Contents
The Domestic Dog
Dog Groups and Breeds
The Sporting Group
The Hound Group
The Working Group
The Terrier Group
The Toy Group
The Nonsporting Group
The Herding Group
Crossbreeds
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The Working Group
Working dogs have been bred since ancient times to serve as sled dogs, guard dogs, and rescue dogs. Although their large size makes them difficult to keep as house pets, most working dogs learn quickly and make excellent companions. Their average
lifespan is 8–12 years.
Akita
The akita is a Japanese breed adept at hunting large game and sometimes used in dog fighting. The breed was developed in the 1600s by an exiled nobleman on the island of Honshu and later earned recognition as one of Japan‘s national treasures.
Temperament
- Personality: Independent, assertive
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Protective, loyal
Appearance
- Size: Large (75–110 lbs, 24–28" tall)
- Color: Various, including white, pinto
- Coat: Medium, thick
- Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly
Boxer
The boxer was developed through crosses between German bullenbaisers (now extinct), mastiffs, terriers, and bulldogs. The boxer breed emerged in the late 1800s and spread to America
in the 1940s.
Temperament
- Personality: Playful, curious
- Exercise needs: High
- With children: Attentive, loyal
Appearance
- Size: Medium to large (55–75 lbs, 21–25" tall)
- Color: Fawn and brindle with white markings
- Coat: Short, hard, shiny
- Grooming: Brush occasionally
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was developed in the late 1800s when the mastiff and the bulldog were crossed in an attempt to create the ideal night watchdog.
Temperament
- Personality: Fearless but docile
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Friendly but not playful
Appearance
- Size: Large (100–130 lbs, 24–27" tall)
- Color: Red, fawn, or brindle with black muzzle
- Coat: Short, thick
- Grooming: Brush occasionally
Doberman Pinscher
Louis Doberman, a German tax collector, developed this breed in the 1800s to protect him on his door-to-door visits. Doberman attained this alert watchdog by crossing the German shepherd, the German pinscher, the Manchester terrier, the greyhound, and the Weimaraner.
Temperament
- Personality: Fearless, alert, not for inexperienced owners
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Loyal, protective
Appearance
- Size: Large (65–90 lbs, 24–28” tall)
- Color: Black, red, blue, and fawn with rust markings
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Grooming: Brush occasionally
Great Dane
The Great Dane has been recognized since the Middle Ages as an excellent big game hunter. The breed was a common estate dog in Germany and is thought to have mastiff and greyhound blood in its lineage. It was brought to America in the late 1800s.
Temperament
- Personality: Affectionate, lively
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Friendly, gentle
Appearance
- Size: Large (100–120 lbs, 30–32" tall)
- Color: Brindle, black-masked fawn, blue, black, harlequin
- Coat: Short, thick
- Grooming: Brush weekly
Great Pyrenees
The great Pyrenees is an ancient French breed that was used as a guard dog in medieval times. Because
of the Pyrenees region’s harsh climate, these dogs developed heavy coats and remarkable strength.
Temperament
- Personality: Devoted, observant
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Gentle
Appearance
- Size: Large (85–125 lbs, 26–32" tall)
- Color: White, or white with gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan markings
- Coat: Long, thick
- Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly, daily when shedding
Newfoundland
This breed emerged from dogs brought to northeastern Canada by Europeans in the 1700s. An excellent swimmer, it was bred to help fishermen haul in nets.
Temperament
- Personality: Sweet, calm
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Very friendly, gentle
Appearance
- Size: Large (110–150 lbs, 26–28" tall)
- Color: Black, brown, gray, white
- Coat: Long, water-resistant
- Grooming: Brush 2 times weekly
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler originated in the German town of Rottweil. The breed was used to drive and guard cattle from ancient times until the mid–19th century, when cattle driving became illegal. The breed was revived in the early 1900s and has since become one of the most popular in America.
Temperament
- Personality: Alert, poised, not for inexperienced dog owners
- Exercise needs: High
- With children: Protective
Appearance
- Size: Large (85–135 lbs, 23–27" tall)
- Color: Black with rust markings
- Coat: Coarse, medium, flat
- Grooming: Brush weekly
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard was developed in the Swiss Alps during the Middle Ages and has become popular for its abilities as a rescue dog.
Temperament
- Personality: Easygoing, placid
- Exercise needs: Low
- With children: Gentle, patient
Appearance
- Size: Large (120–200 lbs, 24–28" tall)
- Color: Red, white with red, or brindle with white
- Coat: Smooth- or rough-haired
- Grooming: Brush weekly
Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky originated in the arctic regions of northeast Asia. Originally bred as a sled dog, the husky became famous after several were used to make an emergency delivery of diphtheria medicine to Nome, Alaska, in 1925. The breed is now popular as a race dog and family pet.
Temperament
- Personality: Adventurous, energetic, not for inexperienced owners
- Exercise needs: High
- With children: Friendly
Appearance
- Size: Medium (35–60 lbs, 20–23.5" tall)
- Color: Various, from black to pure white
- Coat: Medium, thick
- Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly, daily when shedding
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