Dog breeds – what you need to know
Dogs have become one of the favorite pets in our homes, and even it has reached a point where every family feels incomplete without a dog. However, the challenge comes when choosing the right dog breed for you. Dog breeds are diverse, and they are estimated to be around 800 dog breeds in the world. However, only 150 breeds have widely spread across the globe. That means one dog breed can be completely different from another, yet they are from the same family. For instance, look at how Great Dane is different from Chihuahua.
According to DNA tests, dogs evolved from wolves over 15000 years ago when humans started selectively breeding them. As we speak, there is no other animal in the world that is so diverse and remains in the same species as dogs. That means then; you need to understand the dog breeds available before you start choosing the right one for you. A dog comes in different sizes, shapes, skills, and temperaments. On the other hand, health vulnerabilities and requirements also vary from one dog breed to another. All these factors should be given priority when choosing the right dog breed for your home.
Dog breed functional categories
Usually, there is always the reason why you need a dog and the significant role you expect him to perform on your premises. Each dog breed is most likely to fall under any of the following functional categories;
-
Companion Dog
This type of dos is only expected to offer a companion to the owner and is not for utility or work. Although almost every dog breed can serve as a companion, smaller toy breeds are more accepted in this category. Popular companion dog breeds include Chihuahua, Pekingese, and Pomeranian.
-
Guard dog
Dog breeds in this category are expected to protect you from unwanted individuals or animals. A watchdog work is to bark to alert you of any incoming intruder. The dog also attacks and restrain the intruder. The most known guard dog breeds include Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Bullmastiff, and American Bulldog.
-
Hunting dogs
Dog breeds in this category are specifically for hunting. This category has been divided further into three sub-types; hounds, Terries, cur type and dogs, and gun dogs. The most popular hunting dog breeds include Whippet, English Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Golden Retriever, and Scottish Terrier.
-
Herding dog
The dogs in this category serve as pastoral aids and can help in herding cattle, sheep, among other livestock. Dog breeds in this category are known for their intelligence, ability to be trained, and they respond to spoken and whistle commands. The most preferred dogs for herding include; Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Border collie, and Bouvier des Flandres.
-
Sled dog
These dogs are also known as sleight man or sled dogs, and they are used for transportation as well as pulling sleds over the vast areas of ice or snow. The dog breeds in this category are known for their speed and endurance. Some of the popular sled dogs include Alaskan malamute, Samoyed, and Siberian husky.
In summary, before choosing a dog breed, first, understand the functions you want the dog to perform. That will help in choosing the dog breed for your home.
