Dog Breeds
Steve Wilcott
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 Shepherds, 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.
About The Author: This article courtesy of
http://www.dog-training-bible.com
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