he Yorkshire terrier's ancestors were hunters by nature. They started out as commoners' dogs, responsible for catching the multitude of rats that plagued Yorkshire, England, in the late 1800s.

The only native American retrieving breed, Chessies are specialists when it comes to duck hunting. Their strong olfactory senses and keen tracking skills are also used to help solve crimes.

The Bullmastiff was bred first and foremost to protect. The British created the breed to guard gamekeepers' estates from poachers. Even today, the Bullmastiff is a preferred guard dog.

The Irish wolfhound is best known for bringing down wolves in its homeland several centuries ago. The breed was so successful at the task, wolves are now extinct in Ireland. The same almost happened to the breed after its services were no longer needed.

Brits created this breed to flush feathered game from the thorny brush. The Spaniels attitude matches its bouncy, animated style. The English Springer Spaniel lives to please and makes a pleasant pet for all family members.

The Westie shares its family history with other Scottish terriers including the Cairn and the Scottie. Terriers of this region were created to rid communities of unpleasant rodents. Their compact builds and confident spirits make them a popular pet today.

Considered one of the most popular toy breeds in the world, this lapdog descended from sled dogs and herding breeds of Europe. Queen Victoria made the breed famous when she brought a Pomeranian back from Italy.

Coonhounds come in six breed types: American Black and Tan, English, Bluetick, Redbone, Plott and Treeing Walker. The colonists who arrived in America in the 1700's developed this breed to control the raccoon population.

The Shetland sheepdog was created to herd small sheep in the Shetland Islands. Today, Shelties can strut their stuff in the show ring rather than around the corral. This intelligent breed has a trademark bark to ward off danger.

Bernese Mountain Dogs, the pride of Switzerland, were used for pulling carts up and down the hills. Today, Berners use these same skills when they compete with other mountain dogs in Draft Dog competitions.

Great Pyrenees traditionally guarded sheep in the mountains of Spain and France. Today, these dogs are trained to protect ranches from coyotes and other dangers. Pups begin training by being introduced to their \"life partners\"--the lambs.

This animal's compact size makes it popular with folks who have smaller yards. The breed also travels well, and its trademark bark cautions owners to anything out of the ordinary.

The Flattie takes its time to mature and always remains exuberant in spirit. Breeders and trainers love the breed's energy and keenness--but for first-time dog owners, these dogs may be difficult to train.

The legendary loyalty of the Akita caught the attention of Helen Keller who introduced the breed to America. Originally, the Akita was an all-purpose hunting dog in its native Japan. The breed is said to have been used as a water retriever for fishermen.