Dog Breeds - Origins, Groups, and Types of Breeds

Do you know that dogs, as we know them today, used to be wolves in the past? It may come as a surprise to you but it is true. Dogs have originated and evolved from wolves and are probably the first animals that are domesticated by humans. They were domesticated for more than 30,000 years, which is older than horses and ruminants.

How did the bond begin? It all began when humans used to live in an ancient era and the wolves scavenged food from them. Seeing this, humans began domesticating them and in return, provided them food and shelter.

They used to help the human hunters in hunting and accompanied them everywhere. Those domesticated wolves bred and took the shape of the modern dogs that we see now. With time, the bond strengthened, and now, dogs are considered as the top house animals and human companions.

In this blog, we have added and detailed some of the top dog breeds that make excellent companions like pets and emotional support animals.

Why are Dogs Considered a Man’s Best Friend and Companions?

A simple and one line answer to this is that dogs are awesome. Other than dogs, cats are also one of the most popular pets and emotional support animals but still, dogs hold the number one position in the category of favored house animals. However, there are some solid reasons that these canines are considered as the best friends and companions

Here are some of the key reasons why dogs are considered a man’s best friend.

• They have poor short term memory

  This means that they will not remember any wrong that you did to them. Human friends are different and unfortunately, they will remember everything that you did for them. In the case of dogs, you can tug on their ears, play with their tail, or even annoy them for fun. Your dog will not remember it or hold a grudge against you for any of it.

• They have excellent long term memory

  Dogs never forget what good you did for them. They may not remember how you annoy them, but they definitely remember how you took care of them, gave them food and shelter, and the way you love and care for them. They are very attached to their human families and members and they love to stay by their side all the time. This makes them excellent receptors for your love and you can cuddle them to your heart’s content.

• They are always by your side

  Yes and this also means that will protect you no matter what. Dog owners know how protective the canines are and this is also one of the main reasons that people like to have these fellows at home. They are skeptical about strangers and in case you are in trouble, they will be the very first ones to respond and jump in to save and protect you.

• They understand your emotions and mental state

  Dogs know instinctively what you are feeling and they respond and even mimic your emotions. When you are sad or angry, your dog will behave in the same manner and will support you both mentally and emotionally.

  Where humans have limited time to give to fellow humans, canines are always there to support and care for their humans. This is why people prefer having one of these fellows with them.

• They help in minimizing food wastage

  Food wastage is at its highest level all over the world. Many times, we are left with a small amount of food that is too small to save and too big of a hassle to waste or wash off in the sink. The solution? Give it to Coco and he will be happy to clean the plate for you.

  However, this does not mean that you should give just anything to your dog. You must know about your dog’s allergies and the food items that may cause a negative reaction in your dog.

• They help you stay active

  Dogs are extremely high in energy and they are happy to burn it off in multiple ways. While some dogs may be higher in energy than others, all of them are happy to accompany you on your daily walks and running sessions. Like us, dogs also need some physical activity to stay healthy and fit. This will benefit you also since you will have to be active to take your dog on walks.

• They are intelligent and intuitive

  This largely depends on the breed of the dog but on a whole, dogs are naturally intelligent and intuitive beings. They could sense your feelings and are ready to stay by your side and give you loads of cuddles anytime you need them. Breeds like Labrador and Golden Retrievers are easy to train and they make great pets and house animals for families with kids and other pets also.

• They never let you eat alone

  Once you have a canine home, you will not have to eat alone again. They will always be with you and are ready to have a share of everything you eat. But, you will have to be careful that you do not give anything that is harmful to them. Dogs are allergic to some ingredients and food items and this is why you will have to be careful that you do not give any such thing to them.

  Besides, dogs love life and they know how to live happily, no matter how bad the situations are. They are cheerful; beings and having one around in the house will light up the entire environment and your mood.

Basic Groups of the Dog Breeds

There are a number of different kinds of dog breeds. The American Kennel Club has registries for more than 150 dog breeds and these breeds are divided into seven groups. Each group of dogs is characterized based on the dogs' qualities, characteristics, purpose, and functions.

Here are the seven groups of dog breeds.

1. 1. Herding Group

   This group was recognized by the AKC in 1983 and is considered as the newest group. Previously, these dogs were also included in the Working group. The dogs in this group are specifically bred to help with herding purposes. Some of the known herding dogs are:

   • Australian Shepherds
   • Border Collies
   • Old English Sheepdogs
   • Australian Cattle Dog
   • German Shepherd
2. 2. Sporting Group

   As the name suggests, the dogs included in this group are used for several purposes and outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and catching fowl. These dogs are very energetic and need ample outdoor activities to stay happy and healthy. Some hunting dogs in this category are:

   • Golden Retriever
   • Labrador Retriever
   • English Setter
   • Pointer
   • Brittany
3. 3. Non-Sporting Group

   This group includes all the dogs that do not fit in any of the other six groups. These dogs vary in size, origins, personality and functions and are probably the largest group among others. Some dogs included in this group are:

   • Lhasa Apso
   • Chow Chow
   • Dalmatian
   • American Eskimo Dog
   • American Bulldog
4. 4. Working Group

   These dogs are specially bred for the working purpose like protecting the property or house, pulling the sleds, and doing rescue work with the police. These dogs are sturdy, strong and trainable and make ideal workmates. Some of these dogs are:

   • Siberian Husky
   • Boxer
   • Great Dane
   • Bernese Mountain Dog
   • Alaskan Malamute
5. 5. Hound Group

   These dogs are bred and used for their sharp sense of smell. They are used for tracking warm-blooded prey or animals. These dogs are fast-paced and have a sharp and excellent sense of smell and sight, which help them in either chasing the prey or holding them. Some of these dogs are:

   • Basset Hound
   • Beagle
   • Greyhound
   • Afghan Hound
   • Norwegian Elkhound
6. 6. Terrier Group

   The dogs added in this group are specifically used for catching mice, rats, vermin, badgers, and other small animals. Moreover, these dogs also make great house animals that protect the houses and the barns. Some of these dogs are given below:

   • Bull Terrier
   • Australian Terriers
   • Boston Terrier
   • Dandie Dinmont Terrier
   • Airedale Terriers
7. 7. Toy Group

   This type of dog weighs between 6 to 16 pounds and has a comparatively longer life expectancy than other dogs. They fit easily into your lap and make great human companions and friends. Some of these dog breeds are:

   • Chihuahua
   • Havanese
   • Maltese
   • Pomeranian
   • Poodle

All of these groups have different kinds of dog breeds that are bred for different purposes and have very different and specific kinds of personalities.

List of the Top Dog Breeds - Different Sizes, Traits, Purposes

Different dog breeds have different kinds of personalities and traits. All of these dogs are bred and used for different purposes. They belong to one of the seven groups of dogs that are recognized and registered by the American Kennel Club.

Below, we have listed and briefed some of the top dog breeds.

Bernedoodle

A Bernedoodle is a mix between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Being a mix between the two dogs, these canines inherit all the good qualities of their parents while effectively subtracting negative traits like genetic diseases. Due to their size, they are considered as one of the big dog breeds but due to their Poodle parent, they have a longer life expectancy.

For more information, you can read a detailed Bernedoodle breed profile guide available on our site.

Weimaraner

A Weimaraner is a German dog breed that is known and loved for its sleek appearance and silver-gray coat. They are one of the most loved dogs and they make great pets and companions. They are friendly, beautiful, obedient, and very energetic. Moreover, they love spending time with their human families and they are excellent with kids.

To know more about this unique and strikingly beautiful dog breed, read the complete Weimaraner breed profile available on our site.

Maltipoo

The dog is a hybrid of the Maltese and Poodle dog breeds. Since both of the parents are small in size, these dogs are one of the small dog breeds ideal for apartment living. These dogs are considered more of designer dogs than cross breeds since they are bred and built for a purpose. Both of the parents are hypoallergenic but you should be careful; when bringing any of them home.

For more details, read our Maltipoo profile guide, which will help you understand the specific traits and personality of this breed.

Bullmastiff

This dog breed is counted as one of the large dog breeds. These dogs make excellent house and family guardians and are considered and are considered as one of the most fearless dog breeds. They have short coats that shed less and they make great apartment dogs for the people who are looking for a protective canine.

For more details, read our Bullmastiff breed profile guide and see if this breed will make an ideal house animal for you.

Dogo Argentino

This is a big and powerful dog breed that is specifically bred to catch big game like a puma or a boar. These dogs are very athletic, large, and powerful and their intelligence makes them ideal for the hunters looking for an intelligent and strong hunting partner. They have a muscular frame and their entirely white coat gives them a distinct look.

For more on the breed, check the Dogo Argentino breed guide available here and see if it makes the right fit for your household.

Cockapoo

These dogs are one of the cutest dog breeds that you will come across. These dogs are one of the designer dog breeds as they are built by breeding and combining the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. These dogs are easy to train, happy to be with people, very affectionate, do not shed much, and do not hold grudges against anyone.

Want to know more about a Cockapoo? Read our complete Cockapoo breed profile guide to know about it.

Anatolian Shepherd

An Anatolian Shepherd dog is a large dog breed that is originally from Turkey. These dogs are used as shepherd’s companions and guardians of the cattle and livestock. They were strategically created and built to mix with the livestock. They are strong, fierce, and excellent guard dog breeds that are known for their protective and loyal personalities.

To know more about this Turkish dog breed, visit our Anatolian Shepherd profile guide to see if this dog makes a good fit as your house animal.

Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier is a small dog breed and it got its name from its ability to catch rats and eradicate them. They are farm dogs that have a very lively personality and you will not have a dull moment with them. These dogs make great watchdogs and they are also very good companions for the farmers.

To know more about the breed, you can follow our Rat Terrier breed profile guide and familiarize

American Bully

The American Bully is a somewhat new dog breed that originated in the United States and with the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. These dogs are from the medium-sized dog breeds category and they are ideal for a number of purposes. They are different from the American Pitbull and they come in different breeds.

Our American Bully profile guide will help you further in knowing more about this breed and its further breeds.

Black Mouth Cur

This bred got its name from its black nozzle. They are medium-sized dogs that are brave, strong, and fearless. They are one of the working breed groups but they are considered as an all-rounder working dog that is equally capable of helping and assisting the hunters and farmers in the same excellence and vigor. Besides being strong, these canines are also very sensitive and may not respond well to harsh punishment.

For more on this breed and whether it would make a good companion for you, read our Black Mouth Cur breed profile guide.

Sheepadoodle

The breed is a mix between the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. Being a hybrid, this dog is lucky to inherit some of the best personality traits from both of its parents. These dogs are smart, feisty, loving, and very playful.

These dogs are also known as Sheeppoo, Sheep-a-Poo, and Sheepdogpoo. They are regarded as designer dogs and their protective nature makes them ideal companions.

To know more about these hybrid dogs, read our Sheepadoodle breed profile guide, and see if they make ideal pets for your household.

Chiweenie

This dog is a hybrid of a Dachshund and Chihuahua and is adorably small in size. They are very energetic and make very loyal pets and house animals. This breed is also known by the names of German Taco, Mexican Hot Dog, Choxie, and Weeniehuahua. They are identified as a designer breed but they make great apartment dwellers.

To know more about these alert dogs, go through our Chiweenie breed profile, and see how these canines could keep you happy and engaged.

Schnoodle

What do we get when we mix a Schnauzer and Poodle? A Schnoodle. These dogs vary in size and it depends on the size of their parents. However, mostly, they are identified as small dogs and make great lap dogs.

Since both of the base breeds are highly intelligent, active, and playful, this makes the hybrid also very playful and a cheerful family member.

Intrigued and want to know more about them? Read the Schnoodle breed profile guide to know more about them and to bring them home.

English Shepherd

An English Sheepdog is a large dog breed that is known for its unique look and athletic frame and quality. Previously, these dogs used to be drovers and helped the farmers in driving the sheep to the market. They enjoy living at home and they are known for their obedience, trainability, sturdy structure, and loving nature.

For more, go through our English Sheepdog profile guide, it has all the information that you need before bringing this dog home.

Russian Bear Dog

These dogs are also known as the Caucasian Mountain Dogs, Baskhan Pariy, and Caucasian Ovcharka Dogs. They are large in size and they are fierce and strong protectors. They are loyal to the core and they are very territorial in nature. They are stubborn and extremely independent, which makes them difficult to train.

Want to know more? Check our Russian Bear Dog breed profile to know about these dogs and if they would be suitable for you.

All of these dog breeds are great for house animals, both as pets and emotional support animals, and they make excellent companions. However, to get any of these canines as an ESA, you will need to get a valid ESA letter for it.

Contact RealESALetter.com and, if qualified, get your letter in 24 hours.