Most countries of the world have adopted classifications of dog breeds, arranging them in a number of groups (usually 6 or 7) by the historic purpose of their development. According to the American Kennel Club, the list of dog breeds is as follows: Sporting/Non-Sporting Dog Breeds, Working Dog Breeds, Toy Dog Breeds, Terrier Dog Breeds, Hound Dog Breeds and Herding Dog Breeds.
A classification of this kind can help you choose a pet basing upon what you expect of it and what general characteristics you would like it to possess. Just like people of different nations and races, different dog breeds have their own temper that you will hardly be able to change to your liking. Instead, choose a dog that will fit your lifestyle perfectly and he will become your best friend, as devoted and faithful as one can possibly be. A close analysis is absolutely necessary before you finally make a choice. Our brief overview of most popular dog breeds will hopefully be of help here.
Sporting Dog Breeds Group includes such dog breeds as Retrievers, Pointers, Setters and Spaniels. Originally developed to help find, bay and retrieve game during hunt, almost all the dog breeds of this large group will be quite vivacious. As a consequence, they will need a good lot of exercise, too, though it doesn't mean that you'll have to substitute your morning jogs by military treks through the thicket of woods. The dogs of this breed usually get along with children pretty well, so deciding on a Labrador Retriever, for example, as your family dog, will be fine. In case what you seek of dogs is not attacking pick-locks and terrifying the ill-willers with a formidable air, Toy Dog Breeds is probably what you need. However, don't be fooled by the tiny sizes of these adorable creatures: you could be surprised to hear an angry Chihuahua barking or find what mess they manage to make! Yet again, small dimensions do not equal to little of training. Watch small children not to harm the pets as even undeliberate roughness can cause them biting in self-defence. On the other hand, this group of dog breeds is ideal for sick and elderly people as not only they have a beneficial effect on health, but also adapt for small living spaces real good.
Such stately and proud dogs as the Rottweiler, Boxer and Doberman belong to the Working Dog Breeds.The primary mission of the dog breeds represented here was guarding houses and property and rescuing people. These are the companions you could fully rely on, intelligent and teachable - so be sure to provide them with the necessary scope of exercise. Pay attention these dog breeds could feel rather uncomfortable in a city apartment, unsuitable for their size and bustling energy. Moreover, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies and the like can shed their hairs all over the house which is also not very good for people suffering from allergies. Terrier Dog Breeds Group is another dog breed group meant for participating in hunts. These lively dogs make engaging pets in case you show them who the master is. Energetic Fox Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers and Scottish Terrier are just some examples of this group. Sizes of the dog breeds range from miniature Norfolk Terrier to the big Airedale Terrier.
Group of Hound Dog Breedscan be further divided into Sight-hounds and Scent-hounds basing on what senses they use when following vermin. However, further generalization is not too reasonable due to the diversity of dog breeds combined here. Proper training, as always, can yield amazing results.Herding Dog Breeds, including the Shetland Sheepdog, Collie, and German Shepherd were developed to control cattle and sheep, so they are quick-witted and active by nature. Usually these dog breeds adjust to city living well, though more air would only make them feel better.Representatives of the Non-sporting Group feature a wide range of dog breeds from Chow Chows to Dalmatians and Bulldogs with different sizes, coats, and visage. Those dog breeds which do not fit into any other group are usually put here. To sum up let us stress once more that a dog will be a full member of your family, so take good care when choosing a pet from a vast variety of dog breeds. |