Doxie-Chon

It is believed that the Dachshund originated in Germany in the early 1600s, bred as a hunter skilled at rousing game from their dens. Keen on the scent and gifted with powerful legs, this breed was a helpful companion to the hunter.  Ancestors of the smooth variety are thought to be the Braque, the French Basset Hound and the Pinscher. The wirehaired and the longhaired cousins were developed by breeding the Dachshund with Spaniels and Terriers. The first American Dachshund Club was founded in 1881 and the breed was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885. Still a hunting companion in parts of Europe, the Dachshunds living in North America are primarily family companions. It is believed that the Bichon originated from the Barbet. The Barbet is a French water dog. Some historians believe that French sailors first brought the dogs home from the Canary Islands. The Bichon Frise was a treasured member of the French royal courts during the 16th century. King Henry III of France had a special basket that hung around his neck, carrying his little white dogs wherever he went. Favorites of the noble families in Spain as well, it was hundreds of years later before the Bichon Frise made his way to the Americas.  Arriving in the United States in 1956, the breed was added to the roster of the American Kennel Club in 1975.