Why So Many Dog Breeds?
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.
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.
A more comprehensive history of dogs and dog breeds can be found here.
(Un)Official Purebred Directory
Listed alphabetically, for the most part. (I will try to add more regularly).
- Affenpinscher
- European breed of small dog resembling a terrier with dark wiry hair and a tufted muzzle. The name means "monkey-like terrier."
- Afghan Hound
- A large, slender hunting dog having long, thick hair, a pointed muzzle, and drooping ears. The regal Afghan Hound.
- Beagle
- A breed of small hounds having long ears, short legs, and a usually black, tan, and white coat. The name literally means "loud mouth".
- Border Collie
- One of a breed of herding dogs, developed in the border area between Scotland and England, having a harsh, wavy coat, usually black with white around the neck, chest, face, feet, and the tip of the tail, used for both sheep and cattle herding.
- Boxer
- A breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog with a smooth fawn or brindled coat and square-jawed muzzle.
- Chihuahua
- A very small dog of a breed originating in Mexico, having pointed ears and a smooth coat.
- Labrador Retriever
- Any of a breed of dog originating in Newfoundland, having a short, yellow, black, or brown coat and a tapering tail and used in hunting to retrieve felled game.
- Pit Bull
- AKA American Staffordshire Terrier. A strong muscular terrier of an American breed with powerful jaws, a broad skull, and short hair, originally developed for dogfighting.
Selecting the Right Breed
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.
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.
Dog Books
This book is indispensable for any true dog lover. We reference it over and over again.
The Original Dog Bible: The Definitive Source to All Things Dog
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 09/06/2008)
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Aknowledgements
- Ruth Bird
- Ruth is the owner of three dogs. She is married to Chris for 27 years. Chris is battling MS. Ruth's passion is in people and pet health care. Visit her blog at www.happypetstop.com/blog
