Do you know how many “breeds” of dogs there are..?
You only have to go for a walk around your own neighbourhood to see the wide variety of dog ‘types’ there are out there; from Pedigrees & Designer Mixes through to the humble Heinz 57 mongrel cross-breed.
There seems to be a size, shape and fur type to suit nearly any taste or ideal required.
So just how many official ‘breeds’ of dog are there in the world?
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI; also known as the International Canine Federation) recognises 360 individual dog breeds.
The FCI is the largest federation of kennel clubs with members & associates in 98 countries.
The 360 breeds are then split into 10 groups based on what we’ve historically bred them and used them for…
- Sheep dogs & cattle dogs (Herding dogs)
- Pinscher, Schnauzer, Molosser breeds (Mastiffs)
- Terriers
- Dachshunds
- Spitz & Primitive types
- Scent hounds (& related breeds)
- Pointers & Setters
- Retrievers, Flushing & Water dogs
- Companion & Toy dogs
- Sighthounds
That 360 different official breeds doesn’t include the new designer mixes (e.g. Puggles {Beagle X Pug} or Goldendoodle {Poodle X golden retriever}) as regardless of how cute, expensive and in demand they are – they are still a mix and not a pure breed.
Human Input
Direct human ‘selection’ in dogs began in the Victorian era to suit whatever need humans at the time wanted them for.
Breeding was also used to enhance features ‘we’ found appealing; large puppy like eyes, ear shapes and sizes, muscle definition, height and colour and of course temperament.
If we wanted a toy or companion, the dog would need to be playful and docile.
If we wanted it for a specific working role; it needed to have the right power and speed, or be able to learn instructions quickly.
Then of course, we sometimes want aggression for attack or guard dogs.
Unfortunately, not all of our input has been good for the dogs (no matter how gorgeous we think they look).
Pug types can have eye and breathing issues. Sausage dogs can have spin/back issues, German Shepherds can have hip and spine issues and labs can suffer from obesity.
As we have been hearing a lot on the news lately, our desire for aggressive dogs often leaves the animal vulnerable to being mistreated and misused, making the aggression uncontrollable (especially in the wrong or inexperienced hands) and leading to more ‘types’ being added to various Dangerous Dogs lists.
