Dogs And Pure Breed
All dogs, impure as well as pure-bred, and several wild cousins such as
wolves
and foxes, are one family. Each breed was created by human beings,
using
selective breeding to get desired qualities. The result is an
almost
unbelievable diversity of purebred dogs that will, when bred to others
of their
breed, produce their own kind. A "breed standard" is a
written
description of a given breed. This description uses words to define
what a breed
should look like. A standard exists for each of the breeds
recognized by The
American Kennel Club (AKC) and is the standard each
breed is mentally measured
against. Throughout the world there are several
hundred distinctive breeds of
purebred dogs, not all of which are AKC
recognized breeds. There are currently
147 breeds officially recognized
by the AKC. Each breed is assigned to one of
the following seven groups,
based on the uses for which the breeds were
originally developed. These seven
groups include: Group 1 -- Sporting Dogs;
Group 2 -- Working Dogs; Group
3 -- Terriers; Group 4 -- Toy Breeds; Group 5 --
Non-Sporting Breeds;
Group 6 -- Herding; and Group 7 -- Hounds. The Sporting
dogs are naturally
active and alert, likable, and well-rounded companions.
Members of this
Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels.
Remarkable for
their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively
participate
in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting
dogs need
to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise. Dogs of
the
Working Group, of which there are 21, were bred to perform such jobs
as
guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have
been an
invaluable asset to human being throughout the ages. The Doberman
Pinscher,
Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group. Quick
to learn, these
intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. The
Terrier Group is a group
of "feisty, energetic dogs" whose sizes range from
fairly small, as in
the Norfolk, Cairn to the grand Airedale Terrier. This
group consists of 25
different recognizable breeds. Their ancestors were bred
for hunting and killing
vermin. These dogs are very determined and are often
described as projecting an
attitude that they are always eager for a spirited
argument. They require owners
with the determination to match their lively
characteristics. With 20 separate
breeds in it, dogs in the Toy Group are
full of energy. These dogs may look
little and fragile, but "many Toy dogs
are tough as nails" (AKC.org).
This group is popular for people who do
not have a lot of space for a larger
dog. This group contains the ever
lovable Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, and
Poodle. The diminutive size and
winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the
main function of this Group:
to embody sheer delight (AKC.org). The Poodle,
Dalmatian, and Bulldog are
a few examples of the 17 breeds you will find in the
Non-Sporting Group.
This is an extremely diverse group of dog breeds. Some are
extremely rare to
find, while others are seen all the time and everywhere.
"The breeds in the
Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of
size, coat,
personality and overall appearance" (AKC.org). The Herding
Group,
consisting of the Collie, Border Collie, and German Shepherd Dog are some
of
the most popular family pets. This is an astounding group of smart
dogs.
Formerly members of the Working Group, they were separated into
their own group
in 1983. "All breeds share the fabulous ability to control
the movements of
other animals" (AKC.org). These dogs make wonderful,
obedient pets if given
the time for training and exercises. The Hound Group
contains such popular dogs
as the Basset Hound, Bloodhound, and Greyhound.
There are 22 separate breeds in
the Hound Group alone. Most hounds share the
common ancestral trait of being
used for hunting, for example, some use acute
scenting powers to follow a trail.
Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift
of stamina as they relentlessly run down
prey. Purebred dogs are found in a
variety of sizes, shapes, colors and
personalities. Some breeds are old,
others are new, and all have been molded
over time to serve humanity in some
capacity. Thus we have hunters, guards,
trackers, shepherds, sled dogs, and
above all, companions. We have energetic
dogs, sedate dogs, extroverted dogs
and those that prefer the fellowship of one
or a few familiar faces. Choosing
the purebred dog that's right for you requires
some work. By narrowing down
these groups you can find a dog to fit your life
style and
personality.
Bibliography
The American Kennel Club's The Complete
Dog Book, 19th Edition Revised
Article Breed Standards, by Sari B.
Tietjen The American Kennel Club website,
www.AKC.ORG