The evolution of the domestic dog breed families that are present in many of our lives today is one that has largely been intertwined with our own development as humans over the many thousands of years. Evolved on from wolves, dogs have for many millenniums provided humans with companionship, guidance, hard work and protection from potential foes. Some of this family breed development with mans influence and some without.
As we as humans developed different cultures worldwide, so too arose a wide variety of domesticated dogs. Various types of dogs led to our observation of their use and breeding although not always as formal as the breeding clubs of today took place.
For the longest time dogs have proved invaluable for hunting, guarding and herding. As we as humans grew in social and economic spheres so did our appeal for toy dogs and lap dogs. All dogs share the common ancestor of course being the wolf yet today specific breeding circle and indeed even with mixed breeds growing in popularity we now have literally thousands of breeds. In this plethora of breed variety we still keep the concept though of 7 dog breed families.
All dog breeds belong to a particular breed group or breed family. Dog breeds are grouped according to the particular attributes that make them good at specific jobs. These attributes include size, temperament, sense of smell and eyesight, and speed and stamina. Breed families therefore contain breeds that generally share the same characteristics, and were originally bred for similar purposes.
Let’s look closer at each of the dog breed groups.
Sporting Dogs: These dogs were originally bred to help their owners hunt game birds. The spaniel breeds were very effective at flushing birds out of bushes or grass. English Springer Spaniels are one example of a good flushing breed. Other breeds in this group are the retrievers, such as the Labrador Retriever, that were designed to bring back the kill. Sporting dogs are intelligent, loyal and active, and they often love water!
Hound Dogs: The hound breeds were also part of the hunt, but in a different way to the sporting breeds. They were bred to chase - or hound – their prey by sight, smell or a combination of both. Some breeds, like the Foxhound, have great stamina, while others such as the Greyhound are very fast over short distances.
Herding Dogs: This group consists of breeds that were bred to herd livestock and work them in the yards. They are extremely smart, and are often independent thinkers. German Shepherds and Collies are examples of breeds that belong in the herding group.
Terrier Dogs: Terriers possess characteristics that made them suitable for hunting and catching of vermin. They are strong willed, determined dogs with plenty of energy. Terriers range in size from the tiny Miniature Fox Terrier, to the muscular Bull Terrier.
Working Dogs: Breeds in this group were bred to work alongside people. Their roles included pulling sleds, rescuing people lost in the snow or in the water, and guarding buildings and property. Most working breeds are very big dogs, so prospective owners need to take into account how much space they have, and whether they can afford to care for such a large animal. The St Bernard and Newfoundland are two well-known breeds that fall into the working dog group.
Toy Dogs: Members of the toy group were bred purely as companions. Historically, their role was to provide entertainment and act as a status symbol for the upper classes of society. These little dogs usually have a big personality, and are an excellent choice of dog for apartment dwellers. The Chihuahua and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are very popular toy breeds.
Non-Sporting Dogs: This group consists of dogs that don’t appear to fit into any of the other groups. These breeds range in size from the large Dalmatian to the tiny Tibetan Spaniel. They can have short coats, such as the Boston Terrier or long flowing tresses like those of the Lhasa Apso.
Before getting any breed of dog as a pet, it’s worth looking into the breed group they belong to, in order to get a better idea of their natural instincts and characteristics. This will allow you to better choose a dog that fits your family lifestyle.