Choosing a purebred is a great way to know what a dog’s looks and personality are like. But it’s never a guarantee!
Even within a single breed, there’s variety in the way a dog acts. They react differently to the world around them. Those differences can be due to how much socialization and handling they received as a youngster. Another factor is how well the owner trained them after taking them home. And — of course — there is the genetic luck of the draw. In the end, your dog’s preferences and personality are as individual as you are, regardless of the breed. If you can accept that, you’re bound to enjoy each other’s companionship for life.
What is a dog breed?
Dog breeds are a relatively recent invention that classifies an animal by its lineage and physical appearance. Humans and canines began associating around 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. Eventually, humans discovered that selectively breeding certain breeds make certain traits more pronounced and lessen or remove others.
As time went on, humans bred dogs to achieve a wide variety of tasks and to be companion animals. Today, there are hundreds of breeds that vary widely in size, shape, color, and temperament.
Types of dogs
Most breeds are generally grouped into three main categories based on their lineage and breeding purpose:
Purebreds
Dogs bred from a particular lineage and conform to breed standards are called purebreds. These are the German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Dachshunds of the world. These are often expensive and an industry has risen around the breeding and sale of purebreds. While plenty of legitimate breeders produce healthy animals, there’s a darker side of which potential pet owners should be aware.
If you’re considering a purebred, thoroughly investigate the source. Puppy mills exist that breed with no regard for their health or genes. Puppies from these breeders can have physical issues. They can also experience mental issues. These problems result in unsuspecting owners spending thousands on vet or trainer bills.
Mixed breeds
Mutts or mongrels are mixed-breed dogs that don’t show the traits of any one breed. They differ from hybrids. We typically make no effort to breed for specific traits in mutts.
Hybrid breeds
Hybrid breeds have exploded in popularity in recent years. These breeds are created by crossing two purebreds to combine the best traits from both parents. Doodles are currently the most popular hybrid dogs, with Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, and the like having a huge following.
FAQs
How many dog breeds are there?
It depends on who you ask:
– The largest registry in the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC), recognizes just 201 breeds.
– America’s second-largest dog registry, the United Kennel Club (UKC), recognizes over 376 breeds.
– The largest international registry, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), lists 360 breeds.
Here at DogTime, we recognize them all. Our comprehensive dog breeds list includes popular, rare, and newly recognized breeds from across the globe.
How do I choose the right type of dog breed?
If you plan to adopt or buy a new furry pal for your family, especially with kids, there’s so much to consider. Hence, follow these pointers to find the perfect fit for your loved ones.
Start by deciding whether you want a young pup or a senior dog, as their needs and requirements are different.
Consider your living situation and lifestyle. For instance, if you live in an apartment or a small house, small-to-medium-sized dogs will do well in such spaces. Owners could consider giant dogs for a big house with a backyard if that’s what they want.
Similarly, take your lifestyle or activity level into account when choosing the right type of dog breed. For an active lifestyle, one could welcome a German Shepherd. But if you are a couch potato looking for a cuddly dog, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Maltese, and so on might be a good choice.
Family dynamics and health are also significant considerations before getting a furry companion at home. Are you about to start a family? Do you have kids? Do you have kids or any family members with functional needs? Will your family be able to look after the dog amid their busy schedules? Does anyone have allergies, etc.?
Consider your financial situation, as every dog has different needs. For instance, some dog breeds like the Samoyed, the Old English Sheepdog, and the Portuguese Water Dog need regular intensive grooming from early on, which might affect your pocket. On the other hand, some breeds like Dachshunds and Greyhounds are low-maintenance. Similarly, every dog breed faces some minor to severe health issues with age that might affect your pocket.
Another important factor that you could consider is the dog’s overall health, training requirements, temperament, maintenance, intelligence, compatibility, shedding, energy and activity level, and socialization.
You can even consult a vet or a few dog owners to gain a better understanding of a specific breed. This step might make it easier to choose the right dog for yourself or your family.
