Getting to Know Dog Breeds and Types
Ever wondered about the specifics of your favourite purebred pooch? It's all in the breed standard – a sort of canine rulebook that defines what makes each breed special. From their swagger to their snout, breed standards paint a picture of perfection that guides breeders, judges, and dog enthusiasts alike.
Who Writes the Rules?
Breed standards are crafted by the American Kennel Club and their affiliates, the ultimate fan clubs for specific breeds. These folks live and breathe their chosen breed, coming together to hash out what makes their pups unique. Once they agree, it's off to the AKC Board of Directors for the final stamp of approval.
But here's the kicker: interpreting these standards isn't always straightforward.
Breed standards come in all shapes and sizes. Some are verbose, detailing every whisker and wag, while others leave room for interpretation. It's like trying to describe your favourite song in just a few words, everyone's interpretation is a little different.
Breed Types
Breed type is like a breed's personality. It's what sets them apart from the pack. At shows these dog breeds are grouped into seven distinct categories, each representing the original purpose for which the breeds were developed.
Sporting Group
- These breeds were developed to assist hunters in capturing and retrieving feathered game, with specialities ranging from waterfowl retrieval to hunting on grasslands.
- Well-known: Labrador Retriever and the German Shorthaired Pointer
- Lesser-known: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and the Spinone Italiano.
Hound Group
- Bred to pursue warm-blooded quarry, these dogs use speed and scent to chase down prey, from jackrabbits to escaped convicts.
- Well-known: Bloodhound and Greyhound
- Lesser-known: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Working Group
- These are the blue-collar workers of the dog world, developed to assist humans in various tasks, such as pulling sledges and guarding flocks.
- Well-known: Boxer and Rottweiler
- Lesser-known: Chinook and Kuvasz
Terrier Group
- Originally bred to hunt rodents, these feisty breeds are excellent at digging out vermin and make popular companion dogs today.
- Well-known: Bull Terrier and Scottish Terrier
- Lesser-known: Cesky Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier
Toy Group
- Smaller in size but big on personality, these lap dogs are bred to be affectionate companions, making them ideal for city living.
- Well-known: Chihuahua and Shih Tzu
- Lesser-known: Affenpinscher and Japanese Chin
Non-Sporting Group
- This diverse group of breeds, with no common job description, is sought after mainly as companion animals due to their fascinating histories.
- Well-known: Bulldog and Dalmatian
- Lesser-known: Coton De Tulear and Keeshond
Herding Group
- Developed for moving livestock, these highly trainable breeds work closely with human shepherds and require outlets for their high energy levels.
- Well-known: Border Collie and German Shepherd Dog
- Lesser-known: Icelandic Sheepdog and Swedish Vallhund
A Rich History
Breed standards have been around since the dawn of dogdom. They're like a time capsule, preserving the traits and characteristics that made each breed unique.
Today, organisations like The Kennel Club are tasked with preserving breed standards for future generations. They carefully review and revise standards to ensure that breed health and welfare remain top priorities.
So, the next time you see a fancy dog strutting its stuff at a show, remember that there's a whole story behind that swagger.
