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Dog Breeds

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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 Alsatian
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!

British Timber
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!

Canadian Eskimo Dog
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!

Great Pyrenees
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!

Northern Inuit Dog
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!

Saarloos Wolfdog
Saint Bernard

Gentle, loyal and friendly!

Samoyed
Schnoodle
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!

Swedish Vallhund
Tamaskan
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Often just called 'Teddies' by owners

Tibetan Mastiff

Originally bred in the Himalayan mountains!

Tiffany

Eye colour intensifies with age!

Utonagan
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.

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