Dog Breeds Index (200 and counting!)

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Full List

From Wolf to Dog

The beloved domestic dog is a carniverous (meat-eating) mammal belonging to the family Canidae, which includes wild dogs and foxes, and more specifically the genus Canis, which includes coyotes, jackals and wolves. Despite the huge variety of dog breeds in existence today, dogs are designated as a single species, Canis familiaris - a descendent of the Grey Wolf, although some experts maintain they are the same species but a domestic variant. In either case, it is likely that the progenitors of the many different dog breeds evolved independantly from numerous sub-species of the Grey Wolf, and that they also interbred with wild anscestors at times, contributing to the diversity between the various breeds. The humble dog has evolved a greater diversity than any other species, something in which man's intervention has played a major role.

Man's Best Friend

Archaological evidence reveals human and canine remains in close proximity and suggest that man has been interested in dogs for over 100,000 years. The dog is thought to have split from the wolf around 20,000 years ago (during the Paleolithoc period), with domestication occuring independently in various parts of the world. The dog was most likely the first animal to be domesticated, a relationship that probably started with wolves scavenging on the fringes of human camps looking for easy meals - something that was mutually beneficial seeing as they kept vermin and other scavengers at bay. As men began to settle and farm the land, the value of the wolf may already have been realised.

Designed through Necessity

Although man had domesticated various wild crops and livestock by the Neolithic period some 6000 years ago, hunting remained an important method of acquiring food and also became important for protecting crops and livestock from wild animals. The development of the bow and arrow may have necessitated a new role for dogs, such as the flushing out, location and retrieval of game. Crops, livestock and homes will also have needed protecting from nomadic tribes, something else the dog may have assisted in. Evidence suugests that selective breeding of dogs for differing tasks may have begun 10,000 years ago. As the relationship grew, so did the bond between man and dog, and by Roman times dogs were being employed for many differing tasks, including hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship.

The Romans established the first international trade in dogs, bringing various types together, where new breeds would evolve and be developed with selective breeding, but the extreme diversity of dog breeds seen today is relatively recent. This came about in response to the development of civiisation and technology, which continually created new roles for dogs. A process of continual refinement was set in motion, where physical and emotional qualities of varioous types were combined, divided and sub-divided. By the 1800s most of the modern dogs were in existence, but these only began to be classed into breeds by the end of the 1900s, something prompted by the formation of various kennel clubs, which began to record bloodlines and defined breed standards.

Canine Organisations

The British Kennel Club (KC) is the oldest kennel club in the world. Founded in 1873, it was the world's first official registry of purebred dogs and remains the governing body for dogs in the UK, with its best known event being the Crufts dog show. It is not part of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), or World Canine Organisation, as are most other kennel clubs from other countries.

Dog Breed Groups

There could be over 800 different dog breeds in existence today, although only around 300 are recognised officially as purebred. The national kennel clubs for different countries organize dog breeds into groups (often according to the roles they were initially bred to fulfill), and unfortunately the naming and organization of these groups can vary greatly. In addition, there are often some breeds, new or even traditional, that are awaiting approval by various clubs. Compounding this further, there are a vast number of other dog clubs, registries and businesses in which breeds may be organized into whatever breed groups those entities may devise. Confused about breeds groups? You should be. This is why this guide classes breeds as generically as possible rather than by any specific organisation's standards.

Dog Sizes

Dog Sizes
Small	Under 20lbs
Small-medium	20-40lbs
Medium	40-60lbs
Medium-large	60-80lbs
Large	Over 80lbs

There seems to be no official definition or categories in place regarding the sizes of dogs, so here we have simply grouped them by weight into five groups as shown in the table on the right. Of course bear in mind that some dogs may have more muscle mass than others and so may be heavier but not necessarily larger for their weight.

Small dogs. These often suit smaller environments and so tend to be ideal for smaller homes such as apartments and flats. Indoor activity can often provide them with enough exercise and they may not even need daily walks, although they would still appreciate these greatly. However, they aren't ideal for joggers or other such athletic activites. Small dogs have always made popular companion and lap dogs, and they remain to be popular with the rise of urban and apartment living. They also appeal to professionals who work during the daytime and to families with young children. Small dogs tend to live longer and healthier lives, and so are ideal for owners that are going to form strong attachments (for example, those that like snuggling with their dogs at night).
Small-medium sized dogs. These often make ideal pets because they are easy to handle, such as when walking, and are robust enough for other activities such as playing ball. Dogs in this catergory tend to be more muscular than other dogs. They are usually very energetic and make good vermin hunters. They also make excellent jogging companions.
Medium sized dogs. These are incredibly popular and tend to be very obedient. Included in this group are labradors and retrievers. While they don't bring along many of the health issues of larger dogs, they do bring many of the benefits, such as toned down energy levels. You can expect a medium sized dog to sit at your feet and enjoy your presence without being a bundle of energy. Still, they are very good athletes and hunters and enjoy some play time outside.
Medium-large sized dogs. These can still normally live in apartments, though they'll need some time outside. As adults, they will calmly stay by your side and be your faithful companion. Many medium-large dogs inherit the health problems most commonly associated with large dogs.
Large dogs. These tend to be calmer and more gentle than smaller dogs. They are also more lethargic, although they still enjoy exercise and good walks. They generally live shorter lives and reach adult maturity more quickly than smaller dogs, especially personality wise. With large dogs, care is required during puppy development so as not put too much strain on their joints, as large dogs are well known for having joint problems later in life such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

Characteristics

Despite the huge breed diversity, domestic dogs have retained many of the physical, instinctal and behavioural attributes of the Grey Wolf. They are still carniverious predators and scavengers, with physical characteristics and senses still geared towards hunting.

Sight. Dogs eyes are more sensitive to motion and light than humans and are positioned closer to the sides of their heads, giving them a wider field of vision. They see in less detail than us, and although once thought to be colour blind, they may have limited colour vision.
Hearing. Dogs have very acute hearing, with a range between 16-100,000hz compared to our 20-20,000hz. The ears are highly mobile in many breeds, allowing precise location of sounds.
Smell. Their most famous sense of all, dogs have a highly advanced sense of smell with millions more smell-sensitive cells than us. In additon, they have an organ in the mouth known as Jacobson's Organ that allows them to differntiate between two scents when tracking (an air scent and a ground scent). Some breeds have been selectively bred for their sense of smell, notably scenthounds such as the bloodhound, but many of the gundogs and sporting breeds have amazing senses of smell too that are employed for detecting drugs and even explosives.

Feel free to browse through the hundreds of dog breeds we have listed in the A-Z Breeds section at the top of the page!

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