Dog Breeds

 Experts disagree on the exact number, but estimate there are more than 300 breeds of dogs. Each is valued by someone or by a group of people. In fact, they exist because they were bred to have characteristics that make them well suited for specific tasks. Over thousands of years, dogs were bred to meet a variety of human needs.

Toy breeds are the very small types of dogs, often weighing less than ten pounds. This group is the only one in which the dogs were bred to be mainly companions and "intruder alarms" rather than perform physical labor. Natural "lap" dogs, these cute canines are great for small dwellings.

Dogs in the Hound group were all originally bred to assist with hunting. Many hound types have an amazing sense of smell; others are best known for their stamina during the chase. Their talent for hunting is the main trait these dogs share, since hounds come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

Working dogs have the size and strength that makes them well suited to guarding property, pulling carts and other intense physical tasks. They are well known for their extremely high intelligence and deep devotion to their human companions. German shepards, Doberman pinchers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Giant Schnauzers and Boxers are just a few of the better known types of working dogs.

Like the Hounds, dogs from the Sporting group were bred to assist with hunting. Alert and active by nature, sporting dogs fit in well with active owners. If you plan on adding any type of Sporting dog-spaniels, pointers, setters and retrievers-to your family, keep in mind that these high-energy dogs need frequent exercise.

The dog breeds included in the Non-Sporting group vary greatly in appearance and abilities. Dalmatians, because of their amazing stamina and strong sense of territory, were set to run alongside carriages to guard the travelers inside. Later, firemen employed these unique dogs to guard fire wagons. Poodles, which most people associate with high-society, were originally bred as work animals. In addition to pulling small carts, poodles were used to retrieve items from the water.

Terriers are known for their distinctive personalities. Tenacious by nature, these lively dogs require owners willing to provide lots of physical and mental stimulation. Their group name is derived from the Latin "Terra," meaning earth. Bred to hunt vermin, terriers are instinctive, active diggers.

Sight hounds were bred to assist the hunter by virtue of their excellent eyesight. Instead of finding prey by scent, these lean hunters spot their quarry from a great distance. They have amazing stamina and energy and all members of this group need plenty of exercise.

Today, most breeds are partially "unemployed." Many of their jobs have been taken over by machines. Yet, no machine can comfort you when you're down, make you laugh with its antics or see into your soul the way a dog can. Until a machine is invented to fill the human need for companionship and devotion, dogs will always have a place in our homes and hearts.

About the Author

This article courtesy of http://www.dog-training-bible.com

 Steve Wilcott

More Articles 

How To Train Your Dog In Five Easy Steps - Charles Edwin
Have you noticed that being around a dog that is trained is lovely to be around? Dogs that are trained are less likely to jump up on people, and are less at risk of biting someone. Their manners are very calm in nature and don't get...

Buy dog supplements online - Rolf Rasmusson
Buy dog supplements online Dog Supplements A good nutritional program of dog supplements is just as important for your best pet friend as it is for us. Our pets have feelings, emotions, aches and pains just as we do. It's pretty tough to look your...

Teaching your dog with confidence and respect - Jeff Rose
The first thing that any successful animal trainer must do is win the confidence and respect of the animal to be trained. This important piece of advice definitely applies to the training of dogs. As social pack animals, dogs have a natural need to...

Poodles - One Adorable Dog In Many Convenient Sizes - Kirsten Hawkins
People love their poodles! A very popular but often misunderstood breed of dog, the poodle has been with us for centuries. Artifacts from ancient Egypt and Rome have been found bearing the images of poodles engaged in such activities as herding...

Dog Medecine - Matthew Seigneur
Dog Medecines Fleas and Ticks All dogs may at times have a few fleas, which usually is not much of a problem. But, in some cases your dog may be allergic to flea saliva, which will cause a skin allergic reaction to even just one bite. Also, ticks...

What You Need To Carry When You Travel With Your Dog - Terrie Simpson
Spring is here and with the onset of warm weather, comes more dog shows and our annual vacations, plus the urge to take a Sunday drive. However, we sometimes neglect the needs of our pets or do not take extra precautions for unseen emergencies. If...

Ever Wonder How Fast To Train Or Work With Your Dog? - Adam Katz
I noticed the other day, while working with a new German Shepherd dog-mix I adopted from a local animal shelter--how fast and intense you must work with your dog, during the "reinforcement" phase. Your dog goes through three general phases of...

Dog Fighting History - Matthew Seigneur
Dog Fighting History Using dogs in fighting has been around for hundreds maybe thousands of years. The Romans, Greeks, Spanish and French used dogs for fighting. Fighting between all kinds of animals have always been a very popular event. As far...

5 Tips For Choosing the Best Vet For Your Dog - Charlie Lafave
If you haven’t already found one, or worked with one in the past, you need to find a vet. Pick one you feel comfortable with, and who answers your questions in full, completely and gives you answers you can understand. You don’t need a vet who talks...

Barking Problems: Train your dog to stop barking! - Moses Chia
All dogs bark, it’s their way to communicate a message. Dog barks for various reasons: to greet, to alert, out of boredom, to attract attention or when they are excited. Although some barking from is acceptable, too much barking is certainly...