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Research confirms that pilgrims weren’t the only passengers aboard the Mayflower. Turns out man’s best friend also made the transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England to Plymouth, MA in 1620. This Thanksgiving, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) celebrates the English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff, the two breeds who joined the pilgrims on their journey to the new world and who 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,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “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. Additional information on the Mastiff can be found online at www.akc.org.

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 filed, they are light, lean and fast. The breed is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his 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 English Springer Spaniel can be found online at www.akc.org.

Family pets also have a difficult time during a move, feeling out of place as their familiar surroundings are packed away piece by piece. Arriving at their new home causes just as much uncertainty as they are introduced to a new yard and have to locate a new favorite lounging spot.

FlatRate Moving & Storage, a nation wide leader in moving and storage, offers these tips to help your dogs and cats have a smooth transition to their new homes.

Comfort Your Pets – Animals are great at sensing when you are feeling stressed or uncertain. Building up to and during a move, your calm and familiar voice will help to reassure them that everything is going to be okay.
Have Something Special – Rewarding your dog our cat with their favorite treat or toy when first introduced to their new surroundings will help them relax and feel at home.
Keep Them Occupied – Keeping animals out of the way of the movers will ensure both the pets and movers safety, while also allowing the movers to be more efficient. Plus with territorial animals like dogs, keeping them occupied will burn their energy so when they return to an empty house they are too tired to fuss.
Use an Animal Carrier – Cats are especially sensitive to new surroundings so transporting them in an animal carrier will help alleviate some of their anxieties. When you get to your new home, simply set the carrier down, open the door, and let the cat’s natural curiosity do the rest.
Place Familiar Things in Familiar Spots –Putting their bed, feeding dishes, kitty litters, etc. in locations similar to their old home, helps familiarize your pet with their new place.

The American Kennel Club® is pleased to welcome the Bluetick Coonhound, Boykin Spaniel and Redbone Coonhound as the 162nd, 163rd, and the 164th AKC® registered breeds. The Boykin Spaniel will join the Sporting Group while both the Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound will join the Hound Group. The new breeds will be eligible for full AKC registration and competition in their respective groups at conformation shows held on and after December 30, 2009.

“We are happy that Boykin Spaniel, Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound will be joining the ranks of fully-recognized AKC breeds,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, AVP of Customer Service. “Although these breeds have been classified in two different groups, all three possess energetic natures and are still very actively used by hunters as working dogs today. After their long histories of development within the United States, we look forward to finally seeing these three breeds eligible to compete for AKC Conformation championships, as they have already been actively competing in AKC Companion Events and Performance Events.”

Like many coonhounds, the Bluetick Coonhound gets its name from a coat pattern, which is dark blue in color and covered in a ticking or mottled pattern. Working ability is very important to owners who prize the sturdy and athletic Bluetick for its skill in trailing and treeing raccoons and other small animals. The breed has origins in the English Coonhound, which was a fast working dog that excelled at following fresh game trails. In 1945, Bluetick breeders broke away to form their own slower-working dog that could pick up older scent trails. Blueticks are known for having the typical coonhound “bawling” bark. This steady and determined breed can stay on the most intricate of tracks, making it a prized companion for active sporting families.

The official State Dog of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, all-around hunting dog with a cheerful, energetic personality. The breed was developed in South Carolina in the early 1900s by Mr. L. Whitaker Boykin. Originally used to hunt wild turkeys, Boykins now typically work with ducks and other waterfowl. With a rich, chocolate-brown coat and charm to spare, the breed thrives on human companionship and enjoys children and other dogs. The Boykin has the stamina to stay by its owner’s side during a full day of work, so it fits in best with an active family.

Known for its flashy red coat, the Redbone Coonhound is a versatile worker and possesses the ability to hunt and swim over a variety of terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility. The breed is even-tempered and trainable in the home, and wants to please its owner. The Redbone dates back to red foxhounds brought over by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700s and red foxhounds imported from Ireland before the Civil War. Redbones possess a natural treeing instinct and will track game ranging from raccoons to cougars.