Canary – Breed named after Island? Or Island named after dog?
Let’s make things clear. The name of Canary Island is originated from the Latin term “Insula Canaria” which means Island of the Dogs.
When the Romans first visited this island, they found some people who truly worshipped dogs, so they named they island ‘canaari’ which means: the ones who worship dogs. The breed Canary was developed here, in the mid’ 1800’s, partly from the indigenous dog, and partly from the English Mastiff and English Bulldog. They were originally used for dog fights, so after it was banned, their number reduced significantly and the breed was near extinction in the 1960’s.
Recently they aren’t endangered by extinction, but are still considered as a rare breed.
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