Dandie Dinmont Terrier standing sideways in grass facing left
Dandie Dinmont Terrier

What's a dog breed?

People have been breeding dogs since prehistoric times. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. From the beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform various tasks. Hunting, guarding, and herding are thought to be among the earliest job…

What's a dog breed?

People have been breeding dogs since prehistoric times. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. From the beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform various tasks. Hunting, guarding, and herding are thought to be among the earliest jobs eagerly performed by the animal destined to be called “man’s best friend.”

For thousands of years, humans bred dogs toward the physical and mental traits best suited for the work expected of them. The sleek Greyhound types bred to chase fleet-footed prey, and the huge mastiff types used as guard dogs and warriors, are two ancient examples of dogs bred for specific jobs.

As humans became more sophisticated, so did their dogs. Eventually, there emerged specific breeds of dogs, custom-bred to suit the breeders’ local needs and circumstances. The Greyhound, for instance, was the foundation type for the immense Irish Wolfhound and the dainty Italian Greyhound. All three have a distinct family resemblance, but you’d never mistake one for another.

So, then, when is a breed a breed and not just a kind or type of dog? The simplest way to define a breed is to say it always “breeds true.” That is, breeding a purebred Irish Setter to another purebred Irish Setter will always produce dogs instantly recognizable as Irish Setters.

Each breed’s ideal physical traits, movement, and temperament are set down in a written document called a “breed standard.” For example, the breed standard sets forth the traits that make a Cocker Spaniel a Cocker Spaniel and not a Springer Spaniel.

The AKC standard for each breed originates with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. Once approved by the AKC, a standard becomes both the breeder’s “blueprint” and the instrument used by dog show judges to evaluate a breeder’s work.

There are over 340 dog breeds known throughout the world. The American Kennel Club recognizes 200 breeds.

Dachshund

Dachshund

The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the…

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Dalmatian

Dalmatian

The dignified Dalmatian, dogdom's citizen of the world, is famed for his spotted coat and unique…

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Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The unique-looking Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a tough but dignified little exterminator. Sturdily…

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Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Known as the Little Big Dog, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a companion dog that loves to work and…

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Deutscher Wachtelhund

Deutscher Wachtelhund

The Deutscher Wachtelhund has a scenting and blood tracking ability comparable to a Bloodhound and…

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Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

Sleek and powerful, possessing both a magnificent physique and keen intelligence, the Doberma…

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Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog, bred for the pursuit of big-game such as wild boar and…

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Dogue de Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux

The most ancient of French dog breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux ('Mastiff of Bordeaux') was around…

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Drentsche Patrijshond

Drentsche Patrijshond

This breed is pronounced da'rinse-ah puh'trice-hoon. The Drentsche Patrijshond, Drent for short, i…

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Drever

Drever

The Drever is robust and strong rather than elegant and speedy. They have a proud carriage…

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Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd is a lively, athletic, alert and intelligent breed, and has retained its herding…

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