10 Dog Breeds With The Most Misleading Names

When it comes to naming dog breeds, people have done a pretty good job. For example, the Golden Retriever with its rich creamy coat, seems well-suited for its name. So too does the Scottish Terrier, whose alert expression and sturdy determination reflect the character of its native land.  But other breeds weren’t so aptly named. Here are 10 dogs with the most misleading monikers:  
 

Bloodhounds

 

Bloodhounds
Contrary to what some people think, this breed did not get its name because of its vicious  “blood thirsty” nature. Bloodhounds are in fact quite gentle.  Nor did this great scent hound get its name because it smells blood when following a trial. One of the earliest breeds in history, this dog was called “bloodhound” because its blood lines were kept pure for breeding purposes. By the way, the breed was originally called St. Huberts Hound after its original breeder.

 

Great Dane

 

Great Dane
This giant breed is “great” but it isn’t from Denmark.  A more appropriate name might be the Great German, because the modern breed originated in 19th century Germany.

 

Australian Shepherd

 

Australian Shepherd
Here’s another breed that can use some “truth in labeling.”  It’s name not withstanding, the Australian Shepherd didn’t originate in the land down under, it was developed in California in the mid-1800s.

Poodle

 

Poodle
This seems a rather inelegant name for a breed that is often associated with high society. The name “poodle” sounds uncomfortably like “puddle,” which is no accident when you consider the breed’s origins as a duck-hunting water dog.  Isn’t it time that the poodle got a more upscale name, like the “glamour hound?”

  

Bouvier Des Flanders

 

Bouvier Des Flanders
Names can be deceiving. This breed sounds like it would be a small French lap dog. In reality its a massive (90-LB) powerful dog that has often been used for guard work.

 

Boxer

 

Boxer
The boxer’s name has perpetuated many myths about the breed. The dog did not get its name from the fact that it stands up and assumes the position of a boxer when fighting.  In all likelihood, the name comes from the German word for “biter.”  

 

Doberman Pinscher

 

Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is named after the German tax collector who developed the breed in the 1860s. His name was Louis Dobermann.  Strangely, the breed’s name (Doberman) has one less “n” at the end.  Such sloppy spelling errors should not go unchallenged.  

Greyhound

 

Greyhound
This very fast dog can be found in a variety of colors, including black, white, red and tiger. So how come they call it a greyhound?

New Guinea Singing Dog

 

New Guinea Singing Dog
This shy, fox-like little dog is unfairly burdened by its intriguing name.  The New Guinea Singing Dog has a peculiar howl, which sounds like a cross between the sounds made by a wolf and humpback whale. It’s a beautiful sound, but singing it’s not.  You can enjoy this dog as a pet, but don’t bring him up to a karaoke machine.

Xoloitzcuintle Xoloitzcuintle
Phew!  This has to be the most difficult name to pronounce in the dog world. Even CraZy Dog finds that this name goes “over the top.” Better we should just call this breed by its unofficial name, “The Mexican Hairless Dog.”  Other breeds with tongue twister names are the Hovawart, Magyar agar,  and Kuvasz. Can you say them all fast?  Sure.