10 Dog Breeds That Have Changed Dramatically in the Last 100 Years

It’s no secret that dogs have always made great companions to humans. However, as time has passed by, these animal friends have changed their appearance due to their relationship with humankind. The fact that people have chosen specific features in dogs has led the species to the process of selective breeding, which has resulted in the existence of dozens of different breeds.

In this article, we will show you how 10 popular dog breeds have changed over the years by comparing photos of how they looked in the past and nowadays.

When did dog breeds first appear?

Actually, most dog breeds that we see today appeared in the last 150 years. It happens due to the fact that dog breeding just recently expanded and, as a result, today we have a lot of recognizable breeds of dogs. At the same time, many scientists agree that modern dogs are just domesticated wolves. Studies suggest that it happened between 12,500 and 15,000 years ago, or maybe even earlier.

1. Airedale Terrier

Over the years, this breed has seemed to develop a slightly shaggier coat, a longer tail, and a thicker waist.

2. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound has undergone several changes in its appearance throughout the years, including a decreased height, excessive skin, much larger ears, droopy eyes, and changes in the shape of their rear legs.

3. Boxer

These dogs now have shorter faces with their muzzles pointing slightly upward. At the same time, their ears seem less prominent than before.

4. Bull Terrier

This dog breed used to look quite athletic in the past. However, bull terriers’ skulls changed their shape and their abdomens became thicker. At the same time, these dogs acquired other characteristics, like enthusiastic tail-chasing and extra teeth.

5. Chow Chow

This breed is one of the oldest ones that still exists today and, therefore, they’ve experienced several changes regarding the way they look. In the past, Chow Chows’ coats were not as thick as they’re now, and their muzzles were more prominent. Nowadays, these dogs have a mastiff-like appearance.

6. Dachshund

In the past, these dogs’ necks were proportional to their bodies, and their legs were quite functional. However, the Dachshund breed has changed a lot. For instance, their neck and back have become longer, they have protruding chests, and their legs have gotten shorter, leaving very little room between the rest of their body and the ground.

7. English Bulldog

Excessive skin may be one of the most noticeable changes this dog breed has experienced. At the same time, their front legs seem to have become slightly shorter.

8. German Shepherd

These dogs appear to be larger than they were in the past, with longer and thicker coats, and bigger chests and abdomens.

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

Modern Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are nearly unrecognizable compared to what they once looked like in the past due to their current excess skin. This feature has also affected their ability to work and their health. At the same time, Neapolitan Mastiff dogs now have droopy eyes and ears.

10. St. Bernard

Modern St. Bernards look quite different from those in the past as they seem much larger in size, their skin appears more abundant, and their faces have squished in. At the same time, this breed currently shows a nose pointing upward.

Do you know of any other dog breeds that have experienced multiple changes over the years? Tell us in the comments!