Different Breeds, Same Species

By Roxanne Willems Snopek

Over fourteen thousand years ago, a few brave members of Canis lupus moved out of the shadows and into the warmth and companionship of primitive humans at the fireside; dogs have been with us ever since. Over the centuries, the descendants of this large grey wolf have developed into a distinct handful of wild dogs, including the Red Wolf, Coyote, Jackal, Dingo and one species of domestic dog, Canis familiaris.

As humans became acquainted with their new canine companions, they discovered many valuable traits that could be harnessed for human advantage: loyalty, territoriality, and the ability to hunt and herd. Gradually, as hunter-gatherers became more agriculture-based, they chose dogs whose talents complemented their needs, and function-specific breeds began to form.

There are now more than 300 breeds of domestic dogs. All were developed for a particular job, (even if they rarely perform it today), and all breeds that perform a related function are grouped together in a specific category. Within these categories, many breeds tend to have physical and behavioural similarities. Breeds can be classified in many different ways; The Eyewitness Handbook of Dogs by David Alderton categorises them as follows:

• Sporting: developed to assist the hunters of game-birds, this group includes a wide variety of Spaniels, Retrievers, Setters, Pointers and Poodles. They vary in size but all are athletic, water-loving dogs with high exercise needs. Common physical characteristics include long, dropped ears and soft, wavy coats with feathering on the extremities. Close association with humans make them highly intelligent and responsive, and are deservedly some of the most popular of breeds.
• Working: this group encompasses breeds developed for a wide variety of heavy tasks including guarding and pulling sleds. Characterised by large size and powerful strength, this group includes the Mastiff, which can reach nearly 200 lbs. Working dogs are some of the most intelligent, as well as the most challenging. Strong and smart, they require firm, knowledgeable handling. The Rottweiler, Doberman, Boxer, Newfoundland, and Malamute are found in this group.
• Herding: this ancient group of dogs has been used for centuries to control the movement of livestock. Most commonly used for sheep and cattle, some have been trained to herd ducks, chickens and deer. Family pets will even herd children if nothing else is available. Medium to large in size, herding dogs are recognised by their distinctive coats, needed for the extreme weather conditions in which they work. Active, highly intelligent dogs, their need for occupation can lead to behaviour problems if not channelled. Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Cattle Dogs and the dreadlocked Puli are found in this group.
• Hounds: these dogs were bred to pursue game. Divided into scenthounds and sighthounds, this group is the oldest of all categories. Scenthounds such as the Bloodhound and Beagle have been bred for stamina and follow their quarry by scenting the trail. Sighthounds pursue their game with keen eyesight and speed and includes the fastest of all dogs, the Greyhound. All sighthounds are easily recognised by their thin, stream-lined appearance. Most hound breeds have smooth, short coats in a rainbow of colours. Bred to work in small groups, or larger packs, these dogs are oblivious to human intervention when after their prey, but make affectionate, relaxed, even lazy, house companions.
• Terriers: from the Latin “terra” which means “earth”, these dogs were bred to hunt small rodents, often following them right into their burrows. Small but tenacious, they have been called “a big dog in a small dog’s body”. Interesting, personable, and tough companions, they like to dig, and can be extremely stubborn. Many terrier breeds have both smooth and wire-coated varieties. Airedales, Fox Terriers, Scottish Terriers, the notorious American Staffordshire Terrier and the diminutive Yorkshire Terrier are all found in this group.
• Companions: including toys and those breeds that just don’t fit anywhere else, this category of dogs was developed primarily for companionship. Generally characterised by their small size and gentle nature, it includes the smallest of all the breeds, the Chihuahua. The glamorous Maltese, the delicate Italian Greyhound and the popular English Bulldog are found in this eclectic group as well.

Understanding the “family history” of your dog can help explain why he does what he does, and give you an idea what to expect. Owners of mixed-breed dogs can pin-point clues to the origin of their canine friend. Perhaps most importantly, prospective puppy-buyers can make an informed choice, based on the characteristics of their favourite breed and the needs of their family.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.