Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

What to Know About Caring for Different Dog Breeds

  • Written by NewsServices.com

It is said that variety is the spice of life and if you know anything about spices, you would know that it adds flavor to any dish. This saying is a truth that is reflected daily in the various aspects of life. This variety also gives us a rich plethora of options to choose from.

Again, some of the options or varieties that we have especially with some animal species were also facilitated or engineered by human hands and actions but then, they all form part of the varieties we now enjoy. One prime example of such an animal are dogs and the various breeds around.


What Are Dog Breeds?

This basically refers to the various types and classes of dogs that are. They are the perfect examples of animals that humans have bred and continue breeding for many reasons. They have a very storied history with humans which is why they are generally referred to as a best friend to humans. They basically serve three purposes namely; guarding, herding and hunting; you can read more about that here.

While humans have always been breeding them for a variety of reasons, the breeding part in modern times as we know it today started in the 19th century. Since then, a lot of breeds have been bred or even created by humans although the pure breeds remain in large numbers to this day.


What Are The Various Dog Breeds There Are?

Now, there are a lot of dog breeds around the world (it is estimated to be about 400). However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) based on their breed standards only recognizes 197 breeds (which is still quite a lot). They are also the ones to define, register and prescribe the characteristics that a canine must have to qualify and be categorized as a breed. However, these various breeds are generally classified into 7 categories or groups and they are:

The Hound Group

These are basically hunting canines and are bred primarily to hunt game. Their typical body type is sleek and swift with the great ability to pick up scents. They are also very hardworking; some of the dogs in this category include:

  • The Basset Hound

  • The Beagle

  • The Grey Hound

These are the most common hounds there are. Some of the less common and rare ones include:

  • The Rhodesian Ridgeback

  • The Irish Wolfhound

  • The Treeing Walker Coonhound


The Terrier Group

This group is made up of dogs that originated mostly from the British Isles and their particular skill sets mostly evolved because of their environment (vermin presence which they had to kill and to also guard homes and barns). They also were bred for hunting duties though it mostly involved pursuing rodents underground and either digging up the ground or burrowing after them. You can read more about them at https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrier. Examples of this category includes:

  • The Bull Terrier

  • The American Staffordshire Terrier

  • The Silky Terrier

  • The Boston Terrier

  • The Dandie Dinmont Terrier


The Working Group

This category of dogs is regarded as blue collar workers because of their ability to perform particular tasks like guarding property or working rescues. In the past, they were used to pull carts and sleds. Some of them in this category include:

  • The Great Dane

  • The Mastiff

  • The Boxer

  • The Leonberger

  • The Bernese Mountain Dog

  • The Dogo Argentino


The Sporting Group

They can be classified as the hunter’s friend that helps out with retrieving and keeping games caught during a hunt. Also, they generally fall under categories based on their uses namely; pointers, spaniels, retrievers and setters. Some examples of this group include:

  • The Golden Retriever

  • The Labrador Retriever

  • The English Springer Spaniel

  • The Irish Setter


The Non-Sporting Group

The dogs in this category are mostly had as companions though they can also perform a specific task. They are mostly the ones people have in the house today for affection and cuddling purposes. Examples of the canines in this category include:

  • The Lhasa Apso

  • The Dalmatian

  • The Chow Chow

  • The Poodle

  • The Bulldog

  • The French Bulldog


The Herding Group

Well, as tasks and duties go, theirs is quite straight forward which is herd duty over livestock, this they do with human shepherds. They are also very protecting of little children and are easily trainable so they are mostly found in homes today. It is also important to note that there are various breeds under this category (about 30 actually). Some of the breeds under this category are:

  • The German Shepherd

  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

  • The Border Collie

  • The Australian Shepherd

  • The Old English Sheepdog


The Toy Group

This category of dogs where simply bred to be pets to human and for companionship. They are usually smallish (this is why they are mostly found on the laps of their owners) and some are also quite delicate. Despite their small size, they can have quite strong personalities and protective instincts. Examples include:

  • The Chihuahua

  • The Chinese Crested

  • The Japanese Chin

  • The Maltese

  • The Havanese


Choosing the Dog Breed for You

This is obviously a personal decision but your choice should generally be hinged on purpose, that is, what purpose is the canine to serve for you? This helps you to narrow down your choice to the most suitable for that purpose.

You also will have to care for them and make sure that they are always in the best of conditions. This care would include; ensuring that they are well fed and are always in good health, getting them dog treats from shops like holistapet and so on. Note that they are yours to take care of now and you should do that responsibly.

Conclusion

We all love dogs. These days, many families are not complete without them. But like many other things in life, they come in various shapes, sizes and breeds.

Knowing what category, they fall into and what breed they are helps you understand better how to handle them. Better still, it helps you understand how to take care of them.

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australiaâ...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...