[1] Conceptualized in 1960, the goal of the attraction was to display each of all 113 different dog breeds then recognized by the American Kennel Club.
When questioned on location, Bob Shetterly said, “Up here in northwest Florida, under these big pines, it doesn’t get too hot for the Siberian husky, and neither is it too cold for the African basenji.”[2] Shetterly ran the attraction and lived on-site with his family.
[4][5] One edition of National Geographic showed a Sikh man's experience at Dog Land, depicting the place as family friendly and educational.
[10] In 1965, a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant was integrated with Dog Land due to being so close to the entrance.
[11] There were plans for a dog hall of fame and a greyhound training track to be added on the property,[11] but the attraction closed before these renovations could be made.