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More than five hundred breeds of dogs exist worldwide. Even though they vary greatly in appearance, all dogs belong to the same species, Canis familiaris- the domestic wolf. They're also identical in anatomy, with a total of 321 bones and 42 permanent teeth.

Information> Breeds

Saint Bernard

Dogs are intelligent and remarkably adaptable, traits that have assured them a place by our side for centuries. The original purpose of almost all breeds have become mostly obsolete today. Few Huskies are called upon to pull sleds in the high Arctic and seldomly are Terriers directed to dig out and kill small vermon. However, many of those physical and psychological characteristics remain today.

In an unstructured, non-managed environment, they are driven by such instincts. This is often the root of any problems that owners might have with their dog.

To help ensure the right canine companion for you, it's important to carefully research and select a breed that will suit your personality and lifestyle.

Today, seven groups reflect the "Original Purpose" of dogs:

  • Group 1 Sporting Dogs - pointing breeds, game flushers, setters and retrievers
  • Group 2 Hounds - hunters with a keen sense of smell and sight
  • Group 3 Working - guard dogs and draft workers
  • Group 4 Terriers - hunters of vermin and bred to go into burrows
  • Group 5 Toys - pets and lap dogs for companionship
  • Group 6 Non-Sporting - dogs that perform a variety of tasks
  • Group 7 Herding - livestock herder (primarily cattle and sheep)

    • For more information, visit the Canadian Kennel Club website. The CKC recognizes and lists 163 different breeds.

    Interesting Facts

  • Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve fishing nets.
  • In the 19th century Dalmations defended carriages against highwaymen and kept away animals that could scare the horses.
  • Siberian Huskies have been used to herd reindeer in Siberia for 3000 years.
  • Louis Doberman, a German tax-collector, created the Doberman breed in the late 1860s to protect him while he worked
  • Monks used the Lhasa Apso as a guard dog in temples.
  • The British bred Basset Hounds to have short legs so hunters could keep up with them.
  • Chow-Chows have blue-black tongues.
  • The Basenji is also known as the African Barkless dog because it yodels instead of barking.


    • Updated Jan.12, 2004
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