Women’s History Month: The Dog World

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the incredible contributions of women across all fields—including the world of dogs. From groundbreaking trainers to rescue workers and handlers, women have shaped the way we understand, train, and care for our canine companions. But let’s not forget the remarkable female dogs who have made history alongside them—whether leading daring search-and-rescue missions, serving in law enforcement, or becoming symbols of loyalty and bravery.

While we wish we could honor every single woman and canine who has made a difference, there are far too many to name. Instead, we’ve put together a small list to celebrate just a few of these inspiring figures. We hope you enjoy learning about their impact as much as we enjoyed compiling their stories!

Caroline Earle White

Caroline Earle White (1833-1916) was an American philanthropist, suffragist, and animal welfare advocate. Along with actively supporting literary societies and efforts to provide medical care for the poor, White also founded the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1867, later establishing its Women’s Branch in 1869, which created the first animal shelter in the U.S.—still operating today as the Women’s Animal Center.

Dorothy Harrison Eustis

Dorothy Harrison Eustis (1886-1946) was an American dog breeder and philanthropist who founded The Seeing Eye, the first guide dog school in the United States. It all started while she was living in Switzerland in 1927, where she bred German Shepherds as police dogs. While there, Eustis wrote an article for The Saturday Evening Post about a German guide dog training school for blind World War I veterans, which sparked a flood of mail! One person who felt compelled to write to her was a young blind man, Morris Frank. Eustis invited Frank to Switzerland, where he trained with Buddy (a female German Shepherd), the first of his six guide dogs (all named Buddy). Following Buddy’s success, Eustis established a guide dog school in Switzerland in 1928 before partnering with Frank in 1929 to launch The Seeing Eye program in New Jersey, now based in Morristown. Their pioneering efforts revolutionized mobility for blind individuals, and today, a statue of Morris Frank and Buddy stands in Morristown to honor their legacy.

Anne Rogers Clark

In 1956, Anne Rogers Clark (1929-2006) made history as the first woman to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as a professional handler, guiding the Toy Poodle Wilbur White Swan to victory.

Clark’s influence in the dog world extended far beyond the show ring. One of the few individuals licensed to judge all 165 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club, she had an impressive 22 judging appearances at Westminster. She was also the only person in the show’s long history to judge all seven groups as well as Best in Show.

As a breeder, Clark worked with English Cockers, Norfolk Terriers, and Whippets, but she was best known for her Poodles. A master in presentation, she revolutionized Poodle grooming by being among the first to blow-dry the coat in its natural direction rather than relying on traditional crate-drying methods. This technique resulted in a smoother, more polished appearance, giving her dogs a competitive edge and setting a new standard in the grooming world.

Clark’s legacy as a handler, judge, and innovator remains unmatched, cementing her as a true trailblazer in the history of dog shows.

Libby Riddles

Libby Riddles (1956-) is an American dog musher whose mushing career began in 1978 when she won her first race, the Clines Mini Mart Sprint. And on March 20, 1985, she made history by becoming the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an annual long-distance sled dog race held in Alaska from Anchorage to Nome.

The Iditarod, often called “The Last Great Race on Earth,” challenges mushers and their teams of 12 to 16 dogs to traverse treacherous Alaskan terrain in a grueling race that can take anywhere from 8 to 15 days or more to complete.

Riddles’ groundbreaking victory paved the way for future female mushers, including Susan Butcher (pictured left), who went on to win the Iditarod FOUR times (1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990).

Kassidi Jones

Kassidi Jones is a content creator, social justice, and anti-racist animal advocate. Kassidi explores the complex intersections of dogs and racism, examining how historical and cultural narratives shape our perspectives on both race and animal advocacy. Through her platform she unpacks the ways in which dogs have been used as symbols and tools of racial oppression, as well as how biases in animal welfare movements reflect broader societal inequalities. Through her work, she dives into what being an antiracist animal advocate looks like, pushing for a more inclusive and equitable approach to animal welfare. Check out her Instagram, Ginger’s Naps (@gingers_naps), here.

Christine Kim

Based in Queens, NY, Christine Kim is the founder of My Dog Is My Home (MDIMH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that people who are unhoused can stay with their companion animals. MDIMH works by supporting and servicing existing organizations to create more inclusive housing solutions, recognizing the vital bond between individuals and their pets as a source of stability, companionship, and emotional support. Check out their Instagram, My Dog Is My Home (@mydogismyhomeofficial), here.

Laika

In the 1950s and 1960s, dozens of dogs played a crucial role in the Soviet space program, and almost all of them were female. Many were used for sub-orbital journeys, but the first dog to actually reach outer space was Laika, a stray terrier mix, on November 3, 1957.

Aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2, Laika became the first animal to orbit the Earth, soaring to a height of 2,000 miles. Dubbed “Muttnik” by the press, she captured the world’s imagination as a pioneer of space exploration. Sadly, her journey was a one-way trip, and she passed away aboard the spacecraft. Though her mission was brief, Laika’s legacy paved the way for human spaceflight and cemented her place in history.

Belka and Strelka

On August 19, 1960, two mixed-breed dogs, Belka and Strelka, made history aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 5. Unlike earlier missions, theirs was a success—not only did they complete several orbits around the Earth, but they also returned safely, becoming the first living creatures to survive spaceflight.

Their journey was a pivotal moment in space exploration. The mission’s success provided crucial data that paved the way for human spaceflight, leading to the historic launch of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into orbit less than a year later. Belka and Strelka’s safe return proved that living beings could endure space travel, securing their place as pioneers of the Space Age.

Roselle

Roselle, a Labrador Retriever guide dog, displayed extraordinary courage on September 11, 2001, by leading her owner, Michael Hingson, down 78 floors from his office in the World Trade Center to safety. Despite the chaos, smoke, and falling debris, Roselle remained calm and focused, guiding Hingson through the terrifying conditions with unwavering determination.

For her bravery and loyalty, she and Salty (another trained guide dog) were awarded a joint Dickin Medal (referred to as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals on March 5, 2002. Roselle was also recognized by the British Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, awarded a ‘Partners in Courage’ award by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind association, and she was also honored with the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence in 2002 and recognized (posthumously) as one of the Hero Dogs by the American Humane Association in 2011.

Bretagne

Bretagne (pronounced “Brit-nee”), a Golden Retriever, was on of the many heroic female dogs who aided in the rescue and recovery efforts after 9/11. Alongside her handler, Denise Corliss, a volunteer firefighter, Bretagne traveled from Texas to New York, where the duo embarked on their first-ever rescue mission. For ten days, Bretagne worked 12-hour shifts, tirelessly searching for survivors, providing comfort to first responders, and sleeping outdoors alongside Corliss.

After returning to Texas, Bretagne continued her service as a search and rescue dog with Texas Task Force 1, later assisting in disaster relief efforts, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

While this list highlights just a handful of inspiring figures, there are countless more whose contributions continue to shape the world of animal welfare, service, and companionship. From trailblazing advocates and trainers to heroic search-and-rescue dogs and space pioneers, it’s important to recognize the incredible impact that both women and female dogs have had in shaping history.

Happy Women’s History Month!