Bulldogs originated in 13th-century England for bullbaiting. Later, used for illegal dog fighting. Evolved to a squatter, wrinkled appearance.
English hunters had large hounds for deer, small for rabbits. Beagles descended from the latter, bred for hunting and friendly looks. 2 sizes remain.
Yorkshire Terrier: 1800s breed from Yorkshire & Lancashire. Mix of Scottish terriers & Maltese. Started as rodent hunters, became lapdogs for elites.
17th-century British kings loved black-and-tan spaniels. Crossed with Asian breeds, created the Cavalier in 1920s, resembling old portraits.
Centuries ago, English cocker & springer spaniels, ancestors of today's breeds, born in same litters. Springer: flush game for hunters. Recognized in 1902, retains hunting prowess.
In 1800s, to protect estates from poachers, a smart and athletic dog was bred - the bullmastiff, large and loyal, wary of strangers.
Earliest English cocker spaniels hunted with springer spaniels. Later, breed standards formed. In the 20th century, smaller American cockers emerged.
Airedale Terriers: Originated in Aire Valley, England. Bred by workers in 1800s, versatile, smart, fearless hunters, good on land & water.
In 1800s England, coal miners created the whippet by crossing fast terriers with greyhounds for affordable hunting and racing; still agile today.
Bull terriers evolved from bulldog-terrier crosses for dog fighting in the 1800s, but later bred for companionship, with looks and temperament softened.