These patriotic pets are as American as Mom's apple pie.
History shows that one of the biggest causes of the Revolutionary War was the fact that the American colonists had become more than transplanted Englishmen. They had become a new nationality, with significant cultural differences from their brothers overseas.
But these differences didn't stop with the human colonists; as a response to the wants and needs of this new people and new way of life, American pets went through a similar process, as new breeds of horses, dogs, cats, and more were truly made in America.
There are great pets the world over, and many more that developed in the United States, but here are twelve popular pet breeds that developed right here on American soil.
1. American Bobtail Cat
This uncommon breed of cat was developed in Iowa in the late 1960s. It is known for its stubby "bobbed" tail, which is approximately one-third to one-half the length of a normal cat's tail.
Their unique tails are the result of a genetic mutation.
2. American Morgan Horse
The Morgan was one of the first horse breeds to be developed in the United States. Morgans trace back to the foundation sire Figure, often called Justin Morgan, after his well-known owner.
Born in 1792, he was bred extensively, though records only exist for six of his sons. Morgans are known for being small and hardy but refined, and were used as cavalry horses during the Civil War.
3. American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse was developed in the eastern United States during the 17th century. It is so named for its ability to sprint short distances (such as a quarter of a mile) faster than any other horse.
Stocky and strong, it is the most popular breed in the United States today, and the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breed registry in the world.
4. American Saddlebred Horse
Often referred to as the "Horse America Made," the Saddlebred descended from the Narragansett Pacer, Canadian Pacer, Morgan, and Thoroughbred around the time of the American Revolution.
A beautiful and versatile horse, it was used extensively as an officer's mount in the Civil War, and in Kentucky was refined into the modern breed we know today. The first breed registry was formed in 1891.
5. American Shorthair Cat
The American Shorthair is believed to be descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers, which were used used to protect cargo from mice and rats.
In 2012, it was the seventh most popular breed of cat in the United States, according to the Cat Fancier's Association.
6. American Wirehair Cat
The American Wirehair cat originated in upstate New York. While it is a well-known breed, it is a rare one, and in 2003 it was ranked the most rare of the 41 Cat Fanciers' Association breeds, with only 22 registered.
7. Alaskan Malamute Dog
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, strong breed of dog that was used to haul heavy freight and pull sleds.
They are thought to have been developed by the Malemiut Inupiaq people of Alaska's Norton Sound region.
8. Appaloosa Horse
The Appaloosa was developed in the Pacific Northwest, by the Nez Pearce Native Americans. They are known for their colorful spotted coats, and were once called the "Palouse horse," most likely after the Palouse River, which ran through the area.
Eventually, the name evolved into "Appaloosa."
9. Boston Terrier Dog
Known as the "American Gentleman," the Boston Terrier is a small, intelligent dog that originated around 1870.
They were accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1893.
10. Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large breed of dog that was developed in the Chesapeake Bay area during the 19th century. The breed traces its history to two puppies who were rescued from a floundering ship near Maryland in 1807, Sailor and Canton.
Though it was historically used by area market hunters to retrieve waterfowl, today it is primarily a pet and hunting companion.
11. Coonhound Dog
The Coonhound is actually a group, not a specific breed of dog, which refers to an American style of hunting dog developed for the game animals and working conditions found in the United States, specifically coon hunting.
There are six different breeds of coonhound.
12. Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. It was developed in Maine, where it is the official state cat.
If you have one of these breeds, your pet is as American as they come. With the Fourth of July just days away, it's the perfect time to celebrate!
What is your favorite American pet? Tell us below!
This article was originally published June 28, 2017.
