These Photos Show How 100 Years of Breeding Has Changed Popular Dog Breeds

Dogs are one of the most diverse species on the planet, so much so that sometimes it’s hard to believe that different types actually are the same species. Thanks to centuries of breeding, the differences between dog breeds have gotten more and more extreme, as you can see in these photos of what popular dog breeds looked like 100 years ago.

In these photo comparisons, modern dog breeds basically look like over the top versions of their original selves. This is due to high levels of inbreeding meant to keep each breed “pure,” but which also results in chronic health and behavioral problems in many purebreds.

Bull Terriers, for example. To someone from 100 years ago, a modern Bull Terrier wouldn’t even be recognizable!

Photo Credit: W.E. Mason

Nowadays, Bull Terriers have shark-shaped heads. They’re prone to compulsive behavior, kidney failure, and deafness.

Photo Credit: iStock

And then there’s English Bulldogs, one of the most severe cases of in-breeding. They used to look like this.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Even back then, this breed looked unhealthy.

And now they look like this. English Bulldogs are now known for chronic health issues, and they’re largely incapable of breeding without medical assistance.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

German Shepherds have changed a lot, too. One hundred years ago, German Shepherds were much smaller and more athletic-looking.

Photo Credit: W.E. Mason

Now, they’re larger and they have dramatically sloped backs. Many dog lovers think of German Shepherds as one of the greatest tragedies of dog breeding thus far.