Dog breeds: what are the different types of dogs?

There are so many different types of dogs to choose from when getting a new pet! Learn more about the different breeds and what they have to offer.

With dozens of dog breeds to choose from, selecting the right four-legged family member can be a daunting task! From small lapdogs to giant shepherds, discover the different types and personalities of canine companions and learn more about what they have to offer.

How are dog breeds categorized?

There are many different types of dogs and they can be classified in a number of ways. Here are a few common ways to categorize dogs:

• By breed: there are hundreds of different dog breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and features. Some popular breeds include German shepherds, labradors, poodles and bulldogs.
• By size: dogs can be classified by size as small, medium or large. Small dogs typically weigh less than 20 pounds and include breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. Medium dogs weigh between 20 and 50 pounds and include breeds like Beagles and Cocker Spaniels. Large dogs weigh more than 50 pounds and include breeds like Great Danes and German Shepherds.
• By function: dogs can also be classified according to the work they were originally bred to do. For example, sheepdogs were bred to help manage and move livestock, while hunting dogs were bred to track and retrieve game.
• By temperament: dogs can also be classified by their temperament, which refers to their personality and behaviour. Some dogs are energetic and playful, while others are calm and relaxed. Some dogs are also more independent and aloof, while others are more affectionate and loyal.

Dog types by function

Sports group

The sport group consists of breeds originally used by hunters and fishermen, including the Labrador Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer and Vizsla. These puppies are perfect for an active family as they need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Not only are they loving companions, but they are also talented navigators with their acute sense of smell.

Hound group

The dog group is composed of a number of different breeds, such as Beagles, Greyhounds and Afghan Hounds. These cubs are divided into two categories; scent hounds, originally used for hunting small game, and sight hounds, which hunt for sight. They are good runners and can cover long distances quickly and effortlessly. Dogs are typically great pets, but they require lots of attention and exercise due to their instinctive needs.

Working group

The working group includes breeds such as Boxers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. These dogs were bred to be guardians, guard property, pull sleds and perform rescue operations. They are very intelligent but also dominant in nature and require owners who can give them enough exercise while teaching them not to be aggressive. As such, they are good for first-time dog owners, who may be consistent with their training.

Terrier group

The terrier group includes many different breeds with a rich history. From highland working groups to small lapdogs, this group is as diverse as they come. Some popular breeds in this group include West Highland Terriers, Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers. These dogs have low to average levels of energy depending on the breed and tend to make good family pets due to their intelligence and loyalty.

Toy Group

The toy group consists of small breeds that usually weigh less than 6 to 7 pounds fully grown. These dogs are often used as lap dogs and make excellent companions because they are friendly and affectionate. Some popular dogs in this group include Chihuahuas, Pugs, Maltese and Shih Tzus. Although these small dogs can have big personalities, they usually don’t require much exercise and do best when kept indoors as much as possible because of their small size.

Dog breeds

There are over 340 different dog breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club. Some examples include:

1. Affenpinscher
2. Afghan dog
3. Airedale Terrier
4. Akita
5. Alaskan Malamute
6. American Eskimo dog
7. American Foxhound
8. American Staffordshire Terrier
9. American Water Spaniel
10. Australian cattle dog
11. Australian Shepherd
12. Australian terrier
13. Basset Hound
14. Beagle
15. Bearded Collie
16. Bedlington Terrier
17. Belgian Malinois
18. Belgian sheepdog
19. Belgian Tervuren
20. Bergamasco
21. Bernese mountain dog
22. Bichon Frise
23. Black and Tan Coonhound
24. Bloodhound
25. Border Collie
26. border terrier
27. Borzoi
28. Boston Terrier
29. Cattle Dog of Flanders
30. Boxer
31. Boykin Spaniel
32. Briard
33. Brittany
34. Bulldog
35. Bullmastiff
36. Bull Terrier
37. Cairn Terrier
38. Kanaan dog
39. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
40. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
41. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
42. Chihuahua
43. Chinese crested
44. Chinese Shar-Pei
45. Chow Chow
46. Clumber Spaniel
47. Cockapoo
48. Cocker Spaniel
49. Collie
50. Coton de Tulear
51. Dachshund
52. Dalmatians
53. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
54. Doberman Pinscher
55. English Cocker Spaniel
56. English Foxhound
57. English Setter
58. English Springer Spaniel
59. English Toy Spaniel
60. Field Spaniel
61. Finnish lapdog
62. Finnish Point
63. Flat-coated retriever
64. French Bulldog
65. German Pinscher
66. German Shepherd Dog
67. German shorthair pointer
68. German wire-haired pointer
69. Giant Schnauzer
70. Golden Retriever
71. Goldendoodle
72. Gordon Setter
73. Great Dane
74. Great Pyrenees
75. Greyhound
76. Havanese
77. Irish setter
78. Irish terrier
79. Irish Water Spaniel
80. Irish wolfhound
81. Italian Greyhound
82. Jack Russell Terrier
83. Japanese chinchilla
84. Keeshond
85. Kerry Blue Terrier
86. King Charles Spaniel
87. Labradoodle
88. Labrador retriever
89. Lakeland Terrier
90. Lhasa Apso
91. Maltese
92. Maltipoo
93. Manchester Terrier
94. Miniature Pinscher
95. Miniature Schnauzer
96. Newfoundland
97. Norfolk Terrier
98. Norwich Terrier
99. Old English Sheepdog
100. Papillon
101. Pekingese
102. Pomeranian
103. Poodle
104. Pug
105. Puli
106. Puggle
107. Rottweiler
108. Saint Bernard
109. Saluki
110. Samoyed
111. Schipperke
112. Scottish deerhound
113. Scottish terrier
114. Sealyham Terrier