Elina Kaukiainen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pugs today also have serious back problems. Their skull is too short to function. It's sad, because they used to be an active breed. Now they just suffer through life. :(

Autumn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're also shorter with more folds in their skin. ANd the first picture still isn't close to the original pug....

GarrettWatts is my spirit animal
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

luckily our puggies have longer noses than most so they don’t struggle with any breathing problems

Torchicachu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the health issue thing has made me sad for years like stop breeding them in a way that they're just gonna die

manon M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

l'horreur typique des sélections. comme Kate h le dit, un chien adorable mais honteux ce que l'humanité a fait de son physique

Meg220
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Retro pugs with longer noses and slimmer bodies are actually still a thing today.. if only the unhealthy big eyed flatter faced ones weren't 😔

s noone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the pug in the top pic is still not what pugs used to look like.. the old pugs looked like puggles (pug x beagle) of today..

Caroline Driver
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen pugs that look even more distorted than this After photo.

Jim Takahashi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All dog breeds are man made for human convenience and vanity. And, it’s the same with cats. This cruel act of breeding must be stopped.

Susan Mercurio
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In almost every breed, I liked the older style better than the modern equivalent.

Laura Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

like a lot of these dogs with their squashed faces they have serious breathing problems they have been bred to suit people compromising the dogs health

François Goyette
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the things that make the pugs so lovable is how idiot they look like. And, they definitely had that look back then. I think I prefer the ones from the past

Edo Alva
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's been a long debate in dog lover communities-- But again, what can we do to make their snout longer, though?

Yvon Pilon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i had a female fawn pug till she was 11 , loved her to bits , they are sofull of life and love and dedicated and attached to their owners , their nick-name " lapdog" suits them perfectly .... one downfall is they are high maintenance pets , they need lots of personal care and attention to keep them healthy ... some have tendencies of being over-weight , dont let it happen to your pug , i seen some was heart breaking making their health issues worst , also dental care needs to be tended to regularly ... gd luck if you have one and or read up on the breed before getting one , lotsa books out there on their background , health issues and how to care for them .. i miss my pug dearly !!!!

Emily Kerkstra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

pugs still look like that if they are kept at the correct weight. it's super hard though because they are too good at getting you to say yes to treats!

Kim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dog in the first picture has longer legs and tighter skin. The head is what looks the same to me.

Hafida
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shame on people who want this breed, as long as people ask and pay for it, the heartless breeders will deliver. Stop buying to stop this, if you really want and can afford a pet (health, care, love) go adopt from a shelter. This is the only way to stop this.

Danielle Charney
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

again all for looks for humans- despise breeders who really hate animals and just love $$

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#2

Bull Terrier 100 Years Ago

Side-by-side images showing the changes in dog breeds from 100 years ago to today due to selective breeding.

If you look at the bull terrier before and after, you’ll notice that the face has become shorter, while the jaws and the bridge of the nose have become more prominent. The body shape also became more muscular with shorter legs. This build was created explicitly so the breed could function as a fighting dog during the Victorian era.

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#3

Irish Setter

"Selective breeding effects shown in Irish Setter, then in black and white, now in color, highlighting breed changes."

Irish setters were imported from Ireland to Spain. They haven’t changed much over the years. Now, they have a longer and thicker coat colored a rich, mahogany red. They also have a slightly thinner body.

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#4

West Highland White Terrier

Selective breeding results: comparison of a dog breed from 100 years ago and today, highlighting physical differences.

This adorable dog breed hasn’t changed much. All-white terriers were selectively bred in the 19th century in Poltalloch in Argyll, which led to the development of the West Highland White. The few changes that occurred were their fur becoming a little bit longer and thicker.

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Up All Night
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The old one looked almost like a Cairn terrier. I have read that Westies, Cairns and Scottish terriers were bred together and the breed of the pup was decided at birth - by its color. Quite hilarious, if you ask any modern dog breeder.

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#5

Old English Sheepdog

Selective breeding impact: Old English Sheepdog breed comparison, past vs present.

The Old English sheepdog used to be much shaggier than it is today. Apart from that, this is one of the most consistent dog breeds from 100 years ago.

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#6

Basset Hound

Selective breeding impact: Old vs modern Basset Hound, showcasing physical changes over 100 years.

There are quite a few recognizable changes to the Basset Hound’s build. The hind legs became shorter, the ears became longer, their face became droopier, and their skin now had more folds.

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#7

Dobermann Dog Evolution

Then and now comparison of dog breeds showing effects of selective breeding over 100 years.

This dog was originally bred in Thuringia in 1890 by Louis Dobermann. The Dobermann dog breed has a more slender build than before. Their ears used to be cropped and their tail docked, which is now illegal in many countries. They are also not as aggressive as they were before.

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#8

Dachshund

Selective breeding impact: comparison of Dachshund dog breed now and 100 years ago.

The adorable dachshunds you know today were initially bred to be hunting dogs during the 15th century in Europe. Today, the sausage dogs have a longer face and body. Also, a chest that’s slightly wider and hind leggies that are shorter.

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#9

Newfoundland

Selective breeding: Comparison of a Newfoundland dog 100 years ago and today, showing physical changes.

While they appear similar, Newfoundlands were likely much smaller than they are today. ‘Dogs of All Nations’ writes that the breed weighed around 100 pounds in 1915, whereas Newfoundland males can weigh up to 150 pounds today. With so much shaggy fur, you can make different hairstyles for your Newfoundland!

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Lord Mysticlaw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact: In Disney's 1953 Peter Pan, Nana is a Newfoundland. At the time they were often used as "babysitters" because they're so gentle, but protective of their family.

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#10

German Shepherd Dog Breeds 100 Years Ago

German Shepherd showing selective breeding changes over 100 years, from historical to modern appearance.

German shepherd puppies and dogs have become larger. Their fur has also become longer and thicker. Their skeletons have changed, and their chests are now wider. Studies have shown that these dogs are predisposed to health conditions like arthritis because of how they have been bred in recent decades.

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Forrest McCanless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate that modern ones' back legs have been tailored to make them appear crouching and cowed.

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#11

Scottish Terrier

Old vs modern dog breed, showing changes in Scottish Terrier from 100 years ago to today.

The coat of the Scottish terrier is now much longer, softer, and has a slightly different texture. 100 years ago, their coat used to be more wiry.

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#12

Airedale Terrier

"Selective breeding impact: comparison of a dog breed from 100 years ago and today."

These sporting and playful dogs haven’t changed much over the years. They have a shaggier coat and a longer face with more fur. These dogs are considered to be the largest of all terriers.

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#13

Rottweiler

Historic vs modern Rottweiler showing selective breeding effects over 100 years.

There have been quite a few physical changes in the Rottweiler breed. They have a shorter snout, a more robust jaw, and a different head shape. They also don't have a docked tail anymore, and their coat is now coarser than it was before.

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#14

Shetland Sheepdog

Comparison of dog breeds affected by selective breeding: vintage vs modern.

Although the Shetland Sheepdog is considered a tiny dog, it has doubled in size over the years. Its fur also became longer to help it cope and survive harsh weather conditions.

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#15

Boxer Breed 100 Years Ago

Comparison of dog breeds from 100 years ago to today, highlighting changes from selective breeding.

Boxers are the weirdest and most adorable dogs because of their energetic personalities. This breed emerged due to the selective breeding of smaller Mastiff breeds and bulldogs. Their original body shape was altered, while their faces, which used to be longer, are more downturned. 

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#16

Great Dane

Selective breeding impact: comparison of a dog breed 100 years ago and today, showing physical changes over time.

Great Danes are huge! These long-legged dogs used to weigh less than they do today. According to “Dogs of All Nations,” they used to weigh around 120 pounds, while today, males can reach up to 175 pounds. They also used to be used as hunting dogs.

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#17

Chow Chow

Selective breeding effects: a dog breed comparison from 100 years ago and today, highlighting changes in appearance.

These adorable fluff balls weighed around 50 pounds a century ago. Today, they weigh up to 75 pounds. In addition to this, the faces of Chow Chows have become more wrinkly. Humans bred the Chow Chow with thicker coats to be better suited for work in the snow.

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jevais
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happened to this once beautiful dogs? Why a shorter jaw and make them so wrinkle? Stupid breeders!

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#18

Saluki

Comparison of dog breed from 100 years ago to today, showing effects of selective breeding.

The Salukis have become even taller than they were before. Today, they are also thinner, with longer ears and legs. These dogs love companionship and enjoy being around people.

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Which Selective Breeding Example Shocked You the Most?

Seeing how popular dog breeds have transformed over 100 years is fascinating. Although selective breeding has added many great qualities, it has complex harmful effects on some dog’s health. That’s why it is crucial not to encourage breeders to cut corners due to high demand. The best way to keep dogs safe and healthy in the long run is to adopt, not shop