All of the Dog Breeds (347 Dog Breeds – A to Z)

What Is Your Dog Breed’s Group?

Every dog breed belongs to a particular group, designated by dog breed organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Kennel Club UK, and the International Canine Federation.

These groupings help to classify breeds based on shared traits, typically reflecting the original jobs they were bred for, such as hunting, herding, or companionship.

Let’s explore some of these distinct groups.

Dog Breeds

Herding Dogs

Herding dogs, as the name suggests, were originally bred to herd and protect livestock. These intelligent and energetic breeds make excellent working dogs and pets. Some popular herding breeds include the Border Collie, German Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd.

Spitz Types

Spitz-type dogs are known for their thick fur, pointed ears, and bushy tails that often curl over their backs. They are robust and built for harsh, cold climates. Examples of popular spitz breeds include the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Akita.

Terriers

Terriers are feisty, energetic dogs originally bred for hunting and digging out small game. These breeds tend to be fearless, often belying their small-to-medium size. Popular terrier breeds include the Jack Russell Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Airedale Terrier.

Gundogs

Also known as sporting dogs, gundogs were originally bred to assist hunters in locating and retrieving game. They’re generally known for their trainability and friendly demeanor. Notable gundog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and English Springer Spaniel.

Guarding Dogs

Guarding dogs are breeds that have historically been used for the protection of people and property. These breeds are typically large, strong, and courageous. Some popular guarding breeds include the Rottweiler, Boxer, and Doberman Pinscher.

Hounds

Hounds are a diverse group of breeds initially used for hunting by scent or sight. This group includes both sighthounds and scent hounds. Popular hound breeds include the Beagle, Bloodhound, and Greyhound.

Toy Dogs

Toy dogs are small breeds primarily kept for companionship. Despite their diminutive size, many are tough and spirited. Popular toy breeds include the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Toy Poodle.

Breed Adaptations

No Tail

Some dog breeds are born without tails or with short ones—a trait known as being “bobtailed”. Examples include the English Bulldog and Australian Shepherd.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds have short noses and flat faces. Despite potential health issues related to this trait, these breeds like the Pug and French Bulldog are often loved for their distinct looks.

Flattened Face

Related to brachycephalic breeds, dogs with flattened faces like the Pekingese and Shih Tzu have been bred for this distinct aesthetic feature.

Black-Coated Dogs

Black-coated dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, Schipperke, and Flat-Coated Retriever are known for their glossy, black coats.

Docking and Pinning

Docking (tail shortening) and pinning (ear cropping) were once standard practices for some breeds like Dobermans and Boxers. Today, these practices are controversial and banned in many countries.

Breeding Trends

Modern dog breeding often prioritizes health and temperament, along with maintaining breed standards. However, there are also trends towards breeding ‘designer’ dogs – hybrids of two purebreds – and towards miniaturization of certain breeds.

Buyer’s Checklist

When choosing a dog breed, prospective owners should consider factors such as the breed’s typical temperament, exercise needs, and potential health issues. Additionally, always ensure to purchase from a reputable breeder, who prioritizes the health and wellbeing of their dogs, or consider adopting from a rescue organization.

Knowing your breed’s group and specific characteristics helps to understand their needs and behaviors better. By choosing the right breed for your lifestyle and providing them with the care and attention they need, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry friend.

Below you’ll find a list of all the dog breeds. It probably isn’t an exhaustive list, but most are there. Also, I haven’t quite got to creating individual pages for each breed.

All of the Dog Breeds (347 Dog Breeds – A to Z)

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