The Classification of Breeds of Dogs

There are many different breeds of dogs. The number is so high, in fact, that the breeds are often grouped into different classes. Understanding these classes can be difficult, especially as the standards continue to change over time. You can, however, glean some valuable information by learning a bit more about the different groups to which a breed may belong.

Breeds of dogs can most easily be grouped into a few smaller categories. Though the category names differ from organization to organization, they can be be thought of by a few simple names that reach back to the original purpose of the dogs. Hunting dogs, commonly called hounds, include such breeds as the beagle and bloodhound. The working dogs, which were traditionally used as herding dogs, include breeds such as the German Shepherd and Collie. Next come the working group, the dogs that may have been used in any profession from guarding property to farm work, and include such varied species as the Saint Bernard and the Siberian Husky. Finally, there are the companion breeds, which might include smaller dogs like the Bichon Frise and the Pug.

The difficulty in grouping breeds by class in such a manner is the overlap between breeds. Almost all dogs alive today can easily be considered companion animals, while many of the animals that are currently grouped within the companion category may be further subdivided into classes such as terriers or toy breeds. Breeds of dogs can also be difficult to judge as further cross-breeds are developed, especially as most kennel clubs are slow to recognize such dogs as belonging to a separate classification.

There is also always the issue of the "mutt". It might be said that the majority of dogs do not belong to one particular breed or another. Most dogs found in shelters have a mixed ancestry, though unofficial sources have begun to name these breeds. Animals like the "Jackabee" (Jack Russel/Beagle) or "Doxel" (dachshund/beagle) may well rival the numbers of the officially recognized breeds of dogs, but it will likely take decades of purposeful breeding for any kennel club to determine if they count as a specific breed.

If you want to buy a dog, figuring out the animal's breed is only important for determining temperament. Whether or not a dog conforms to club standards is only important for those that want to show the dog, and many mutts are far healthier and better tempered than their pure-bred counterparts. Taking a look at the groups of dogs can help you to determine what size of animal you might like, though, and specific breeds do have reputations that you can use to determine whether or not the animal will be right for your family.