Dog Breeds
Dog Ancestry
The domestic dog is descended from the wolf, of which there were many more varieties than the modern wolf. Dogs have been domesticated for a long time, somewhere from 15,000 years ago to maybe over 100,000 years ago. There are now hundreds of recognised breeds of dogs, as well as the many dogs not belonging to a recognised breed.
Dog Types
The different breeds of dogs are generally sorted into the following types:
- Hounds
- Gun Dogs
- Utility Dogs
- Working Dogs
- Terriers
- Herding Dogs
- Toy Dogs
When considering what type of dog is right for you, think about the types of behaviour required for a particular type, and whether you can deal with that. For example, gun dogs are very active and require a lot of exercise. Some of the characteristics of each of these types are mentioned below, as well as some examples of breeds within each type.
Hounds
The Hound group of breeds are dogs that were original bred for hunting, using either their sight or sense of smell.
Sight Hounds include Whippets, Greyhounds and Borzois. These are dogs that can track their prey using speed and agility. These dogs are generally medium to large size dogs, and they need a lot of exercise.
The Scent Hound group includes breeds such as Bloodhounds, Beagles, Bassett Hounds and Dachshunds. They are known for their endurance while tracking prey using their excellent sense of smell. Other than a small number of breeds, such as the Dachshund, they are medium to large size dogs, or in the case of the Bloodhoumd, very large. They also need a lot of exercise.
Gun Dogs
Gun dogs were originally bred to help hunters to retrieve game. The gun dog group includes Pointers, Retrievers, Spaniels and Setters. Each of these types includes several breeds, for example Setters includes the English Setter, the Irish Red Setter and the Gordon Setter amongst others. Most gun dogs need a lot of exercise.
Utility Dogs
These are dogs that have been bred to perform a specific task that does not come under the working or gun dog types. Because of the way that utility dogs are categorised, there are many, very varied breeds within this category, ranging from the small breeds such as the Lhaso Apso, up to the larger breeds, such as the Dalmation and Standard Poodle. Generally, the smaller breeds of dog require less exercise than the larger breeds.
Working Dogs
These dogs have been bred as guards or rescue dogs, and include breeds such as the Rottweiler, Boxer and St Bernard. These are medium up to extra large size dogs, and mostly require a lot of exercise.
Terriers
Terriers were originally bred for pest control and hunting of vermin. They are brave and hardy dogs, mostly small to medium in size, requiring a moderate amount of exercise.
Herding Dogs
Terriers were originally bred for pest control and hunting of vermin. They are brave and hardy dogs, mostly small to medium in size, requiring a moderate amount of exercise.
Toy Dogs
Many toy dogs have been bred as lap dogs, this type includes breeds such as the Bichon Frise, King Charles Spaniel and Pomeranian. They are small dogs, and mostly do not require a great deal of exercise.
Mongrels
There are many other dogs that are not are not pedigree dogs (both parents are of the same breed). These dogs can make just as good a pet as a pedigree dog, although you should try to find out about a dog before deciding that it is right for you.
Commitment
Owning a dog is a long term committment, and so you should be careful to make the right choice of whether a dog is for you, and which breed of dog you should get. Find out as much as you can before making the decision. For more information about different dog breeds, see the Kennel Club website.
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan is one of many dog books, toys, beds, treats and products available in our store.
