Episodes

  • Golden Retrievers: Gentle Giants

    Golden Retrievers: Gentle Giants
    Jul 15 2026
    They're the goofy grin in every "good boy" meme, the go-to breed for therapy dogs, guide dogs, and family portraits alike. But where did the Golden Retriever actually come from? This episode digs into the surprisingly aristocratic origins of America's (and honestly, the world's) favorite good boy. We're heading to the misty highlands of 19th-century Scotland, where a wealthy nobleman named Dudley Marjoribanks, Lord Tweedmouth, set out to breed the perfect gundog for retrieving waterfowl on his sprawling estate. What he ended up creating was a dog so friendly, so trainable, and so photogenic that it would eventually conquer living rooms far beyond the Scottish moors. Hear how Golden Retrievers went from a working gundog to Kennel Club recognition, its arrival across the Atlantic, and how it became one of the most beloved breeds in the world, not to mention a Hollywood regular and a White House favorite. Along the way: a few myths debunked, a lot of tail wags, and the answer to why Goldens seem constitutionally incapable of holding a grudge. Grab your good boy (or girl) and settle in — it's time to fetch some history. 🐾 New episodes every Wednesday. Full episode and transcript at doggonehistory.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Border Collies: The World's Smartest Dogs

    Border Collies: The World's Smartest Dogs
    Jul 1 2026
    The World's Smartest Dogs | Border Collies If you've ever watched a Border Collie work a flock of sheep, you already know this is no ordinary dog. With a piercing gaze, an almost supernatural instinct, and a brain that seemingly never clocks out, the Border Collie has earned its reputation as the world's most intelligent dog breed. But how did this extraordinary animal come to be, and what makes them tick? This week on Doggone History, Rich digs into the fascinating story of the Border Collie, from the rugged hills dividing England and Scotland where the breed was shaped into the ultimate herding machine, to the legendary 1893 dog named Old Hemp who is considered the father of the modern Border Collie. We'll explore how their intense, hypnotic stare they use to control livestock, the iconic "eye", became one of the most recognizable traits in the canine world. Whether you're a proud Border Collie owner, a sheep farmer with a trusted four-legged partner, or just someone who has ever been humbled by a dog on YouTube herding ducks, this episode is for you. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Rich Napolitano. https://www.doggonehistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Shih Tzus: China's Little Lions

    Shih Tzus: China's Little Lions
    Jun 17 2026
    For over a thousand years, only emperors were allowed to own this dog. This week, Rich Napolitano traces the wild history of the Shih Tzu, from its roots as a sacred "lion dog" in Tibetan Buddhist legend, to its exclusive life inside the Forbidden City, where palace eunuchs ran a cutthroat breeding program just to catch the Emperor's eye. Then things took a turn with the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the chaos of revolution that nearly wiped the breed off the map entirely. Find out how a handful of dogs smuggled out of China by a determined Englishwoman saved the breed from extinction, how it found its way to America after World War II, and how it became one of the most beloved toy breeds in the world. Grab your own little lion dog and settle in for a story with palace intrigue, near-extinction, and one very dramatic comeback. New episodes of Doggone History drop every Wednesday. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Castbox, Pocketcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Rich Napolitano. Transcripts and more are available at ⁠doggonehistory.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Beagles: The Sniffer Dogs

    Beagles: The Sniffer Dogs
    Jun 3 2026
    Ever wonder where the Beagle came from? In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating history of one of the world's most beloved dog breeds. From their origins as scent hounds in ancient England to their rise as one of the most popular family pets in America, the Beagle has one of the most interesting stories in the canine world. Rich covers how Beagles were bred for hunting, how they found their way into the hearts and homes of everyday families, and why this compact, curious, and famously loud little hound has stood the test of time. Along the way you will learn about the breed's remarkable nose, their role in pop culture, and what makes them one of the most recognizable dogs on the planet. Whether you are a proud Beagle owner, a dog history enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is for you. New episodes of Doggone History drop every Wednesday. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Castbox, Pocketcasts, and all major podcast platforms. Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Rich Napolitano. Transcripts and more are available at doggonehistory.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • Affenpinschers: The Monkey Dogs

    Affenpinschers: The Monkey Dogs
    May 20 2026
    Ever wondered where that scrappy little "monkey dog" came from? In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating history of the Affenpinscher, one of Europe's oldest and most entertaining toy breeds. From the ratting dogs of 17th-century Germany to the polished show rings of the modern era, the Affenpinscher has lived many lives. We'll explore how this pint-sized pup earned its quirky nickname, its role as a working dog in German homes and shops, how breeders refined the breed into the compact companion we know today, and the Affenpinscher's long road to recognition by the American Kennel Club. Bold, curious, and endlessly entertaining — the Affenpinscher may be small, but its history is anything but. 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday. Find transcripts and all episodes at doggonehistory.com. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Castbox, Pocket Casts, and all major podcast platforms. 📱 Follow Doggone History on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube @doggonehistorypodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • German Shepherds: The World's Most Trusted Dogs

    German Shepherds: The World's Most Trusted Dogs
    May 13 2026
    From the Fields of Germany to the World's Most Trusted Dog — The History of the German Shepherd Few dogs have left a paw print on history quite like the German Shepherd. This week on Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating origins of one of the world's most beloved and versatile breeds. From the pastoral hillsides of 19th-century Germany to the front lines of World War I, the silver screen, and your living room couch. Discover how cavalry captain Max von Stephanitz set out to create the perfect working dog in 1899 and ended up shaping a breed that would change the world. And how Rin Tin Tin, a puppy rescued from a WWI battlefield, turned the breed into an international sensation and arguably saved an entire Hollywood studio. We'll explore how the breed survived two World Wars (including a reputation-saving name change in the United States), why they remain the go-to choice for police and military K-9 units around the globe, and what makes the German Shepherd's intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability so extraordinary even today. Whether you're a proud GSD owner, a breed enthusiast, or just someone who's ever admired one trotting confidently past you on a leash, this episode is for you. 🐾 New episodes every Wednesday. 📖 Full transcripts available at doggonehistory.com 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Castbox, Pocket Casts, and all major podcast platforms. Follow Doggone History: 🔵 Bluesky: @doggonehistory.bsky.social 📸 Instagram: @doggonehistorypodcast 🧵 Threads: @doggonehistorypodcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/shipwreckspod ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@doggonehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Old English Sheepdog: The Shaggy History of the Bobtail Breed

    Old English Sheepdog: The Shaggy History of the Bobtail Breed
    May 6 2026
    From the rolling hills of the English countryside to the parlors of America's most powerful families, the Old English Sheepdog has one of the most fascinating journeys in canine history. In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano traces the breed from its murky origins, likely descended from the Scottish Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar, to its rise as a beloved family companion and cultural icon. Discover how this rugged, hardworking drover's dog transformed into a show-ring star, winning over the Vanderbilts, Morgans, and Guggenheims along the way. Learn why their tails were bobbed, what the nickname "Bobtail" really means, and how the breed earned formal recognition from both the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. Plus, find out why Paul McCartney, a beloved paint company, and a classic Disney film all share a connection to this shaggy, lovable breed. Whether you're an Old English Sheepdog owner, a dog history buff, or just love learning about the breeds that shaped our world, this episode is for you. 🐾 New episodes every Wednesday 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Castbox, Pocketcasts, and all major podcast platforms 🌐 Full episodes and transcripts at doggonehistory.com Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Featured on the cover image of this episode is "Nimue," an Old English Sheepdog I met in person in Palm Harbor, FL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Border Terriers: The Lovable Workhorse

    Border Terriers: The Lovable Workhorse
    Apr 29 2026
    Explore the fascinating history of Border Terriers in this episode, where we trace the origins of one of the most hardworking and beloved dog breeds. Bred along the rugged borderlands of England and Scotland, Border Terriers were developed as tough, agile dogs capable of keeping up with fox hunts and controlling vermin. This episode looks at how these determined little dogs evolved from working farm companions into popular household pets, while still retaining the intelligence, endurance, and friendly temperament that define the breed today. Whether you’re a dog lover, researching different dog breeds, or considering Border Terriers as pets, this is a fun look back at their history, characteristics, and lasting appeal. Doggone History is written, edited, hosted, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes, show notes, and transcripts can be found at doggonehistory.com. If you would like to feature YOUR DOG on the cover art of a future episode, please follow Doggone History on Instagram, and send a photo of your pooch! Or send a photo to rich@doggonehistory.com. Doggone History podcast is a light-hearted history of dogs, one breed at a time. Follow Doggone History: ⁠Intagram: @doggonehistorypodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Threads: @doggonehistorypodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠BlueSky: @doggonehistory.bsky.social⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook: @doggonehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins