Dogs are the domesticated descendants of the Wolf. They have either the scientific name of Canis familiaris (domestic dog) as a separate species or Canis lupus familiaris (domestic wolf dog) as a subspecies of the Wolf. Dogs are in the family Canidae, the dog-like carnivorans or canids, while the genus Canis means “dog” and includes wolves, dogs, coyotes and jackals. Their subfamily is Caninae, or canines, while their tribe is the dog-like or “true dog” tribe Canini and their sub-tribe is the wolf-like canids of Canina.
Dog Characteristics
All members of the genus Canis have common physical characteristics. Bone structure, behavior and reproduction are just a few markers that are unique to canids. Dogs also have unique characteristics that distinguish them from wolves. You can use some of these markers to determine whether a canid is a wolf or a dog.
Canine teeth
Teeth are one of the easiest ways to identify a canine. Most canids (of the family Canidae) have 42 teeth, with a dental formula of:
3.1.4.2
3.1.4.3.
Other canid features
Canids generally share similar skull features, basic body shape, monogamous and pack behavior and retention of adult offspring.
Dog features
Dogs have a greater variance in behavioral and physical variation than any other land mammal, including wolves. Dogs have starch gel electrophoresis of red blood cell acid phosphatase. They also have smaller, compressed and crumpled tymphanic bullae. Physically, they have a more domed forehead and “stop” between the nose and forehead. Wolves have a more prominent temporalis muscle (the muscle that closes the jaws) and do not have dew claws on their back legs. Dogs lack a pre-caudal gland and go into estrus twice instead of once a year. Whereas dogs usually have brown eyes, wolves have amber or pale-colored eyes. Their skin is thicker and their paws are half the size of those of a wolf.
Some house plants are poisonous to dogs, including Begonia, Poinsettia and Aloe Vera. Many human food items are indigestible or toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol and nicotine. Diet-wise, dogs are omnivores and can handle a diet with more starch in it than a wolf, which is more strictly carnivorous.
Dog Exceptions
There are several tribes of the subfamily Caninae. The dog-like tribe Canini is sister to the wolf-like tribe Vulpini. They are in the suborder Caniformia or Canoidea, the dog-like carnivorans. It stands in stark contrast to the cat-like carnivorans, the Feliformia or Feloidea suborder of Carnivora.
Types of Dogs
There are several types of dog groups that are classified based on what they were bred to do:
Sporting dogs
Sporting dogs were bred to help their hunters capture and retrieve game birds. Retrievers swim and focus on waterfowl, while setters, spaniels and pointers hunt game birds. Their coats are often thick and water-repellant to protect against the elements. Some examples of sporting dog breeds are Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, the Nova Scotia Dock Tolling Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Hound dogs
Hound dogs were bred to chase after warm-blooded, terrestrial prey. They are generally divided into sighthounds, who use speed and vision to chase jackrabbits and antelopes, while scent hounds can use their noses to trail raccoons and people. All have strong prey drives. Some examples of hound dog breeds are Bloodhound, Greyhound and Dachshund.
Working dogs
Working dogs were bred to perform tasks such as guarding families or pulling sleds and carts. The Boxer, Great Dane and Rottweiler and a few examples of working dog breeds.
Herding dogs
Herding dogs are a type of working dog along with service dogs. While herding dogs help herd livestock, service dogs help people with disabilities. However, they differ in that they were bred specifically to herd livestock, such as sheep, cattle and reindeer. Some are excellent for police and military work. A few examples of herding dog breeds are Border Collie, German Shepherd and Icelandic Sheepdog.
Terrier dogs
Terrier dogs were bred to be small in order to go after vermin hiding in the ground. They include terrier breeds, which have long legs to dig out rodents, and “bully” breeds, which were used for bull-baiting and now make companion dogs. Bull Terrier, Scottish Terrier and Welsh Terrier are examples of terrier dog breeds.
Toy dogs
Toy dogs were bred for their small size to be companion dogs. They are perfect for city dwellers or anyone living in a small house. A few examples of toy dog breeds are Chihuahua, Pug and Shih Tzu.
Non-sporting dogs
Non-sporting dogs do not fit into any of the other group types and were bred to be companionship animals. The Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle are a few examples of non-sporting dogs.
Dog-wolf hybrids
Dogs share a common ancestor with modern wolves. Many large dog breeds have been bred with wolves, such as malamutes and huskies. Some are sought by private citizens, while others have been used for security work. For example, the Russians in the late 1990s created a breeding program for wolf-dog hybrids called Volkosoby or Volkosob, which are used for border control. See a list of 8 dogs that look like wolves here.
Types of Dogs
Affenpinscher
First bred in 17th century Germany!
Afghan Hound
First used as a shepherd and hunter!
Ainu
An innate sense of direction!
Airedale Terrier
Very intelligent, independent and strong-minded!
Akbash
Often used as a guard dog!
Akita
Very clean, intelligent and loyal!
Alaskan Malamute
Often used as sled dogs!
Alpine Dachsbracke
Good companion and hard-working breed!
American Bulldog
Can jump up to 6ft high!
American Cocker Spaniel
Merry, outgoing, and eager to please!
American Coonhound
Easygoing and people-friendly!
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo has splendid all white fur and an upturned tail
American Foxhound
Sweet, kind, loyal, and very loving!
American Pit Bull Terrier
These dogs are very energetic and would be up for a game at any given point of time
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bred to be extremely friendly!
American Water Spaniel
Friendly and intelligent!
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Guards it's master's flocks!
Appenzeller Dog
Herding dog by nature!
Australian Cattle Dog
High energy levels and active minds!
Australian Kelpie Dog
Friendly, intelligent and energetic!
Australian Shepherd
Sweet, faithful and affectionate!
Australian Terrier
Spirited, alert and courageous!
Basenji Dog
Alert, affectionate and energetic!
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
A friendly and intelligent hunting dog that loves nothing more than to spend time with its owner.
Basset Hound
Forget the training when not rewarded!
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Calm, quiet and poised!
Beagle
Have become popular family pets!
Bearded Collie
Weekly brushing is mandatory!
Bedlington Terrier
Highly active and intelligent dogs!
Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle was first bred in 2003 to create a dog with a similar temperament to the Bernese Mountain Dog that would have a longer lifespan.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Very loyal, faithful and affectionate!
Bichon Frise
Gentle mannered, playful and affectionate!
Biewer Terrier
A toy terrier dog and is elegant and tri-colored.
Black Russian Terrier
Confident, calm and highly intelligent!
Bloodhound
Affectionate, gentle and even-tempered!
Blue Lacy Dog
Originated in Texas in the mid 1800s!
Bluetick Coonhound
Has an uncanny knack for problem-solving!
Bolognese Dog
From the northern Italian city of Bologna!
Border Collie
Highly intelligent and alert breed!
Border Terrier
Small, rough-coated breed of terrier!
Boston Terrier
Friendly, lovable and very strong!
Boxer Dog
Bright, energetic and playful!
Boykin Spaniel
Enthusiastic working dog!
Brazilian Terrier
Small body and tri-coloured coat!
Bull Terrier
Needs to be kept active!
Bulldog
Friendly, loving and docile!
Bullmastiff
Courageous, loyal and calm!
Cairn Terrier
Intelligent, lively and strong!
Canaan Dog
Has a strong survival instinct!
Carolina Dog
Wild dog breed discovered in the 1970s!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Highly playful and affectionate!
Cavapoo
The temperament of a Cavapoo allows this breed to make an excellent family dog as well as a great therapy dog.
Cesky Fousek
An affectionate hunting dog!
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Bright and happy disposition!
Chihuahua
Curious and devoted personality!
Chinese Crested Dog
A hairless breed of dog!
Chinook
A calm and friendly breed!
Chow Chow
Loyal and affectionate to it's family!
Clumber Spaniel
Has a thick, soft coat!
Collie
Gentle and devoted!
Curly Coated Retriever
A lively and fun-loving breed!
Dachshund
Fun and playful breed of small dog!
Dalmatian
Have an energetic and playful nature!
Deutsche Bracke
Has long drop ears and a long narrow tail!
Doberman Pinscher
A gentle, loyal and loving breed!
Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Dogo Argentino
Loyal and affectionate to their family!
Dogue De Bordeaux
Extremely loyal and devoted to it's master!
Drever
Uncommon outside of Europe!
Dunker
A friendly and relaxed dog!
English Cocker Spaniel
Intelligent yet stubborn by nature!
English Shepherd
Highly intelligent and independent!
English Springer Spaniel
Friendly and eager to please!
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Native to parts of the Swiss Alps!
Epagneul Pont Audemer
Hard-working, gentle and affectionate!
Eskimo Dog
Takes pure delight in cold weather!
Estrela Mountain Dog
Very protective and stubborn!
Field Spaniel
A sociable and adaptable breed!
Finnish Spitz
Likes to bark a lot!
Flat-Coated Retriever
A game retrieving gun-dog!
Fox Terrier
First bred in the mid-19th century!
French Bulldog
French bulldogs are known to be very sensitive, harboring emotions that they love to express
German Pinscher
Highly intelligent and fast learners!
German Shepherd Guide
Highly active and fearless dogs!
Giant Schnauzer
Large, powerful and dominant!
Golden Retriever
Trusting, kind and gentle!
Great Dane
Large and imposing in appearance!
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Protective and gentle by nature!
Greenland Dog
Strong and speedy breed of dog!
Greyhound
Extremely fast and athletic!
Harrier
Cheerful, tolerant and sweet-tempered!
Havanese
These are the only dogs that are native to Cuba
Havapoo
The exact appearance of a Havapoo can vary based on whether the genes of its Poodle or Havanese parent are more dominant.
Ibizan Hound
Intelligent, active and engaging by nature!
Irish Doodle
Irish Doodles can be very active dogs, but they also love just hanging out with their family members in the house.
Irish Setter
Can live for up to 16 years!
Irish WolfHound
Sweet-tempered, patient and thoughtful!
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a miniature dog with a big motor and personality!
Jack Russell
Intelligent, athletic and fearless!
Japanese Chin
Alert, intelligent and independent!
Keeshond
Friendly, alert dogs that are loyal to their owners
Labradoodle
Friendly and energetic mix-breed!
Labrador Retriever
Well-balanced, friendly and versatile!
Maltese
Originally bred in Europe!
Maltipoo
Maltipoos may have one of three different coat types depending on the specific genes they inherit from their parents. These include silky, curly, or wavy.
Mastiff
Courageous, calm and affectionate!
Mongrel
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!
Neapolitan Mastiff
Fearless and extremely protective of it's home!
Newfoundland
Introduced by Vikings more than 1,000 years ago!
Norfolk Terrier
Fearless but not aggressive!
Old English Sheepdog
Intelligent, sociable and playful!
Pekingese
Thought to be over 2,000 years old!
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
A small dog with a big, lively personality.
Pointer
An independent, loyal and high energy breed!
Pomapoo
Pomapoos like companionship and do not like being alone. They may do better in a home with other dogs.
Pomeranian
The ancestors of the Pomeranian were sled dogs.
Poodle
Intelligent, alert and active!
Pug
Fun and sociable, yet stubborn!
Rottweiler
Strong, loyal and self-assured!
Saint Bernard
Gentle, loyal and friendly!
Sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodles were first bred as an experiment for use as a military dog in the Army in the 1960s, however they didn’t really gain popularity until 2007.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are one of six native dog breeds from Japan.
Shih Tzu
Can live for up to 15 years!
Siberian Husky
Is adequately warm in sub-zero temperatures!
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Known for their loyalty to their family!
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Often just called 'Teddies' by owners
Tibetan Mastiff
Originally bred in the Himalayan mountains!
Tiffany
Eye colour intensifies with age!
Welsh Corgi
There are two distinct breeds!
West Highland Terrier
Most commonly white in colour!
Whippet
Quiet, gentle and restful dogs!
Yorkshire Terrier
Highly energetic and eager for adventure!
List of Dog Breeds
- Affenpinscher
- Afghan Hound
- Ainu
- Airedale Terrier
- Akbash
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Alpine Dachsbracke
- American Alsatian
- American Bulldog
- American Cocker Spaniel
- American Coonhound
- American Eskimo Dog
- American Foxhound
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Water Spaniel
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Appenzeller Dog
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Kelpie Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Australian Terrier
- Basenji Dog
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
- Basset Hound
- Bavarian Mountain Hound
- Beagle
- Bearded Collie
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bernedoodle
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bichon Frise
- Biewer Terrier
- Black Russian Terrier
- Bloodhound
- Blue Lacy Dog
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Bolognese Dog
- Border Collie
- Border Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer Dog
- Boykin Spaniel
- Brazilian Terrier
- British Timber
- Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Cairn Terrier
- Canaan Dog
- Canadian Eskimo Dog
- Carolina Dog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cavapoo
- Cesky Fousek
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Chinook
- Chow Chow
- Clumber Spaniel
- Collie
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Dachshund
- Dalmatian
- Deutsche Bracke
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dog
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- Drever
- Dunker
- English Cocker Spaniel
- English Shepherd
- English Springer Spaniel
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Epagneul Pont Audemer
- Eskimo Dog
- Estrela Mountain Dog
- Field Spaniel
- Finnish Spitz
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- Fox Terrier
- French Bulldog
- German Pinscher
- German Shepherd Guide
- Giant Schnauzer
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Great Pyrenees
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Greenland Dog
- Greyhound
- Harrier
- Havanese
- Havapoo
- Ibizan Hound
- Irish Doodle
- Irish Setter
- Irish WolfHound
- Italian Greyhound
- Jack Russell
- Japanese Chin
- Keeshond
- Labradoodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Maltese
- Maltipoo
- Mastiff
- Mongrel
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Norfolk Terrier
- Northern Inuit Dog
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pekingese
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Pointer
- Pomapoo
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Pug
- Rottweiler
- Saarloos Wolfdog
- Saint Bernard
- Samoyed
- Schnoodle
- Sheepadoodle
- Shiba Inu
- Shih Tzu
- Siberian Husky
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Swedish Vallhund
- Tamaskan
- Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Tiffany
- Utonagan
- Welsh Corgi
- West Highland Terrier
- Whippet
- Yorkshire Terrier
Dog Breeds FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a dog?
Any canine descended from the domesticated common ancestor of dogs and wolves, in the family Canidae, genus Canis.
What is the largest dog?
The largest dog ever depends if you’re looking at the tallest, longest or heaviest. Freddy the Great Dane in England measured 40.75 inches tall, while the Old English Mastiff Aicama Zorba in England measured 8 feet, 3 inches from nose to tail and was also the heaviest dog in the world at 343lbs. Great Danes are the tallest dog breed and English Mastiffs are the heaviest.
What is the smallest dog?
The smallest dog in terms of height is a Chihuahua in Puerto Rico named Milly, who measured 9.65 cm (3.8 in) tall. The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua.
What did dogs evolve from?
Dogs evolved and genetically diverged from a common ancestor with wolves in the Late Pleistocene era about 11,700 years ago. The grey wolf is the closest living relative of the dog, with cross-breeding having occurred during the dog’s domestication. There is no agreement as to when dogs were domesticated, but the process occurred somewhere around 11,000 years ago when hunter-gatherers closely associated with live populations of aurochs, beer, sheep and goats after beginning an association with wolves.
What are the different types of dogs?
There are 7 types of dogs: Sporting, Hound, Herding, Working, Terrier, Toy and Non-sporting.
What is the scientific name for a dog?
Canis familiaris is the scientific name for a dog if it’s considered a distinct species from the wolf. It’s Canis lupus familiaris if considered a subspecies of the wolf.
What is the most dangerous dog breed?
Prey dogs are considered to be the most dangerous due to their strong bite and large muscle mass. The Pit Bull is currently said to be the most dangerous dog breed, although the Rottweiler and Inu also have a reputation for being dangerous at different times or in different areas of the world.
Are Dogs really color blind?
No, they do not see in black-and-white. However, they are red-green color-blind.
What are some examples of small dog breeds?
Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pug, and Dachshund are some small dog breeds.
