Top 7 Old Money Dog Breeds: Elite Canine Lineage

For those enamored with the world of old money, their choice in pets is of paramount importance. Let’s explore the reasons behind the aristocratic charm and prestige of these canine breeds. Share your favorite old money dog breed in the comments below!

Best Old Money Dog Breeds

English Setter

English Setters, renowned for their elegance and hunting skills, have been cherished by British aristocrats for centuries. The breed’s origins trace back to 14th-century England, where it was selectively bred as a hunting companion for the upper class.

With their refined appearance, including a sleek head, athletic build, and feathered tails, English Setters captivate the elite. Their intelligence and ease of training made them prized for hunting game birds, a favored pursuit among aristocrats.

Despite their prowess, they are gentle family pets, favored among the privileged. With associations to royalty and rarity, coupled with high maintenance needs, English Setters epitomize prestige, aligning perfectly with the Old Money aesthetic.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is regarded as an elite pedigree dog breed due to its deep-rooted connection with the upper class and aristocracy throughout history. Originating in Spain in the 14th century, the breed’s name “Cocker” stems from its original purpose of hunting Eurasian Woodcocks, showcasing its aristocratic lineage. This heritage has contributed to the breed’s refined elegance, making it a favored choice among the privileged.

Notably, the Cocker Spaniel’s prominence in literature, art, and popular culture further underscores its association with the upper class, with mentions by Geoffrey Chaucer and appearances in Disney films. Its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate demeanor have endeared it to many, including notable figures like the Kennedy family.

Moreover, the breed’s high maintenance requirements, necessitating regular grooming and exercise, align perfectly with the lifestyle of the affluent, who can afford to lavish care and attention on their beloved pets.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is revered as an aristocratic canine breed due to its prestigious historical ties to the upper class and aristocracy. Originating in Newfoundland, Canada, during the 19th century, Labradors were initially bred as companions for wealthy English nobles and landowners, particularly for fishing and hunting expeditions.

Famed for their intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability, Labradors swiftly gained favor as hunting companions among the affluent, showcasing their aristocratic lineage. Their remarkable retrieving skills and gentle demeanor endeared them to the elite, cementing their status as cherished companions of distinction.

Labradors have left an indelible mark on literature, art, and popular culture, symbolizing sophistication and refinement. Despite their modest beginnings, Labradors have risen to prominence as beloved members of high society.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is celebrated as an prestigious dog breed due to its longstanding connections with the upper class and aristocracy. Originating in 19th-century Scotland, Golden Retrievers were meticulously bred as hunting companions for affluent landowners and nobility. With their exceptional retrieving abilities, gentle temperament, and elegant appearance, they quickly won the hearts of the privileged classes, embodying sophistication and refinement.

Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability, Golden Retrievers became valued members of high society, often accompanying their owners on various leisurely pursuits and social gatherings. Their noble lineage and dignified presence have been immortalized in literature, art, and popular culture, solidifying their status as symbols of wealth and prestige.

Moreover, their role as cherished family pets to prominent figures, including celebrities and royalty, further underscores their association with the old money elite. Notably, the Rockefeller family’s preference for Golden Retrievers highlights their esteemed position in elite circles. With their illustrious heritage and unwavering devotion, Golden Retrievers exemplify the epitome of old money elegance and prestige.

Poodle

Originating in Germany, Poodles quickly gained popularity among European nobility in the 15th century. Their versatile roles as hunting companions, waterfowl retrievers, and entertainers in circuses and royal courts endeared them to aristocratic circles. Renowned for their intelligence, elegance, and hypoallergenic coats, Poodles became symbols of refinement and sophistication among the upper class.

Their distinctive appearance, characterized by stylish grooming and regal demeanor, further solidified their status as favored companions of the affluent. Throughout history, Poodles have been celebrated in art, literature, and film, highlighting their esteemed position in high society.

Their dual role as skilled hunters and loyal family pets has endeared them to generations of aristocrats, celebrities, and royalty, cementing their reputation as emblems of old money elegance and prestige. Notably, the French aristocracy has a long-standing tradition of owning Poodles, further emphasizing their association with aristocratic circles.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is considered an upper-class dog breed due to its historical association with the upper class and aristocracy. The breed has its roots in ancient China, where it was bred as a companion dog for royalty. Its distinctive appearance, including its thick coat and blue-black tongue, has made it a popular choice among the wealthy and influential. The Chow Chow’s high maintenance requirements, including regular grooming and exercise, have also contributed to its status as an privileged canine breed. In comparison to other breeds, the Chow Chow is considered to be one of the most expensive and exclusive breeds. This is due to its rarity, as well as its high demand among the wealthy and influential.

The Chow Chow is not a breed for everyone, as it requires a significant amount of time and resources to care for. It is best suited for individuals who have the means to provide the necessary care and attention, including regular grooming and exercise. Additionally, the Chow Chow’s independent nature and strong will can make it challenging to train, requiring a patient and experienced owner. Those who are willing to invest the time and resources necessary to care for a Chow Chow can expect a loyal and loving companion that will provide years of enjoyment and companionship.

Bulldog

The Bulldog’s historical link to the upper class and aristocracy, stemming from its roots in England where it was bred for bull-baiting, has cemented its status as an high-society dog breed. Its distinctive appearance, including its wrinkled face and stout build, has made it a sought-after choice among the wealthy.

With high maintenance needs, regular grooming, and exercise, it remains exclusive. Its rarity and demand among the affluent make it accessible only to those with means. Despite its challenges, the Bulldog offers loyal companionship for those willing to invest in its care and training.

The British aristocracy, for example, has been known to own Bulldogs.

Elite Dog Breeds and Their Origins

• Tibetan Mastiff
• Akita
• Rottweiler (Origin: Germany)
• Samoyed (Origin: Russia, Siberia)
• Black Russian Terrier (Origin: Russia, Soviet Union)
• French Bulldog (Origin: France, England)
• Irish Wolfhound (Origin: Ireland)
• Pharaoh Hound (Origin: Malta)
• Afghan Hound (Origin: Afghanistan)
• Azawakh (Origin: Mali, Niger, Algeria, Burkina Faso)
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Origin: Yarmouth County)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Origin: United Kingdom)
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Origin: Switzerland)
• Lowchen (Origin: Germany, France, Europe)
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Origin: United Kingdom, England)
• Old English Sheepdog (Origin: England)
• Bernese Mountain Dog (Origin: Switzerland)
• Cesky Terrier (Origin: Czechia, Czechoslovakia)
• Golden Retriever (Origin: United Kingdom, Scotland)
• Newfoundland (Origin: Newfoundland and Labrador, Newfoundland)
• Norwich Terrier (Origin: United Kingdom)
• Portuguese Water Dog (Origin: Portugal)
• Alaskan Malamute