Pedigree Dog Breeds 101: A Comprehensive Guide

Pedigree dog breeds have been a part of human history for thousands of years, with evidence of selective breeding dating back to ancient civilizations.

The process of creating a pedigree breed typically involves selecting dogs with desirable traits and breeding them to produce offspring with those characteristics.

Pedigree dogs can be a great choice for many owners, but it's essential to consider the needs and characteristics of a breed before making a decision.

From small companions to large working dogs, pedigree breeds come in all shapes and sizes, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses.

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Pedigree dog breeds are recognized by breed clubs, but the definition can be blurry. Some breeds started out as crossbreeds but have been around long enough to be considered pedigree.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes 356 purebred dog breeds, which is a good starting point for understanding pedigree breeds. These breeds are registered with a breed club and have a distinct genetic makeup.

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However, the American Kennel Club no longer uses the term "ancient breed" to describe a group of dog breeds, but in 2004, a study identified 9 breeds that were genetically distinct and could be separated from modern European breeds. These breeds include the Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, and Norwegian Elkhound.

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The Toy Group is a fascinating category of dog breeds that have been serving as loyal companions to families for centuries. These small dogs are perfect for apartment living or anyone with limited space.

They can be found sitting in the lap of their humans or being carried around in arms, purses, or bags. They're intelligent, sociable, and full of energy, making them a great addition to any family.

Some popular breeds in the Toy Group include the Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, and Chihuahua. These breeds are known for their unique characteristics and adaptability to small living spaces.

Here are some breeds in the Toy Group:

The term "ancient breed" was once used to describe a group of dog breeds, but it's no longer a term used by the American Kennel Club.

Historically, it was believed that these breeds dated back more than 500 years, but a 2004 study found that the origins of these breeds were not as old as thought.

The study looked at the microsatellites of 414 purebred dogs representing 85 breeds and found that 99% of individual dogs could be correctly assigned to their breed based on their genotype.

This indicates that breeding barriers have led to distinct genetic units, making each breed unique.

The study identified 9 breeds that could be represented on the branches of a phylogenetic tree, grouping them together with strong statistical support.

These 9 breeds had been referred to as "ancient breeds", but the study found that the Pharaoh Hound and Ibizan Hound were not as old as once believed.

The Norwegian Elkhound, which was thought to have direct Scandinavian origins dating back 5,000 years, actually grouped with other European dogs.

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Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on form, function or style of work, lineage, or appearance. They are different from modern dog breeds, which are specific breed standards with a common set of heritable characteristics.

There are distinct genetic clusters within modern dogs that largely correspond to phenotype or function. This includes spitz-breeds, toy dogs, spaniels, Mastiff-like breeds, small terriers, retrievers, herding dogs, scent-hounds, and sight-hounds.

The earliest books in the English language to mention numbers of dog types are from the "Cynegetica" (hunting literature), which describe dogs and their work, such as the alaunt, greyhound, pack scent hounds, spaniel, and mastiff.

Some dog types that were found to be genetically divergent from modern breeds include the Basenji, Saluki, Afghan hound, Samoyed, Canaan dog, New Guinea singing dog, dingo, Chow Chow, Chinese Shar Pei, Akita, Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, and American Eskimo dog.

Here are the three well-supported groups that were highly divergent and distinct from modern domestic dogs:

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale is a global organisation that recognizes a staggering number of purebred dog breeds.

There are 98 members and contract partners from around the world, each representing one country and contributing to the organisation's mission.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale lists 339 dog breeds in 78 groups, which is a remarkable collection of diverse and unique purebred dog breeds.

The organisation's breed nomenclature is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in learning about the different breeds of dogs.

There are 356 purebred dog breeds recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which is a testament to the incredible variety of dog breeds found around the world.

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A dog is a domesticated mammal that is often kept as a pet or used for work. They can be purebred or mixed-breed, but many people use the term "pedigree dog" to refer to a specific type of dog.

Some insurance companies don't care if a breed is recognized by the Kennel Club, they just care if it's a purebred dog.

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Breed characteristics are defined by a breed standard, which is a detailed description of the appearance and behavior of an idealized dog of that breed.

The breed standard includes a historical section that describes the place of origin and the original work done by the breed or its ancestor types. This section provides valuable context for understanding the breed's purpose and development.

Breed standards also list externally observable aspects of appearance and behavior that are considered unacceptable, known as faults.

The Non-Sporting Group is a diverse bunch, with breeds ranging from the tiny French bulldog to the larger Chow chow.

These dogs can make great house dogs and watchdogs, but it's essential to remember that they're not all created equal. The American Eskimo dog, for example, is highly intelligent and active, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

In contrast, the Bulldog is a laid-back companion that's happy to lounge around the house all day. Bulldogs are not built for long-distance running, so they're not the best fit for families who enjoy high-energy activities.

Here are some breeds you can expect to find in the Non-Sporting Group:

The Poodle, in particular, is known for its high intelligence and trainability, making it a popular choice for dog owners who want a smart and responsive companion.

Working dogs are bred to perform specific jobs, such as guarding property, rescuing, and drafting. They're often large, powerful, and intelligent, making them dependable and loyal pets.

Their protective personalities require proper socialization and training to ensure they're well-behaved and safe around people and other animals. Without this, they can be intimidating or even aggressive.

Some Working Group breeds, like the German Pinscher and the Doberman Pinscher, are naturally energetic and require lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their intelligence and trainability make them valuable assets to families and working professionals. With the right training and care, they can thrive in a variety of roles.

Here are some examples of Working Group breeds:

The Terrier Group is known for its energetic and feisty nature. These dogs were bred to hunt small animals, kill vermin, and guard their family's home or barn.

Their self-confidence and courage are traits that serve them well in these tasks. They're determined to do what it takes to locate their quarry, no matter the terrain.

Dogs in the Terrier Group tend to be strong-willed and may require special grooming. Some breeds have specific needs that owners should be aware of.

Here's a list of some of the breeds that fall under the Terrier Group:

Some dogs have lower amounts of energy, making them better suited to families that aren’t active.

A high-energy breed could be right for you if you're an active person who likes spending time in the great outdoors.

Dogs with lower energy levels are perfect for seniors and others who don’t have the ability to give their dog a lot of physical activity daily.

Their calm nature makes them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces or those who can't commit to lengthy exercise sessions.

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Research suggests that breed temperament can be influenced by gene mutations, which may be linked to anxiety or fear in some breeds.

Some breed temperaments may also be a result of the breed's ancient ancestry, passed down through generations.

A study in 2014 found a connection between gene mutations and breed temperament, providing insight into the complex factors that shape a dog's personality.

Purebred dogs are more prone to health issues than mixed breeds. Some common congenital conditions include epilepsy, which is often inherited by Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds, and entropion, a curling of the eyelid, which is common in Shar Peis.

Dogs with flat faces and short noses have breathing difficulties and eye trouble. This is due to their physical characteristics, which can lead to serious health issues.

Breeds like Golden Retrievers can inherit serious ailments such as subaortic stenosis (SAS), a condition that causes a narrowing of the blood passageways and can lead to heart problems.

Some pedigree dogs are more expensive to insure due to their higher risk of health problems.

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There are seven main breed groups in the world of pedigree dog breeds.

Sporting breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, are bred for their hunting ability and love of water.

Hound breeds, like the Beagle, were originally bred to track and hunt small game.

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Herding breeds, including the Border Collie, are highly intelligent and excel at gathering and moving animals.

Working breeds, like the Boxer, were developed to perform tasks such as guarding and drafting.

Terrier breeds, including the Yorkshire Terrier, are known for their feisty and energetic personalities.

Toy breeds, like the Chihuahua, are small in size but big in personality.

The Sporting group is a category of breeds that were originally bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game. These dogs are naturally active and alert, making them perfect for families who love the outdoors.

Their purpose is to locate and retrieve feathered game such as pheasants or ducks, and they excel at swimming and catching waterfowl. Some breeds, like retrievers, specialize in waterfowl, while others, like setters and spaniels, are experts in hunting game birds in grasslands.

Sporting dogs are known for their stable temperaments and make great companions for active families. They require plenty of exercise and time spent outdoors, but their loyalty and affection make them a wonderful addition to any household.

Some popular breeds in the Sporting group include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and English Setter. These breeds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and friendly nature.

Here are some key characteristics of Sporting dogs:

These breeds are a great fit for families who love the outdoors and enjoy activities like hiking, camping, and swimming. They are also highly intelligent and respond well to training, making them a popular choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Hound Group is a fascinating category of dogs that were bred to pursue warm-blooded quarry, such as rabbits, raccoons, or antelope.

These dogs have been around since the early 20th century, with the AKC introducing the Hound Group in 1930.

Hounds are known for their astute hunting skills, but did you know that they rely on either scent or vision and speed to track game?

Some hounds, like the Bloodhound, rely heavily on scent to track their prey, while others, like the Greyhound, rely on speed and vision.

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At home, Hounds are generally charming and affectionate dogs who make loyal companions.

However, they can be occasionally prone to a stubborn streak, so be patient and consistent when training them.

Here are some examples of breeds that are part of the Hound Group:

Basal breeds are a fascinating group of dogs that have been found to be genetically distinct from modern breeds. They include 16 breeds that have a deep genetic split from old-world and new-world wolves.

The 2012 study that examined 49,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms found that these 16 breeds are basal breeds, not ancient breeds. They exhibited genetic divergence but didn't all originate from ancient times.

Most basal breeds have hybridized with other lineages in the past, which has affected their genetic connections to their ancestral populations. The combination of introgression and past population bottlenecks has made it difficult to infer their early history.

The American Eskimo Dog and Eurasier are two examples of basal breeds that were created through cross-breeding other basal breeds. They are relatively recent additions to the breed family.

Basal breeds have mostly avoided admixture with modern breeds due to geographic or cultural barriers, which has helped preserve their genetic distinctiveness.

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Crossbreeds are the result of mating two different breeds, and they're often referred to as "Designer Dogs." This term became a fad in the late 20th century.

A crossbreed is a combination of lineages of the domestic dog, distinguished from canid hybrids which are interspecific crosses between Canis species. Canid hybrids include the coydog, coywolf, dingo–dog hybrid, jackal–dog hybrid, and wolfdog.

Historically, crosses between dogs of different types were more well accepted at a time when modern purebred breeds didn't yet exist. Some crossbred dogs can have the advantage of heterosis, or crossbreed vigor.

This advantage can be progressively diluted when two crossbreeds are bred in an attempt to create a breed, narrowing the gene pool.

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Breed registration is a crucial aspect of pedigree dog breeds. Major registries like The Kennel Club (1873, UK) and American Kennel Club (1884) accept dogs with a breed standard into their registries.

Recognized dog breeds are classified by groups, such as Hound, Terrier, and Working, which may be further subdivided by some registries. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is a global canine organization that conducts international conformation shows and trials.

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Each member and contract partner of the FCI issues and maintains their own pedigrees and respective breed standards, and trains their own judges. FCI ensures that each member mutually recognizes the pedigrees and judges of all FCI members.

A dog breed is represented by a sufficient number of individuals to stably transfer its specific characteristics over generations. Dogs of the same breed have similar characteristics of appearance and behavior.

Kennel clubs provide the recognition of distinct dog breeds, but there are many independent clubs with differing and sometimes inconsistent standards. Four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog are recognized as four distinct breeds by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

A dog is said to be purebred if their parents were purebred and if the dog meets the standards of the breed.

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Mixed Breeds are often misunderstood, but they're not necessarily a mix of defined breeds. In fact, dogs that are not purebred are not necessarily a mix of such defined breeds.

Some people prefer to use the term "mixed-breed" over "mongrel" to avoid negative connotations associated with the latter term. The term "mongrel" is still used by some experts and fans of such dogs.

In the United States, the term "mixed-breed" is a favored synonym, suggesting that these dogs are a mix of two breeds. However, their origins may be more complex, and they may not be the result of intentional breeding.

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In the United States, the term "mixed-breed" is a favored synonym over "mongrel" among many individuals.

A mixed-breed dog is not necessarily a mix of two defined breeds, but rather a dog that doesn't belong to an officially recognized breed.

The term "mongrel" still carries a negative connotation for some people, which is why "mixed-breed" is often preferred.

Purebred dogs have been artificially created from random-bred populations through selective breeding to enhance desired characteristics.

Dogs that are not purebred are not necessarily a mix of defined breeds, so it's essential to understand their origins.

Mixed breeds can be a mix of two breeds and are not the result of intentional breeding, but some experts still prefer to call them "mongrels".

In the United States, the term "mixed-breed" is often used instead of "mongrel" to avoid negative connotations.

A dog's parents being of the same breed is often used as a definition of a pedigree dog, but there is no one universally accepted definition.

Some people use the terms "pedigree" and "purebred" interchangeably, but others make a distinction between the two, with "purebred" referring to a dog's parents being of the same breed and "pedigree" referring to a dog's recorded breeding history.

Insurance companies often classify dogs as pedigree or purebred based on their parents' breed, but may not care about registration with the Kennel Club.

The Kennel Club's recognition of a breed is not always a determining factor in what constitutes a pedigree dog.

Purebred dogs are more likely to have health problems due to their less genetically diverse nature, making them more expensive to insure.

Some pedigree dogs, like Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds, are prone to epilepsy, a condition that can be inherited.

Epilepsy is just one example of a congenital condition that can affect purebred dogs, and it's essential to consider this when insuring your pet.

Entropion, a curling of the eyelid, is common in Shar Peis, another breed that may require more expensive insurance premiums.

Subaortic stenosis (SAS), a narrowing of the blood passageways, can lead to heart problems in Golden Retrievers, making them a breed to consider when weighing insurance costs.

Your dog's age and your location will also play a significant role in determining your insurance premium, so be sure to factor these into your decision.

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A crossbreed dog is a dog with parents from different breeds, like a Labrador and a Poodle creating a Labradoodle.

The first generation of a crossbreed, like a Labradoodle, is often classed as a crossbreed by most insurers.

Some crossbreeds are bred together for a long enough time that they become considered a new pedigree breed, like the Cesky Terrier.

These new breeds can be recognized by organizations like the Kennel Club.

The most popular crossbreeds are often referred to as designer dogs, like Cockapoos and Labradoodles.

Insurance companies may ask for the dominant breed of your pet to determine your premium, which can be either the father or mother of the crossbreed.

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