
Dogs are incredibly diverse, with over 340 recognized breeds worldwide. This diversity is due to the wide range of sizes, shapes, and coat types.
From the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane, dog breeds vary greatly in terms of size. Some breeds, like the Greyhound, are bred for speed and can reach up to 43 miles per hour.
Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and their history is closely tied to human culture and society.
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Breeds
Dogs are incredibly diverse, with various breeds and types found across the globe. The Bakharwal, for instance, is a livestock guardian dog from northern India.
Some breeds are specifically designed for hunting and guarding, such as the Bully Kutta and the Gull Dong. These dogs are found in India and Pakistan.
There are also rare breeds like the Gull Terrier, which is a fighting dog, guard dog, and hunting dog. Another rare breed is the Kanni, a sighthound found in the state of Tamil Nadu.
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Many breeds are recognized by kennel clubs, such as the Kombai, a sighthound and guard dog from southern India, and the Mudhol Hound, a sighthound popular in central India.
Here's a list of some Indian breeds:
- Bakharwal – a livestock guardian dog from northern India.
- Banjara Hound, the sighthound used by the Banjara people.
- Bully Kutta – an Indian mastiff used for hunting and guarding
- Chippiparai – a sighthound from Tamil Nadu. KCI Certified breed.
- Gull Dong -a fighting dog, guard dog, and hunting dog found in India and Pakistan.
- Gull Terrier - a rare fighting dog, guard dog, and hunting dog found in India and Pakistan.
- Haofa Tangkhul Hui - a hunting dog used by the Tangkhul people
- Himalayan Sheepdog – a livestock guardian dog from the Himalayas and India
- Indian Spitz - a small farm dog found in India
- Indian pariah dog – pariah dog found throughout India.
- Jonangi - a fighting dog, guard dog, and hunting dog from southern India.
- Kaikadi – a sighthound kept by the Kaikadi people
- Kanni – a rare sighthound found in the state of Tamil Nadu. KCI Certified breed.
- Kombai – a sighthound and guard dog from southern India.KCI Certified breed.
- Mahratta Greyhound – a sighthound from Maharashtra.
- Mudhol Hound– a sighthound popular in central India. KCI Certified breed.
- Rajapalayam– a southern Indian sighthound. KCI Certified breed.
- Ramanadhapuram Mandai- a guard dog and hound from Tamil Nadu. KCI registered dog breed.
- Rampur Greyhound – a sighthound from the Rampur district
- Vikhan – a livestock guardian dog from India and Pakistan.
Characteristics and Uses
Dogs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane. They are highly social animals that thrive on interaction with their human family.
Some dog types are bred for specific purposes, such as the Greyhound, which was originally bred for speed and is now often kept as a companion. Others, like the Bulldog, have been bred for their unique physical characteristics.
Dogs are known for their loyalty and ability to form strong bonds with their owners, making them popular pets for many people.
Core Uses of "Type"
In biology, a "type" refers to a taxon with a fixed name.
For dog fanciers, "breed type" is about qualities like bodily contour and carriage that indicate excellence in a group.
A dog that closely resembles the written standard of a breed is called "typey".
"Dogs of a well established line" is another way "type" is used, referring to a specific style of dog within a breed type, often from a particular kennel.
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Trainability and Boldness
Trainability and boldness can make a big difference in how well a dog responds to training and interacts with its environment. Herding dogs are more trainable than hounds, toy dogs, and non-sporting dogs.
Sporting dogs are particularly responsive to training, often outperforming non-sporting dogs in this regard. This suggests that breeds developed for specific tasks, like herding or hunting, tend to be more trainable.
Terriers are known to be bold, often surpassing herding dogs and hounds in this aspect. This boldness can be an asset in certain situations, but it also requires careful handling to ensure the dog doesn't become too aggressive.
Breeds with ancient Asian or African origin tend to be less trainable than others, which might be due to their evolution in different environments. This can make them more challenging to work with, but also adds to their unique character.
Breeds in the mastiff/terrier cluster are generally bolder than many other groups, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
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Classification and Organization
There are over 340 recognized dog breeds, which can be broadly categorized into seven main groups.
The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognizes seven groups: Sporting Dogs, Hound Dogs, Working Dogs, Terrier Dogs, Toy Dogs, Non-Sporting Dogs, and Herding Dogs.
Sporting Dogs are bred for hunting and retrieving, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.
Hound Dogs are bred for tracking and hunting, such as the Beagle and the Bloodhound.
Working Dogs are bred for tasks like guarding and pulling sleds, such as the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky.
Terrier Dogs are bred for hunting small game, such as the Yorkshire Terrier and the Cairn Terrier.
Toy Dogs are bred for companionship, such as the Chihuahua and the Poodle.
Non-Sporting Dogs are a diverse group, including breeds like the Bulldog and the Pug.
Herding Dogs are bred for herding livestock, such as the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd.
Each group has its own unique characteristics and traits, making it easier to understand and identify different breeds.
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