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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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Pugs 100 Years Ago
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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#2
Bull Terrier 100 Years Ago
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.
#3
Irish Setter
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.
#4
West Highland White Terrier
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.
Up All Night 4 years ago
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.
#5
Old English Sheepdog
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.
#6
Basset Hound
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.
#7
Dobermann Dog Evolution
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.
Final score:
102points
#8
Dachshund
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.
Russell Ellwardt 4 years ago
Longer body and shorter legs. In other words, more health issues.
#9
Newfoundland
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!
Lord Mysticlaw 4 years ago
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.
#10
German Shepherd Dog Breeds 100 Years Ago
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.
Forrest McCanless 4 years ago
I hate that modern ones' back legs have been tailored to make them appear crouching and cowed.
#11
Scottish Terrier
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.
#12
Airedale Terrier
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.
#13
Rottweiler
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.
#14
Shetland Sheepdog
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.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
But... they're tiny NOW, how have they been even smaller back then?
#15
Boxer Breed 100 Years Ago
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.
#16
Great Dane
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.
gabrielle wolf-stahl 4 years ago (edited)
Again with weaker headquarters and back and now a squarer, more jowly jaw
#17
Chow Chow
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.
#18
Saluki
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.
Allison Leigh 4 years ago
Yeah I feel like animal control might ask to see vet records for that second one. I understand some dogs have slender builds but the protruding hip bones and the super obvious veins popping out make me wonder if the dog's malnourished or has something else going on....
Autumn 4 years ago
PauPain: another breed I constantly see overweight is Labrador Retrievers. THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO TODDLE AROUND LIKE PENGUINS. so many are so obese that's it's definitely going to cause health problems. Screenshot...7a22af.png 
Autumn 4 years ago
That is what many labs and dogs in general look like now. They should looks similar to this. Screenshot...906061.png 
PauPain 4 years ago
I love comparing and reading old dog breed books and I have actually collected books where my own breed is included in. However, this was disappointing. But it is a great idea for a piece! Some tips: 1. Choose pictures where the dogs are posed in a similar fashion and if you can't see much under the fur that doesn't mean anything didn't change. It is just fur. 2. The obvious: tail docking and grooming. 3. Maybe next time actually do some research. I am not interested in some random "observations", you could provide us with interesting facts! There is so much breed history here. 4. If you don't want to do research, post it as it is. Leave it up to discussion. People might know more, comments and discussion.
Elizabeth Clothier 4 years ago
I'm sorry, but WHAT?? WTH have you done? This poor dog, makes my heart hurt.
Chocolate Lasanga 4 years ago
not to be rude but they loook like there starving there dog its so skinny and ugly sorry but no offense
Suzy Sunshine 4 years ago
The second dog is malnourished. Yes they should be thin in order to be fast but not having the hip bones and the ribcage sticking out like that.
mermaidgirl960 4 years ago
Fortunately, not all Salukis are like this but they are still extremely thin and tall, making them look like deer. saluki-sta...c6528a.jpg 
Marianne Martens 4 years ago
Cutting dogs tails off was sort of saying you know better how a dog should look then its creator.
Rosie Hamilton 4 years ago
I think that is a one off - my neighbour has a saluki and she honestly looks fine. She's very healthy, you can feel her ribs just under her fur but not see them - just as you should be able to if a dog is a healthy weight.
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A Dumbo Octopus 4 years ago
I've deleted my comment, I stand corrected. Thanks for the info, Rosie Hamilton
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Jeremy Ferrigno 2 years ago
fun fact: salukis are the worlds oldest recorded breed of dog, going back at least 2300 years, but cave paintings of dogs that look very similar to them have been found that are at least 9000 years old!
Glenda Downing 2 years ago
Another sighthound breed is my Portuguese Podengo Grande. This guy literally eats as much as he will take in every day. That Saluki on the bottom might be a little underweight but it might just be one of the extra skinny ones. 264487271_...739f0e.jpg 
Sue Sanders 4 years ago
Outrageous - and simply catering to humans' ego. I can't see that this is an improvement.
Rosie Hamilton 4 years ago
The VERY healthy saluki my neighbour owns does NOT have visible ribs like that. She looks very much like the former photo. That dog is underweight.
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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.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
I'm glad the cutting of tails and ears is no longer in fashion/allowed!
Dark Pigeon 4 years ago
Sadly enough, there are enough countries that still do it.
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jevais 4 years ago
I despise breeders that have handicapped animals only for their personal glory and money. They don't respect or love animals. The real ugly creatures are this race of breeders.
Rainy Day Wolf 4 years ago
that's probably the only logical ultimate goal of any pure breed since it relies on inbreeding... with no genetic variety the breed will keep deteriorating
Load More Replies... Dark Pigeon 4 years ago
Feel like this was written by someone that doesn't know what she is talking about. Some breeds have changed drasticly, which is not mentioned in this artical. Shame, could be so much more interesting.
Up All Night 4 years ago
"The ears look slightly different" under the Dobermann, and "tail got longer" under the Rottweiler 😂 She thinks it's a natural change?!
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Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
I realize that humans have been selectively breeding dogs since they first partnered up but a lot of these are harmful cosmetic changes. I feel like we've kinda let our best friends down.
arsonistofthemonth jr 3 years ago
Me too but what is happening in the comments below this. Like why are ya'll stooping to their level? Dont feed the trolls isttg--
Load More Replies...
Carrie Laughs 4 years ago
It is illegal in some countries, shame it isn't in all.
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Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
I bought an old black and white cat breeders book from a church fair when I was little. I was so confused looking at the pictures that mum had to explain selective breeding to me, as best as I could understand it at that age. I remember staring at the photos of Persian cats: beautiful delicate nose and lovely profile. Not any more though, it shows how fast we can mutate these beautiful creatures
TheSneakyNinja 4 years ago (edited)
I know! Persians were so gorgeous before!
Load More Replies...
Fixin'Ta 4 years ago
I'm wondering how many of the "coats are longer now" ones are more just to how the dogs are/were groomed? And maybe just some difference in individual dogs? I'm sure there have been a lot of changes in many breeds in the last 100 years, but I'm not sure some of these comparison photos prove how.
Irene Walton 4 years ago
It's sad people still have to have the perfect breed while so many are put down because no one wants them
Rainbow Panda 4 years ago
They’re cute, but I wish the breeders didn’t make them “look better”. 🐕
Claire 4 years ago (edited)
Can everyone please go and downvote Thomasin Grace? She has horrible opinions of pit bulls and should really educate herself and take her comment down. Talking and thinking like that are the reason why so many pit bulls spend months in the shelter. I once knew a sweet old pittie named Baby (12 yrs) who loved everyone, never showed the slightest sign of aggression, was extremely clean (all the other dogs needed their kennels cleaned in the morning but Baby's was always perfectly tidey), and was literally the perfect dog. What's sick is that Thomasin would have Baby killed just because of her breed. And, Thomasin, pit bulls DO NOT kill babies! They love and protect their humans' children and are doubtlessly better and kinder creatures than you are.
Zophra 4 years ago (edited)
I hear you. But then I come across information like this: https://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2020.php
Load More Replies...
Bob Belcher 4 years ago (edited)
I'll take them all and we can go live on an abandoned golf course. There's many of them for sale in America. We'll roll in the sand, jump in the ponds and run around the grass where old rich white men with huge asses and funny looking pants used to pay good money to get into.
Roberto Ruziscka 4 years ago
No offence, but today's rotweiller have not longer tails, in the present days foto its tail ,and ears, has not been mutilated, the same goes for the Dobermann.
Alison Bolton 1 month ago
All dogs should be able to ‘dog’. That is run, play, breed without help. When you breed an animal that needs medical intervention to survive (bulldogs heads being too large to give birth naturally, legs too short to sustain weight, nose too short to breathe properly) that is wrong.
arsonistofthemonth jr 3 years ago
It was interesting to see the difference between then and now, but I have to wonder what the bloody hell happened in the comments you guys?
Marta Fleter 3 years ago (edited)
So many deformations that literally cripple an animal only for some kennel society dudes sense of "aesthetic" and yet people buy those pure breed dogs for hard cash while the shelters are literally full of healthy, strong but unloved mutts. It makes me furious! Who even decides what is a pure breed anyway and who chooses which directions the modifications should go, or to do them at all?!
Andy Bolton 4 years ago
This seems to have been written by someone given the pictures to comment on, never having had any experience or knowledge of dogs in their lives. The GSD comments in particular ignore the cruelty imposed on the breed. Anyone can compare two pictures, and say "The legs are longer in the dog on the right."
Dee 4 years ago
Very sad for the dogs. They were only changed for human pleasure. The dogs got only worse
Mumof1 4 years ago
I think the whole idea of changing ANY animal, whether it's tail docking, ear cropping, or manipulating the skeletal frame in any way is monstrous. Most of it is done in the name of "fashion". For heaven;s sake - these aren't fashion accessories, but living, breating, sentient creatures. How dare we!
Caroline Driver 4 years ago
Where's the English Bulldog? They have changed massively, poor bastards.
Michelle Muirhead 4 years ago
Sad to see how breeding causes so many health problems in modern breeds.
Rainy Day Wolf 4 years ago
All those with longer or "fluffier" coats require a lot of maintenance so they suffer a lot when abandoned which sadly keeps happening
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
They breed ones with the preferred traits, or a start at the preferred traits, over and over and over and over and over and over... until you get what you want to see/have. Side effects include: breathing issues; hip dysplasia; disposition changes; higher cancer risk... And so on. *sigh*
Load More Replies...
Aileen 4 years ago
It seems like less dogs have a specific purpose other than companionship anymore, which is why they were probably bred more for looks and aesthetics, and less for functionality. Hence the more square skulls, shorter noses, and weaker back legs.
Paizleypie 4 years ago
Where's the English Bulldog? They are rhe epitome of changes in dig breeds.
marianne eliza 4 years ago
I hate what the USA has done to the German Shepherd Dog. The darn things practically walk on their hocks and the back is roached and too long. If you ever watch a dog show you will see that the handlers of GSD always move them at a very fast pace. That's because the dog wobbles at slower speeds. Most GSD handlers have to wear knee braces due to the constant running in circles. A darn shame and cruel too. The GSD should be more square and level.
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
What does this have to do with the USA? It wasn't done there.
Load More Replies...
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
Yes, if by that you mean that they look more like "normal" healthy dogs. Shorter snouts and huge, easily infected eyes are IMHO, malformations, defects, that lead to unnecessary suffering. Changing the standards of a breed according to what some people find 'cute' (meaning, in the final analysis, that they are more easily sold, i.e. the profits are secured) is despicable.
Load More Replies...
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
I'm glad the cutting of tails and ears is no longer in fashion/allowed!
Dark Pigeon 4 years ago
Sadly enough, there are enough countries that still do it.
Load More Replies... jevais 4 years ago
I despise breeders that have handicapped animals only for their personal glory and money. They don't respect or love animals. The real ugly creatures are this race of breeders.
Rainy Day Wolf 4 years ago
that's probably the only logical ultimate goal of any pure breed since it relies on inbreeding... with no genetic variety the breed will keep deteriorating
Load More Replies... Dark Pigeon 4 years ago
Feel like this was written by someone that doesn't know what she is talking about. Some breeds have changed drasticly, which is not mentioned in this artical. Shame, could be so much more interesting.
Up All Night 4 years ago
"The ears look slightly different" under the Dobermann, and "tail got longer" under the Rottweiler 😂 She thinks it's a natural change?!
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
I realize that humans have been selectively breeding dogs since they first partnered up but a lot of these are harmful cosmetic changes. I feel like we've kinda let our best friends down.
arsonistofthemonth jr 3 years ago
Me too but what is happening in the comments below this. Like why are ya'll stooping to their level? Dont feed the trolls isttg--
Load More Replies... Carrie Laughs 4 years ago
It is illegal in some countries, shame it isn't in all.
Load More Replies... Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
I bought an old black and white cat breeders book from a church fair when I was little. I was so confused looking at the pictures that mum had to explain selective breeding to me, as best as I could understand it at that age. I remember staring at the photos of Persian cats: beautiful delicate nose and lovely profile. Not any more though, it shows how fast we can mutate these beautiful creatures
TheSneakyNinja 4 years ago (edited)
I know! Persians were so gorgeous before!
Load More Replies... Fixin'Ta 4 years ago
I'm wondering how many of the "coats are longer now" ones are more just to how the dogs are/were groomed? And maybe just some difference in individual dogs? I'm sure there have been a lot of changes in many breeds in the last 100 years, but I'm not sure some of these comparison photos prove how.
Irene Walton 4 years ago
It's sad people still have to have the perfect breed while so many are put down because no one wants them
Rainbow Panda 4 years ago
They’re cute, but I wish the breeders didn’t make them “look better”. 🐕
Claire 4 years ago (edited)
Can everyone please go and downvote Thomasin Grace? She has horrible opinions of pit bulls and should really educate herself and take her comment down. Talking and thinking like that are the reason why so many pit bulls spend months in the shelter. I once knew a sweet old pittie named Baby (12 yrs) who loved everyone, never showed the slightest sign of aggression, was extremely clean (all the other dogs needed their kennels cleaned in the morning but Baby's was always perfectly tidey), and was literally the perfect dog. What's sick is that Thomasin would have Baby killed just because of her breed. And, Thomasin, pit bulls DO NOT kill babies! They love and protect their humans' children and are doubtlessly better and kinder creatures than you are.
Zophra 4 years ago (edited)
I hear you. But then I come across information like this: https://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2020.php
Load More Replies... Bob Belcher 4 years ago (edited)
I'll take them all and we can go live on an abandoned golf course. There's many of them for sale in America. We'll roll in the sand, jump in the ponds and run around the grass where old rich white men with huge asses and funny looking pants used to pay good money to get into.
Roberto Ruziscka 4 years ago
No offence, but today's rotweiller have not longer tails, in the present days foto its tail ,and ears, has not been mutilated, the same goes for the Dobermann.
Alison Bolton 1 month ago
All dogs should be able to ‘dog’. That is run, play, breed without help. When you breed an animal that needs medical intervention to survive (bulldogs heads being too large to give birth naturally, legs too short to sustain weight, nose too short to breathe properly) that is wrong.
arsonistofthemonth jr 3 years ago
It was interesting to see the difference between then and now, but I have to wonder what the bloody hell happened in the comments you guys?
Marta Fleter 3 years ago (edited)
So many deformations that literally cripple an animal only for some kennel society dudes sense of "aesthetic" and yet people buy those pure breed dogs for hard cash while the shelters are literally full of healthy, strong but unloved mutts. It makes me furious! Who even decides what is a pure breed anyway and who chooses which directions the modifications should go, or to do them at all?!
Andy Bolton 4 years ago
This seems to have been written by someone given the pictures to comment on, never having had any experience or knowledge of dogs in their lives. The GSD comments in particular ignore the cruelty imposed on the breed. Anyone can compare two pictures, and say "The legs are longer in the dog on the right."
Dee 4 years ago
Very sad for the dogs. They were only changed for human pleasure. The dogs got only worse
Mumof1 4 years ago
I think the whole idea of changing ANY animal, whether it's tail docking, ear cropping, or manipulating the skeletal frame in any way is monstrous. Most of it is done in the name of "fashion". For heaven;s sake - these aren't fashion accessories, but living, breating, sentient creatures. How dare we!
Caroline Driver 4 years ago
Where's the English Bulldog? They have changed massively, poor bastards.
Michelle Muirhead 4 years ago
Sad to see how breeding causes so many health problems in modern breeds.
Rainy Day Wolf 4 years ago
All those with longer or "fluffier" coats require a lot of maintenance so they suffer a lot when abandoned which sadly keeps happening
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
They breed ones with the preferred traits, or a start at the preferred traits, over and over and over and over and over and over... until you get what you want to see/have. Side effects include: breathing issues; hip dysplasia; disposition changes; higher cancer risk... And so on. *sigh*
Load More Replies... Aileen 4 years ago
It seems like less dogs have a specific purpose other than companionship anymore, which is why they were probably bred more for looks and aesthetics, and less for functionality. Hence the more square skulls, shorter noses, and weaker back legs.
Paizleypie 4 years ago
Where's the English Bulldog? They are rhe epitome of changes in dig breeds.
marianne eliza 4 years ago
I hate what the USA has done to the German Shepherd Dog. The darn things practically walk on their hocks and the back is roached and too long. If you ever watch a dog show you will see that the handlers of GSD always move them at a very fast pace. That's because the dog wobbles at slower speeds. Most GSD handlers have to wear knee braces due to the constant running in circles. A darn shame and cruel too. The GSD should be more square and level.
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
What does this have to do with the USA? It wasn't done there.
Load More Replies... Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
Yes, if by that you mean that they look more like "normal" healthy dogs. Shorter snouts and huge, easily infected eyes are IMHO, malformations, defects, that lead to unnecessary suffering. Changing the standards of a breed according to what some people find 'cute' (meaning, in the final analysis, that they are more easily sold, i.e. the profits are secured) is despicable.
Load More Replies... You May Like 30 Of The Smartest Dog Breeds As Proved By Science 40 Times Corgis Mixed With Other Breeds, And The Result Was Absolutely Pawsome 49 Good Puppers That Learned They Should Never Mess With Bees
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