The voyages of ships of yore are sure to evoke all kinds of images in our minds. Perhaps you're thinking of the romantic journeys across the high seas. Or maybe you are envisioning the hardships endured by the passengers and crew of long ago sea vessels. It might be the establishment of the great trading routes that's captured your imagination.
But, are you thinking about the evolution of dog breeds? If not, you should be!
Many breeds of dogs have histories that originated from the sea. However, sorting out what is pure rumor, folklore, or documented fact can be amusing at best! And just because something is folklore does not mean it's not true. Read on and decide for yourself!
Bolognese ~ Folklore: Centuries ago, these highly prized and popular dogs were taken aboard ships sailing in the Mediterranean. They were specifically meant to be presented as gifts to merchants and noblemen, with whom the sea captain wanted to establish trading relationship.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever ~ Folklore: In 1807 an English ship was wrecked off the coast of Maryland. All onboard the ship survived, including two St. John's water dogs (puppies). They were then cross-bred with local retrievers and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was born.
Chinese Crested ~ Folklore: Chinese ships were sailing the coast of Africa, and picked up these dogs along the way, to keep the rodent population under control.
Coton De Tulear (the possible ancestors of the Bichon Frise) ~ Folklore: Sailing ships going from France to the West Indies, in the 15th Century, carried small white dogs as not only company for women, but to use as ratters. A particular ship (of unknown name) sank off the coast of Madagascar and everyone aboard perished. But the dogs managed to get to shore near the port of Tulear. Hence the name...Coton De Tulear.
Havanese (National dog of Cuba and its only native breed) ~ Folklore: This breed came to Cuba in the early 16th Century aboard the trade ships sailing from the island of Tenerife.
Portuguese Water Dog ~ Fact: Historically these dogs lived aboard boats and worked with fisherman. They acted as couriers between ships, and were taught to herd fish into nets and dive underwater to retrieve nets and gear.
Folklore: There's a claim that half the ships of the Spanish Armada had Portuguese Water Dogs onboard to carry messages from ship to ship. The Kerry Blue, the Irish Water Spaniel and the Poodle also claim that it's possible that they descended from the same ancestry as the Portuguese Water Dog, and all of these breeds have tales of the Spanish Armada in their historic lore.
Newfoundland ~ Fact: This breed lived aboard fishing boats, in Newfoundland, Canada. They hauled nets out to sea and retrieved both people and objects that fell into the waters.
Folklore: In the 15th and 16th Century, European explorers came to North America with Mastiffs, Sheepdogs and Waterdogs. The Newfoundland came about as an interbreeding of these dogs.
Skye Terrier ~ Folklore: A man-of-war ship from the Spanish Armada was wrecked off the coast of Scotland. A dog survived, and then bred with a local terrier - producing an offspring with the typical long silky coat of a Skye.
Teacup Chihuahua ~ Folklore: In the mid to late 1800's, Chihuahua's were considered excellent companions onboard vessels. Their diminutive size allowed them to chase vermin out of small spaces that other dogs could not reach.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
The voyages of ships of yore are sure to evoke all kinds of images in our minds. 
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