AKC Celebrates Thanksgiving With Nod To Dogs Who Sailed The Mayflower

New York CITY — According to the American Kennel Club, research confirms that pilgrims were not the only passengers aboard the Mayflower. Turns out man’s best friend also made the transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England, to what is now Plymouth, Mass., in 1620. This Thanksgiving, the American Kennel Club celebrates the English springer spaniel and mastiff, the two breeds who joined the pilgrims on their journey to the New World and which were the first to make dogs a part of everyday life for the earliest Western settlers.

The earliest mention of dogs in America appeared in a 17th Century journal called “Mourt’s Relation” about the first years of life in the New World. According to this account, two dogs — an English springer spaniel and a mastiff — were brought along by John Goodman. The dogs were involved in the first explorations of discovery on Cape Cod during the first winter ashore.

“This Thanksgiving we give special thanks to the English springer spaniel and mastiff who came to America to help the Pilgrims begin their life in the New World,” AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson said. “While both breeds helped the settlers find and retrieve game, today, they were also trusted companions and it’s amazing to think our forebears enjoyed the same breeds as we do today.”

The mastiff is one of the biggest dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club — some can even top 200 pounds. The breed is a powerful and courageous, yet gentle and loyal companion. Mastiffs were raised in Britain for more than 2,000 years and used as hunting dogs by nobility and watchdogs. They like to be around people and bond closely with their owners. Due to his large size and need for space, a mastiff is best suited for country or suburban life and requires light exercise and minimal grooming.

The English springer spaniel is a fun-loving dog adaptable to city or country life. The word “springer” comes from the breed’s inherent desire to hunt. Springers are prized for their eagerness and ability to find and scare up a large variety of game birds as well as rabbits. In the field, they are light, lean and fast. The breed is recognized for its ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to its medium-sized, powerful body. Cheerful and affectionate, springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners. They make excellent house pets, but require daily exercise and need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats neat and free of mats.

Additional information on the both breeds, as well as many others, may be found online at www.akc.org.