The Dachshund is called “dackel” in Germany. Among hunters, he is called “teckel.”
There are actually people who try to pass their personal pets off as service dogs. Scam businesses sell service dog “credentials,” but don’t have any oversight or provide proper training. In California, it’s a misdemeanor to fake a service dog.
During World War II, the British changed the name of German Shepherds to Alsatian Shepherds. The American Alsatian (also known as the American Shepalute) has some German Shepherd lineage but is a separate breed.
According to one theory, Dalmatians are associated with firefighting because back when fire wagons were pulled by horses, the dogs would run in front of the wagon to get people out of the way. Another theory is that Dalmatians kept the horses calm.
In 1757, Benjamin Franklin argued that Pennsylvania should enlist 50 Mastiffs and handlers from England to help in the French and Indian War.
The above is information that Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, magazine, newspaper, or website; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? Email them to Mr. Smarty Pants for possible inclusion in the column at mrpants@austinchronicle.com. “Mr. Smarty Pants Knows” and the logo, copyright 2014, R.U. Steinberg.
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