Types of Dogs: Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Miscellaneous

rrier Dogsthe Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Chow Chow, Bichon Frise,
Terrier dogs were originally bred to hunt and controland the Chinese Shar-pei.
vermin and other predators such as rats, mice, foxesHerding Dogs
and ferrets. This selective breeding for specificHerding dogs were originally developed to utilize their
characteristic and traits gave rise to small, energetichuge levels of stamina and agility. Many types of dogs
breeds with very determined temperaments.in the herding dog group are able to herd animals that
Terriers were bred for their ability to dig tenaciously inmay be many times their size and this can seem as
search of their quarry as well as the tendency to barkthough they are able to control the movements and
persistently in order to frighten their prey out of hiding.direction of other animals. They are also able to control
Terrier dogs tend to be small or medium in size andthe movements of large herds of sheep, deer, or
are usually described as feisty, willing to take on evencattle that number in the hundreds with relative ease.
the biggest of opponents with no regard for size. ThisMost types of herding dogs have been bred over
is an excellent trait for hunting rats, but it’s notgenerations to sport a weatherproof double-coat that
always a nice attitude with other pets or youngnot only protects them from the cold, but can also
children.insulate them against the heat.
The very traits that make them successful huntersHerding dogs are very intelligent and have enormous
can also make them a little difficult to train effectivelyamounts of energy. The combination of these two
as their determined nature may seem to some astraits can mean herding dogs often become
being stubborn.destructive if not given sufficient exercise or mental
Toy Dogsstimulation to stop them becoming bored.
Dogs belonging to the toy dog group were originallyThe instinctive nature of herding dogs is very strong
bred and developed to provide pleasure andand they will attempt to round up members of the
companionship to wealthier people. Where other dogfamily, including other pets, in order to direct them back
breeds were allocated specific roles in hunting orto areas or activities the dog would prefer to be
working, toy dogs had no specific working function andenjoying.
became somewhat of a status symbol.Herding dogs respond very well to firm training and
Before the advent of breeding for appearance, toyactually enjoy being challenged with tasks that make
dog breeds were often employed as lap warmers orthem hunt, seek, track, or find object. They will perform
bed warmers, spawning the name ‘lapbest when given specific tasks to complete prior to
dog’, and could often be seen seated on thereceiving a positive reward or reinforcement.
laps of nobles and royalty in both Oriental andBorder collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, German
European palaces and castles.Shepherd Dogs, and Shetland Sheepdogs are among
Toy dogs generally make very easy care domesticthe various types of herding dogs.
pets, although without adequate socialization whenIn more recent times, the intelligence and natural
they are pups, toy breeds may tend to become verydetermination of these types of dogs has led them to
protective of their owners and their property. This traitbe utilized in alternative roles away from their traditional
can develop a persistent barking habit, or yapping, inherding roles.
these very small dogs as they seek to ward offIt is becoming more common to see many different
others from what they perceive as their property.types of herding dogs actively used in working dog
Some more common types of toy dogs include theroles, such as police work, tracking work, and even
Chihuahua, Maltese terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, andrescue work.
Poodles among other types of dogs.Miscellaneous Dog Breeds
Non-Sporting DogsThere are some dog breeds that are classified as
There are so many different types of dogsmiscellaneous simply due to not being recognized by
encompasses in the non-sporting dogs group thatthe American Kennel Club at the time of this writing,
it’s difficult to give one specific classification oralthough they are being considered for inclusion into the
general trait among them.recognized dog breeds list.
Non-sporting dog varieties are available in differentOne miscellaneous dog breed includes the Neapolitan
sizes, coats, appearances, traits and temperaments.Mastiff, which was originally bred in Italy as a war
This classification is then more specific to all types ofbreed to be used in dog fighting and bear baiting. They
dogs whose primary breeding purpose is no longerwere also often used by the Romans in the arena, but
utilized.these enormous fierce dogs are also very effective
Many of the breeds found in the non-sporting dogsas guard dogs.
group were once bred for tasks that have alteredThe Black Russian terrier is also quite an old Russian
over time so that these tasks are no longer asbreed, dating back to the 1800s. Originally bred for
commonly required. Such tasks as hunting small game,military use, these large dogs were also used in the
bull baiting, circus performing dogs and even coachbull-fighting ring.
dogs like the Dalmatian are included in these types ofAnother miscellaneous dog breed is the Glen of Imaal
dogs.Terrier, originally from Ireland and bred to hunt small
Examples of the types of dog breeds included in thegame. The terrier is also known as a Miniature Irish
non-sporting dogs classification include the Dalmation,Wolfhound.