Timeline
The nine Hungarian dog breeds evolved throughout the past millennia. To further understand their unique history, they are here compared with some well-known breeds.
2000 › Standards for all Hungarian dog breeds are published by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale — the World Canine Organization
Wire-haired Vizsla
The Wire-haired Vizsla originated by crossbreeding longer haired Vizsla pups with their cousin, the German wire-haired pointer. Breeding started in the 1930s and it was an internationally recognized breed by 1960.
Mudi
The breed resulted from breeding the Puli and the German-originated Spitz-type of dogs. The first mention of the Mudi was in the late 18th century. It officially began to be bred in 1936.
German Shepherd—Germany
The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed; its origin dates to the late 19th century. Max von Stephanitz bred them with rural working sheep dogs. The breed standard was established in 1899 and the first dog was imported into the U.S. in 1906.
Pumi
The breed was officially recognized in Hungary in 1920. The word "Pumi" word was first published in 1801. Its ancestors—French and German terriers—were brought to Hungary from Pomerania, which is near the Baltic Sea in today’s northern Poland.
American Cocker Spaniel—United States
Its ancestor is the English Cocker spaniel. The first one arrived to the United States in 1620. Two centuries later, the breed was registered with the American Kennel Club as the American Cocker Spaniel.
Labrador Retriever—Canada
Developed during the British settlement of Newfoundland in the early 1500s, they are also called St. John’s dog. They were imported to England and the second Earl of Malmesbury started the first kennel of Labradors in the early 18th century.
Akita—Japan
The ancestors of the Akita inhabited the northern part of Honshu, Akita prefecture, Japan. Some believe they were bred by only the Emperor’s Samurais and accompanied them on their fights. Akita’s personality resembles the Samurai—fearless and loyal.
Dalmatian—Croatia
Historians dispute the Dalmatians’ origin; many believe they originated in the region of Dalmatia, Croatia around 1300. They spread to Northern Europe and Asia by migrating Gypsies. Dalmatians have several nicknames, like Coach Dog or Plum Pudding Dog.
Komondor
Its original name, Komondor, means "belonging to the Cumans." Most likely, the 40,000 migrating Cuman families brought the first Komondors to the Carpathian basin around 1239.
Spanish Water Dog—Spain
These dogs’ origins can be traced to the Iberian Peninsula around the 12th century. Some researchers believe they arrived from Turkey between 600-900 AD. Hardworking countrymen developed this multi-purpose breed for herding, hunting, guarding, and companionship.
Newfoundland—Canada
Although, the Newfoundland’s origin is disputed, some experts suggest they developed from the Black Bear dog and were brought to Newfoundland and the Americas by the Vikings in the early 10th century. In the 16th century, Portuguese fishermen crossbred them with the Portuguese Mastiff andthe breed became popular in Europe.