What’s in a Dog?
Rebekah Wong breaks down the origins of today’s most beloved breeds. She recounts the stories of the many dogs she has met and worked with through training, volunteering and being a lifelong dog lover.
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Episodes
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Love a snow dog? Check out this episode to learn all about the original sled pulling champion just in time for the conclusion of the 2025 Iditarod.
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
This little Italian treasure hunter will have you shouting Figo! Don't get ahead of yourselves though, a fully trained tuber hunter will set you back anywhere from $8-12,000 dollars. Mama Mia!Sources:
https://lagottoamerica.com/history/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
A royal lap warmer almost lost to a fad of non-functional breed trends. Check out this episode to learn more about these adorable little companion dogs.
Sources: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
https://ackcsc.org/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-history-behind-the-breed/
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Walking cotton candy, barking land cloud, floofy friend, all names to describe the dog on this week's episode all about the Bichon Frise. These small white companions are extremely loveable and smart to boot!
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/bichon-frise-history/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/
https://www.bichonrescue.org/about-the-bichon-frise
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Learn about this primitive breed known for loyalty and independence. Named for the South Korean Island of Jindo, these pups are loved for their unique personalities and have even been named as the 53rd National Treasure of Korea.
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever... small retriever, way too much name to go along with it. This tiny multipurpose dog was created to mimic the fox, and I think they did a pretty bang-up job. Find out more about this compact sporting do in our 13th episode.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Spinone? Is that a pasta? No, it is an ancient hunting breed from Italy. The Spinone is a wire coated medium sized dog with lots of love to give and strong instincts as an accomplished hunting dog. This bearded companion with soon be in your top ten when you listen to this week's episode of What's in a Dog?
Sources:
https://www.academia.edu/
Spinone Italiano - Complete History and Development - Project Upland
Complete History And Evolution Of The Spinone Italiano | Spinone Life
Spinone Italiano History: A Hardworking Hunter – American Kennel Club (akc.org)
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
What has 24 toes and crazy flexibility? The Norwegian Lundehund AKA the puffin dog. These incredible creatures helped feed the people of the Norwegian Islands for hundreds of years. After facing extinction multiple times, this still-rare breed is back for good and growing in number. Sources:
About Lundehunds – Norwegian Lundehund Association of America (nlaainc.com)
Midnattsol Kennels and Susan Torgerson in Washingtion State (lundehunds.com)
Rarest Dog Breed: Norwegian Lundehund History From the Brink of Extinction – American Kennel Club (akc.org)
www.akc.org/
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Rare, ancient, and hairless? I'm not talking about your grandpa, this week's episode is all about the Xolo, AKA the Mexican Hairless Dog. This dog came into existence thousands of years ago and has had a long history of guiding spirits in the underworld and healing the sick.
Sources:
The Comprehensive Guide to Xoloitzcuintli: History, Care, and More - PetHelpful
Xoloitzcuintli History: Where the Breed Originated (akc.org)
The Aztec Underworld: A Journey Through Mictlan - Aztec Mythology (mythologyworldwide.com)
https://www.nature.com/
About Xolos — Xoloitzcuintli Club of America
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Poodles! The national dog of France and one of the most beloved dog breeds in America. The tale of how this sporting dog turned companion will make you say, "Oh my Dog". We also cover the doodle craze sweeping the nation and what that might mean for the future of mixed poodles.
Sources: https://pawinspector.com/
www.akc.org
Best Goldendoodle Generations: F1, F1B, F1BB, F2, F2B, F3! (welovedoodles.com)
sunkencastles.com