People often underestimate the number of breeds when selecting a dog. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me, “Why are there so many different kinds of dogs?” It’s often one of the first questions I get from prospective first-time owners.
Today, we’re digging deep into this question. We’ll look into the development of breeds, how they’ve become so distinctive, and the process of categorizing them. These discussions should provide insight while helping you understand what breeds suit your home!
Why Are There So Many Different Kinds of Dogs?
The number of dog breeds can make any potential owner a little overwhelmed. But this overwhelming feeling is entirely our fault. You can trace each distinct breed’s development to human interference.
At first, it was all about taming and raising these animals for our benefit. But once dogs became domesticated, humans started noticing certain valuable qualities or skills. They began breeding canines together, also called selective breeding, to prioritize those wanted aspects.
This selective breeding process caused a boom in the development of various dog types. Humans soon created breeds with different body shapes, sizes, and coats. It’s a process that has only gotten more distinctive and widespread as the centuries have passed
In simpler terms, these breeds have developed almost entirely by our involvement. We bred these dogs for tasks/jobs or specific physical characteristics. Let’s take a more detailed look at how these factors could influence the development of dog breeds:
1. Tasks and Jobs
Early development of breeds revolved around finding canines who excelled at specific jobs. In other words, humans took notice of dogs who were good at hunting, herding, guarding, and other beneficial tasks.
Once they identified these dogs, they bred them with others who excelled at the same tasks. It continued until a “specialized” canine was produced. Eventually, it became apparent certain body shapes or physical characteristics were better suited for specific tasks.
Let’s say a dog has been bred for tracking and hunting small rodents. This task would require a canine with a smaller, grounded build and superior smell scents. These traits allowed them to smell out the prey while maneuvering into the burrowed holes.
But this type of dog wouldn’t be useful in other tasks like herding or guarding. As a result, each job required a breed with a different set of strengths. So we did our best to breed dogs together who excelled best at whatever task they needed to do.
These breeding practices led to certain traits being more prevalent. It proved effective in creating much more effective working dogs, especially as humans became more skilled at selective breeding.
Additionally, it became the starting point for many breeds recognized in today’s world. It’s truly an interesting rabbit hole to explore for anyone who considers themselves a dog enthusiast. I have spent an outrageous number of hours researching it myself.
2. Physical Characteristics
Over time, humans didn’t need dogs for task-related purposes as much. But it didn’t stop them from wanting these cute animals around them. So they become more of a luxury than a necessity for tasks like hunting or herding.
This belief soon turned dogs into pets rather than tools for work. In some cultures, they even turned into fashion statements or signs of certain societal statues. It made selective breeding become a more significant factor in breed development.
So humans started breeding these dogs for physical characteristics, such as coat color, size, weight, or other appealing visual traits. It’s how two massively different breeds, like Chihuahuas and Great Danes, are considered the same species.
Of course, the variations aren’t always this drastic. It could be something as simple as shorter ears or a hairless coat. But regardless, the boom in selective breeding culminated in a much more varied amount of breeds.
It’s a process that continues with new breeds popping up regularly. Thankfully, there are organizations like the American Kennel Club that track all these developments. Their work makes it easier for everyone who wants information on a specific pure breed or crossbred.
How Many Dog Breeds Exist
So I imagine all this talk about dog breeds has you think about how many exist? It’s certainly one of the first topics to pop into my head when I started researching. But sadly, there isn’t an agreed-upon number even among the organizations that track these developments.
The best estimate comes from FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) with a total of 356 recognized breeds worldwide. However, this number doesn’t account for all the mixed and unrecognized breeds.
Most experts assume it’s closer to 1,000 breeds, but it’s hard to track them all. It also doesn’t help that there isn’t a definition for what constitutes a breed. Therefore, it’s tricky to get all the organizations to recognize one.
Another issue is humans are constantly creating new ones for various reasons. It makes keeping up with all the newly developed breeds a massive challenge. We’ll have to do our best with the estimations provided by organizations like the FCI and AKC.
Are Dog Breeds Separated into Categories or Groups?
The good news is most dog breeds are often separated into seven main groups. Each group has physical and personality traits that define them. As you can imagine, this separation makes choosing a breed for a prospective owner’s home easier.
These groups are called herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, and working. I’ll dive deeper into what traits and characteristics make up each one. Plus, I’ll provide a few examples of breeds that fit into the group. This info will provide insight into whether a breed group is a good fit and how to offer a suitable home.
1. Herding Group
Herding breeds are similar to another group on this list, working breeds. Both groups are known for their intelligent brains and superior athleticism. It makes them uniquely suited for various jobs around the farm or on hunting trips.
For a long time, most people lumped them together under one category. But there were some fundamental differences worth recognizing, such as their prey drive and awareness of other animals. So owners have to be extra cautious about allowing them around other pets.
It can make them an unsuitable option for multiple pet homes. However, their intelligent brains do provide the option of redirecting these behaviors in positive ways. It’s all about having patience and using beneficial techniques to train them properly.
Owners should be ready to put aside time for exercise and mental stimulation. It needs to be offered every single day without fail with herding breeds. Otherwise, your couch or other furniture may become a chew toy.
But overall, these dogs represent excellent companions for almost any home. It’s just a matter of meeting their needs and being consistent. If you do, they’ll provide undying loyalty and love to their owners.
Breed Examples:
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Caanan
- Collie
- German Shepherd
- Mudi
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
2. Hound Group
This next breed group, hounds, is ruled by their noses. After all, their strong scent-tracking skills are a standout trait among these dogs. It’s a powerful tool in their ability to chase and catch any prey that comes into their path.
Owners should use this skill when training or providing rewards. I’ve found puzzle toys are excellent ways to engage a hound’s brain. It gives them a sense of achievement when they use their nose to find the treat or food.
On the other hand, you do need to be cautious when walking with hounds. One interesting sniff of a smaller prey animal could have them running off in that direction. So be wary of any situation that may trigger this instinct.
I’d also suggest giving them plenty of exercise and attention. Honestly, owning a hound can be a wild ride if they’re left to their own devices too much and become bored. I wouldn’t recommend them to someone who works away from home and lives alone.
Breed Examples:
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bloodhound
- Dachshund
- Greyhound
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Saluki
- Whippet
- Pharaoh Hound
3. Non-Sporting Group
The non-sporting group is much more diverse than most others. It’s about a dog’s personality type rather than size or physical traits. This designation is reserved for canines who are known for providing endless love and companionship.
So you’ll come across non-sporting breeds that are active, lazy, sociable, and independent. But if they’re in this group, expect a pet who loves their family completely. You’ll have difficulty finding more dedicated pets than any dog breeds within this group.
As someone who has owned a Bulldog (non-sporting group member), it’s truly a different experience than with other breeds. These dogs love their owners unconditionally and don’t enjoy spending any time away from them.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that many non-sporting breeds are prone to separation anxiety. People who are considering getting one will need to stay on top of this issue. Otherwise, it can create problematic situations and behaviors that can impact the dog’s well-being.
Breed Examples:
- American Eskimo Dog
- Bichon Frise
- Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Dalmatian
- French Bulldog
- Poodle
- Shiba Inu
4. Sporting Group
Sporting breeds are a perfect addition to almost any family household. These dogs are high-energy, lovable furballs who will do anything for their owner. If you haven’t already figured it out, this is where everyone’s favorite breed (Golden Retriever) is categorized.
Another massive positive trait is sporting breeds are easy to train. So inexperienced owners won’t have much difficulty keeping them in line. Honestly, I suggest most first-time dog owners start their search with this group.
The only downside is owners should get ready to run. Sporting breeds love to exercise and require significant amounts to stop pent-up energy from running wild. If you don’t want to come home and find your shoes chewed up, put time aside for some walks!
Breed Examples:
- Cocker Spaniel
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source https://www.dogvills.com/why-are-there-so-many-different-kinds-of-dogs/
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