Worried About Which Breed Of Dog Is Best For Your Family? Find Some Answers Here

Ask ten experts how many breeds of dogs exist and you will get ten different answers. However, many 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.

Chihuahuas, Pekinese and Shih-Tzus are generally known as yoy breeds – very small types of dogs, often weighing less than ten pounds. The dogs were bred to be mainly companions rather than perform physical labor. These dogs were the basis of the phrase “lap” dogs as they were easily held in their owners’ laps.

Dogs in the Hound group come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and 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.

German shepards, Doberman pinchers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Giant Schnauzers and Boxers are just a few of the better known types of working dogs.

Working dogs have the size and strength that makes them well suited to guarding property and other intense physical tasks. They are well known for their extremely high intelligence and protective nature to their human companions.

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 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, with their vast amount of stamina and energy, were set to run alongside carriages to guard the travelers inside. Later, firemen employed these unique dogs to guard fire wagons. Dalmatians are playful and loyal, and need human companionship.

Poodles were originally bred as work animals. These dogs are highly intelligent and one of the most trainable breeds. Some poodles are good guard dogs and some can be trained as hunters.

Terriers are known for their distinctive personalities. Bred to hunt vermin, terriers are instinctive, active diggers. Tenacious by nature, these lively dogs require owners willing to provide lots of physical and mental stimulation.

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.

Hopefully this information will help you to decide what breed of dog is right for bringing into your family. Whichever breed you decide on you need to remember that your dog will rely on you for everything from food and water, to shelter and exercise. In return for this you can expect lifelong devotion and love from your new best friend.

Best ways to get a puppy in the US

Before you ever even start to decide where to get a puppy, you need to decide if you are really ready for a puppy. Further, you need to decide you are ready for a puppy, a wild young adolescent, an adult dog, and an old dog. In other words, you must understand, up front, that getting a puppy means taking responsibility for a dog for its entire life. That includes food, supplies, vet bills. It also includes attention, love, and training. And unless you’re an experienced dog owner, training means paying for classes and taking the time to go with the dog and do the homework it takes to make your dog into a true canine good citizen. If you are not absolutely sure you can handle this commitment, do not get a dog. Dogs are not meant to be lawn ornaments or disposable goods.

The next step in getting a dog is deciding which type of dog will suit you best. This can be really fun for the whole family. What size dog do you want? What activity level? Do you want a dog to go running with you? Or just hang out on the couch all day? Do you want a small dog with attitude? A mellow giant?

Even if you are going to get your dog through a humane society or rescue, attend a local dog show. You can get listings at http://www.akc.org. When you go to the show, find some breeds you think you like and ask some questions about them. It’s generally best to ask after the dog has come out of the ring, or just ask, “is there a good time I can ask you some questions about this breed of dog?” Most people are more than happy to answer or direct you to someone who can. There’s also lots of information on breed standards (including size, activity level, and temperament) on the AKC website and in various books you can get from the library. Most online “find my breed” quizzes don’t do a very good job of matching people to breeds unfortunately, but they too can be fun to take.

So, you’ve decided that you want a medium sized, active dog that you can jog with, that’s great with kids and hey, maybe you’ll try agility too! And maybe the Standard Schnauzer fits your bill. Now you’re ready to go look and you have several choices you can make.

1. Go to a humane society and get a mixed breed that’s sort of schnauzer-like. Advantage is that it’s quick and fairly easy, and you are saving a dog who otherwise may not have much time. Disadvantage, you may have a dog that needs to have some remedial training. And if you get a small puppy, it may end up much smaller (or much larger, or much more or

Considerations regarding dog breeds to have with children

When you have children, avoid both “toy size” like Chihuahuas and “giant” breeds like Irish Wolfhounds. Toy breeds are known for being afraid of children and may be snappy. Very large breeds may be too rough with children. Choose a breed that is playful but not too wild, protective enough to save your children if necessary but not aggressive. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/se arch.htm is a quiz to help you decide what is the right breed for you. I listed breeds that are supposed to be good choices for children under and over five.

Small breeds: American Eskimo Dog, American Hairless Terrier, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Cairland Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Chancy Ranoir, Chinese Crested, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, Havanese, Japanese Spitz, Lowchen, Minature Goldendoodle, Minature Labradoodle, Miniature Littlefield Sheepdog, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Pug, Puggle, Rat Terrier, Schipperke, Schnoodle, and Sheltie.

Medium breeds: Basset Hound, Beagle, Bearded Collie, Boston Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgie, Comfort Retriever, Dakotah Shephard, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Golden Sheltie, Keeshond, Kerry Blue Terrier, Small Dutch Waterfowl Dog, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Large breeds: Basset Bleu de Garcon, Bearded Collie, Belgian Mastiff, Bloodhound, Boxerdoodle, Bullmation, Collie, Dalmation, English Settler, Eurasier,

Flat-Coated Retriever, Greyhound, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Labrador Husky, Lurcher, Old English Shephard, Samoyed, Schnoodle, Golden Retriever, Spinone Italiano, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Standard Poodle.

Best guard dogs – Part 2

The theft was ironic-the intruder had stolen my friend’s American bulldog. Her guard dog-didn’t.

When one thinks of guard dogs, one usually thinks of a vicious, snarling attack dog that will stop at nothing to defend its territory. One also thinks of certain breeds, like the Doberman pinscher, Rottweiler, German shepherd, mastiff, American bulldog or American Pit Bull terrier. While these breeds make excellent guard dogs and are commonly used by police and military officials, this is an incomplete picture. For example, a local horse owner once found a would-be burglar pinned against the wall by Cale, his yellow Labrador retriever. Another example-and this is embarrassing to admit-I was literally treed by a black standard poodle named Charlie. While breed has some role in effectiveness, most guard dogs are only as good as their training.

According to Wikipedia, which guard dog is the best depends on a number of factors: who or what the dog is guarding, the gender of the dog, what you want the dog to do, and, yes, the breed of the dog.

According to European German shepherd studies, females are better at guarding people and males are better at guarding property. Females make better personal guards because they have a natural instinct to protect their young. Males, on the other hand, make better property guards because they are territorial.

In this litigious age, you may not want the dog to attack. After all, many states consider attack dogs a weapon. You may want the dog merely to bark. Whether or not they do this depends on the dog, but some dogs are better watch dogs than others. Dogs that are not bred as guard dogs but make excellent watch dogs, according to Wikipedia, include the Airedale terrier, the Australian cattle dog, the dachshund, the Belgian malinois, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the Giant Schnauzer. These dogs will bark, but they rarely attack.

If, however, you don’t fear a Stella Award-seeking lawsuit or possible prosecution, you may consider the Chesapeake Bay retriever or the German short-hair pointer. According to Wikipedia, these breeds are so aggressive that their popularity is limited. They should not be kept by inexperienced owners.

According to http://caninebreeds.bulldoginf ormation.com/guardian-dogs.htm l, some dogs are better suited to being guard dogs than others. A panel composed of breeders, trainers, and veterinarians wrote a list of excellent guard breeds. These breeds are protective of their families, wary of strangers, territorial, courageous, easily trainable, and considerable deterrents (for example, a burglar may run from a barking pit bull but not a barking dachshund). These breeds are, in order of most to least effective, the fila brasiliero, the Rottweiler, Doberman pinscher (female), the dogo argentino, the Belgian shepherd, the South African boerboel, the American pit bull terrier, the cane corso, the presa canario, the tosa inu, the Neopolitan mastiff, the dogue de Bordeaux, the German shepherd, the American bulldog, the Ca de Bou, the Bouvier de Flanders, the Giant Schnauzer, the Thai ridgeback, the bullmastiff, and the akita inu.

However, the best way to find a protective dog, according to http://www.UnchainYourDog.org, is to spend a lot of time with your dog. Did you know police dogs often live with their handlers and their families? If you spend a considerable amount of time with your dog and treat him or her well, the dog will naturally want to protect you and your property.

Best guard dogs – Part 6

Most modern dog breeds will naturally act as guardians. However, some breeds have been selectively bred for a natural inclination to guard and defend. Some examples of these breeds would be; the German Shepherd, Doberman Pincher, Belgian Malinois, Akita (Japanese Police Dog), Rottweiler, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue da Bordeaux (Hooch), Cane Corso, American Bulldog (Chance), and the Giant Schnauzer (to name a few).

Now keep in mind that there is a distinction between a “guard dog” and a “watch dog”. A “watch dog” will watch the home and alert its owner by barking at and intruder or possible threat. A “guard dog” can be trained to attack an intruder, or at least hold them at bay until action can be taken. In most guard dog breeds, the dog will instinctively put their life before their human’s. A guard dog will not only act as a guard dog, but will also watch for a potential threat.

Another important reminder when deciding to get a guard do is “TRAINING”. The trainability of the breed you decide to get should be at the top of the list for that breeds qualities. The dog breeds in the list above are known and recognized to have a natural inclination to protect, they show loyalty towards their owner, they are watchful, have a deterrent factor, and are highly trainable. (A deterrent factor is the impression an individual go makes because of voice, color (black is more impressionable that white), and the specific breed. A Doberman Pincher or a German Shepherd are more recognizable as a guard dog compared to a Labrador or a cross breed.)

Guard dogs can be trained to attack on command or just simply restrain an intruder. In many areas, an attack dog is considered a weapon. The laws governing of an attack dog, as well as its employment, are strictly enforced. The owner of such dogs are, most often, legally responsible for any injuries inflicted by their dog, especially if the dogs is trained and attacks without cause.

Before deciding to get a guard dog, do your own research to see which breed best suits your needs, especially if you have children. Research the breeds temperament, compatibility with children, acceptance of “friendly strangers” (this can be taught), and if you have other dogs or small animals, see if the breed you want is also compatible with other pets. Also consider who will be training the dog. There are companies that train professional guard dogs, tailored to the individual person or family. These companies are pricey, but keep in mind you get what you pay for. Some companies advertise that theirs are the best, just make sure you do your research and read reviews about these companies before you pay for the dog, you do not want to pay an expensive amount for a guard dog that does not perform to your expectations.

Now to claim a dog as “The Best Guard Dog”, that is solely up to the owner. The best guard dog for one person may not be the best for another. It all depends on the owner and the dog’s personality. I do not think that any one breed to be claimed as “The Best Guard Dog”.

Please note that I am not, in any way, saying that a cross-breed would or could not make a good guard dog. My best guard dog as a mix between a Doberman and a German Shepherd, and he died protecting me, indirectly, he got rabies and we had to put him to sleep. My information was based in reference to specific pure bred dogs, bred for protections. Information was in part gathered from: www.caninebreeds.bulldoginform ation.com/guardian-dogs

Dog breed: Standard Schnauzer

The standard schnauzer is a robust, medium-sized dog, standing seventeen to twenty inches high at the shoulder and weighing between twenty and fifty pounds. Like his relatives, the giant schnauzer and miniature schnauzer, the standard schnauzer usually has a salt-and-pepper or black coat. For show, the coat is trimmed short over most of the body and allowed to grow long on the chin, eyebrows, and legs. The long facial hair gives schnauzers the somewhat comical appearance reminiscent of an old man. Their wiry coats shed a only a negligible amount of hair, making the standard schnauzer a dog that is relatively easy on the vacuum cleaner.

While the German Kennel Club first recognized the standard schnauzer in 1918, the breed is far older. Paintings from as far back as the fifteenth century feature schnauzers. The Dutch master Rembrandt included several schnauzers in his work, and a fourteenth century statue of a hunter in Mechlinburg, Germany includes a schnauzer at the hunter’s feet. The first schnauzers were probably produced by cross-breeding black German poodles, gray wolf spitzs, and wirehaired pinschers.

Classified by the American Kennel Club as a working dog, the standard schnauzer is strong, agile, and highly trainable. Standard schnauzers are easygoing and good with children and thus make excellent family pets. As working dogs, they need lots of exercise and will thrive when given ample walks and room to play. In competition, standard schnauzers excel at obedience, tracking, herding, and agility. They also make excellent guard dogs, companions, and therapy dogs.

The temperament of the standard schnauzer is inquisitive, playful, and very energetic. Originally bred as rat dogs, schnauzers have a strong chase instinct. While they can often coexist peacefully with other dogs and even cats, they should be kept well-separated from any rodents that are kept as pets. Standard schnauzers enjoy intellectual stimulation and will readily accept training for competition, sport, or just to entertain their owners. They are excellent companions for hikers and outdoor sportsmen.

Another aspect of the standard schnauzer’s character is his territorial instinct. The standard schnauzer is very protective of his home and his owners and will warn potential trespassers with a deep, loud bark. Though standard schnauzers are excellent at warding off unwanted strangers, they are affectionate to people they recognize and can be taught to get along with people who are frequent visitors in the home.

Breed Of Dogs

When I was a child, I had a beagle. I love beagles. When I married, and we both worked, I had miniature long haired dachshunds…they were amazing little fellas.And now, that I am home and my husband is home battling MS, we have 3 large dogs, 2 black labs and 1 golden retriever.The right breed at the right time in your life is the secret to happiness with your chosen four legged friend.

A dog breed is a group of dogs that have very similar or nearly identical characteristics of appearance or behavior or, usually, both, primarily because they come from a select set of ancestors who had the same characteristics. See the many breeds in a directory of breed of dogs. The AKC will always have up to date directories.

Dogs have been selectively bred for specific characteristics for thousands of years. Initially the selections would have centered on domestication and useful behavior such as hunting ability. Later, dogs were also selected for attractive and distinctive forms, resulting in a vast variety of types.

People seem to have a fascination with Poodle mixed breeds. Poodles are very intelligent and do not shed. Many different Poodle mixes are emerging.

A Labradoodle is a crossbred dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Their temperament makes them good service dogs.

The impetus behind experiments with this type of cross was the desire to achieve a service dog that would not shed and so produce a hypoallergenic dog that is suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. This has not yet been reliably achieved, as Labradoodles have varying coat lengths and textures, and crosses beyond the first generation do not yield a predictable coat type.

And its not just Poodle mixes, many different “designer” dogs (as the media has labeled them) are immerging.

Designer Dog? What s a designer dog you ask? A “designer” dog, as the media has labeled them, is a cross between two pure bred dogs.

Whether or not you choose a pure bred dog or a “designer” hybrid mix, do your homework and research, research, research. Remember, adopting a dog is a life long commitment and not something that should be taken lightly. Before you adopt a dog ask yourself exactly what it is you are looking for in your dog.

How many breeds of dogs are there? Well, that depends on whom you ask. The American Kennel Club, which registers purebred dogs, officially recognizes 150 different breeds of dogs. As of the time of writing this article. This can change.

Dog breeds can be divided into different categories, such as:

Hunting
Hounds, including Sight hounds and Scent hounds
Gundogs, including Pointers, Retrievers, and Spaniels
Terrier
Curs and Feists
Working (or Utility)
Pastoral dogs, including Livestock guardian dogs, Herding dogs, Sheepdogs, and Drovers
Sled dog
Bulldogs
Extinct dog breeds
Fighting dogs
Toy
Dog breeds can also be grouped into similar types such as mastiff types, spitz types, pit bulls, or Lurchers.

For interest sake, ther is also a complete List of Ancient dog breeds.

Fourteen ancient breeds of dog have recently been identified through advances in DNA analysis. These breeds of domesticated dog show the fewest genetic differences from wolves. The breeds are geographically diverse, including dogs from Siberia, Japan, Alaska, China, Tibet, and Africa.

The identification of the fourteen “Ancient” dog breeds was established in the article “Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog” in the journal Science Volume 304 (May 21, 2004).

The following are the dog breeds listed as ancient in the published study and their countries of origin:

Afghan Hound (Afghanistan)
Akita (Japan)
Alaskan Malamute (United States (Alaska))
Basenji (Congo)
Chow Chow (China)
Lhasa Apso (Tibet)
Pekingese (China)
Saluki (Egypt)
Samoyed (Siberia)
Shar Pei (China)
Shiba Inu (Japan)
Shih Tzu (China/Tibet)
Siberian Husky (Siberia)
Tibetian Terrier (Tibet)

Controversy:
There is some controversy over the results of the study, as some have noted that breeding between wolves and specific breeds in recent times may have led to inaccurate results. As a result of these breedings, the offspring would have gained genetic similarities with wolves and may mask the truth about the real differences between the breed and wolves before these interbreedings.

KC Recognized Breeds:

Affenpinscher
Afghan Hound
Airedale Terrier
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo Dog
American Foxhound
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Water Spaniel
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Australian Terrier
Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
Bearded Collie
Bedlington Terrier
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bichon Frise
Black and Tan Coonhound
Black Russian Terrier
Bloodhound
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Borzoi
Boston Terrier
Bouvier des Flandres
Boxer
Briard
Brittany
Brussels Griffon
Bull Terrier
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Cairn Terrier
Canaan Dog
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow Chow
Clumber Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
Curly-Coated Retriever
Dachshund
Dalmatian
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Doberman Pinscher
English Cocker Spaniel
English Foxhound
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Finnish Spitz
Flat-Coated Retriever
French Bulldog
German Pinscher
German Shepherd Dog
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Giant Schnauzer
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greyhound
Harrier
Havanese
Ibizan Hound
Irish Setter
Irish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Keeshond
Kerry Blue Terrier
Komondor
Kuvasz
Labrador Retriever
Lakeland Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Löwchen
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Mastiff
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Neapolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Norfolk Terrier
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwich Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Otterhound
Papillon
Parson Russell Terrier
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Pharaoh Hound
Pointer
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Pomeranian
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Pug
Puli
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
Saluki
Samoyed
Schipperke
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Silky Terrier
Skye Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spinone Italiano
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Sussex Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Whippet
Wire Fox Terrier
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Yorkshire Terrier

Miscellaneous Class Breeds

The Miscellaneous Class is intended as an interim stage. Under current policy, dogs would become eligible for registration at the time that the breed is brought into the Miscellaneous Class. After a limited time in the Miscellaneous Class a date would be set, at which time the breed would become eligible to compete in a variety group at all-breed dog shows.

Beauceron
Plott
Redbone Coonhound
Swedish Vallhund
Tibetan Mastiff

Foundation Stock Service Breeds

The Foundation Stock Service (FSS); was created by the American Kennel Club to answer the needs of today’s rare breed fanciers. The Foundation Stock Service is an optional record keeping service for all purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club.

American English Coonhound
Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Argentine Dogo
Azawakh
Belgian Laekenois
Bergamasco
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhound
Bolognese
Boykin Spaniel
Bracco Italiano
Cane Corso
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Caucasian Mountain Dog
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Cesky Terrier
Chinook
Coton de Tulear
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Dogue de Bordeaux
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dog
Finnish Lapphund
German Spitz
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Icelandic Sheepdog
Irish Red and White Setter
Kai Ken
Kooikerhondje
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lancashire Heeler
Leonberger
Mudi
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Lundehund
Perro de Presa Canario
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Portuguese Podengo
Pumi
Pyrenean Shepherd
Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rat Terrier
Sloughi
Spanish Water Dog
Stabyhoun
Thai Ridgeback
Tosa
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Xoloitzcuintli

Best breeds for guard dogs – Part 3

While dogs are man’s best friends, they’re also our greatest protectors. One of my favorite quotes is from Roger Caras, who once said:

“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”(1)

A guard dog is bred and trained to use force, or the threat of force, against an unwanted element in order to protect property, possessions or humans. That’s my definition. Wikipedia gives us this description: “A guard dog, watch dog, or sentry dog is a dog employed to guard against, or watch for, unwanted or unexpected animals or people.” (2)

I would shy away from lumping guard dogs in with watch dogs, as they typically have somewhat different roles. Guard dogs are normally athletic, powerful, aggressive and tenacious. While your average watch dog could have all of these traits, they really only need keen auditory abilities and act as more of an alarm system than a barbed wire fence. However, there’s a lot of overlap between the two, and it would behoove anyone to scare off a threat rather than getting to the point where force is a necessity.

So, all things being equal, what breeds make the best guard dogs?

Traditionally, it’s well documented that many of the breeds thought to originate in Germany are the standards for personal protection. These breeds include German Shepard Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Boxers, Hovawarts and Giant Schnauzers. They have been used extensively by the military, law enforcement and flock herders for their intelligence and aggressive temperaments. They are all highly trainable and usually very loyal and protective. No real weakness as a guard breed is discernible.

Another type of breed considered to be excellent guard dogs are the large and powerful mastiffs. They fall under the umbrella of the Molossers(3), of which Boxers, St. Bernards and many other large/giant breeds are also members. In fact, studies have suggested that many of the “traditional” guard dog breeds have molossoid or mastiff DNA (2). There are several different varieties including the Mastiff (sometimes referred to as the English Mastiff or Olde English Mastiff; there is some debate over whether the “Olde English” Mastiff is still in existence), the “smaller(!)” Bullmastiff (generally thought to be 40% English Bulldog and 60% Mastiff(4)), the Neapolitan Mastiff, Spanish

Americas most popular dog breeds

these are the most popular breeds from 2006

Retrievers (Labrador) 123,760

Yorkshire Terriers 48,346

German Shepherd Dogs 43,575

Retrievers (Golden) 42,962

Beagles 39,484

Dachshunds 36,033

Boxers 35,388

Poodles 29,939

Shih Tzu 27,282

Miniature Schnauzers 22,920

Chihuahuas 22,562

Bulldogs 21,037

Pugs 20,008

Pomeranians 18,218

Boston Terriers 14,955

Spaniels (Cocker) 14,790

Rottweilers 14,709

Maltese 13,312

Pointers (German Shorthaired) 12,822

Shetland Sheepdogs 12,822

Doberman Pinschers 11,546

Pembroke Welsh Corgis 10,250

Miniature Pinschers 9,615

Great Danes 9,438

Siberian Huskies 9,342

Spaniels (English Springer) 8,205

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 8,124

Basset Hounds 7,844

Bichons Frises 7,839

Weimaraners 7,720

Brittanys 7,560

Mastiffs 6,913

West Highland White Terriers 6,572

Australian Shepherds 6,533

Papillons 5,673

French Bulldogs 5,509

Collies 4,711

Havanese 4,038

St. Bernards 3,828

Bullmastiffs 3,760

Bernese Mountain Dogs 3,714

Scottish Terriers 3,545

Vizslas 3,509

Newfoundlands 3,415

Bloodhounds 3,343

Lhasa Apsos 3,326

Chinese Shar-Pei 3,261

Cairn Terriers 3,224

Pekingese 3,155

Retrievers (Chesapeake Bay) 3,120

Tibetan Mastiffs 2,925

Chinese Crested 2,555

Akitas 2,457

Rhodesian Ridgebacks 2,248

Airedale Terriers 2,243

Border Collies 2,181

Alaskan Malamutes 2,124

Great Pyrenees 1,983

Italian Greyhounds 1,963

Whippets 1,836

Bull Terriers 1,765

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 1,762

Brussels Griffons 1,694

Chow Chows 1,592

Shiba Inu 1,590

American Staffordshire Terriers 1,539

Australian Cattle Dogs 1,499

Setters (Irish) 1,475

Portuguese Water Dogs 1,454

Silky Terriers 1,407

Old English Sheepdogs 1,403

Japanese Chin 1,388

Pointers (German Wirehaired) 1,352

Spaniels (English Cocker) 1,281

Parson Russell Terriers 1,232

Samoyeds 1,130

Irish Wolfhounds 1,016

Fox Terriers (Wire) 937

Cardigan Welsh Corgis 934

Staffordshire Bull Terriers 918

Border Terriers 873

Schipperkes 856

Giant Schnauzers 855

Basenjis 826

Dalmatians 820

Bouviers des Flandres 808

Afghan Hounds 782

Setters (Gordon) 726

Toy Fox Terriers 724

Belgian Malinois 716

Welsh Terriers 705

Norwegian Elkhounds 682

Keeshonden 679

Dog Breeds – Part 1

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.

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