Common Dog Breeds + Information!

Malakadang's Informative Guide on Common Dog Breeds + Information!​

I have always been an avid fan of Dogs, owning a pet poodle myself. Many people refer to dogs as, 'mans best friend,' Well today I'm here to show you the styles and breeds of mans best friend, and hopefully give you some insight on these magnificent animals.

Constructive Criticism is very much appreciated. If you could please let me know on what you liked or disliked about the formatting, information, topic choice, and even what topics you'd be interested in!

Before I begin, here is a picture of the basic anatomy of a dog.



Introduction

The history of dogs!

Dogs are part of the 'Canidae' family, and are closely related with wolves. The first signs of mans relationship with wolves dates back over 10,000 years ago. While it is not clear how man first came into contact with these wolves, however it is hypothesized that they formed a great bond and aided each other in hunting, to keep their herds of sheep together, to warn of approaching enemies, and in turn man fed and cared for the wolves.
While we do not know how the wolves were able to be tamed, however a possible theory is that man came across a very young cub, and brought it along with them. It also needs to be noted that wolves are very social animals, they hunt in packs and there is generally a pack leader. This is probably why very young wolves were able to be tamed by man, because they would accept man as their leader.

This processes was the beginning of 'mans best friend.'


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Styles of Dogs

The Working Dogs.

The Working Dog, are a breed of dogs that perform a wide variety of tasks, including; Herding, Guarding, Hunting, and other tasks. Working dogs are considered as great assets to men, as they can perform tasks that other animals cannot, and can replace a great deal of human labor with greater results.

Some of these dogs include, but are not limited to:

German Shepherds

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Talking from experience, German Shepherds are an exceptionally intelligent breed of dog, they are known for their loyalty, calm, fearlessness, reliability, but above all, they have been known to sacrifice their life for their owners.

A common problem with German Shepherds is that as they age they're hind legs begin to weaken, which is possibly attributed to MS. The reason for this is the way they stand, if you observer how a German Shepherd stands it's as if they prance around, this looks extremely elegant for the dog however as a result of this causes a problem later on in their lives.

A German Shepherd weighs around 90 pounds, measuring between 22 - 26 inches with an amazing 238 PSI bite force. They have a life expectancy of 13 - 14 years. They are typically Guard Dogs and Herding Dogs.

Rottweilers

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Taken from wikipedia - "According to the FCI Standard, the Rottweiler is good-natured, placid in basic disposition, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. Their appearance is natural and rustic, their behaviour self-assured, steady and fearless." This is a good depiction of what Rotweillers are, however there are some misconceptions as to how dangerous they are, which has led to them being classified as dangerous in numerous municipalities, and countries.

A Rottweiler generally weighs around 110 pounds, measuring up to 26 inches with an incredible 328 PSI bite. (This is one of the highest) They have a life expectancy of 9 - 12 years. They are typically Guard Dogs.

Boxers

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Taken from the 1938 AKC Boxer breed standard - "The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. It is renowned from olden times for its great love and faithfulness to its master and household. It is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. Its intelligence and willing tractability, its modesty, and cleanliness make it a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. It is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in its old age."

A boxer generally weighs around 70 pounds, and measuring up to 24 inches, with a strong PSI bite. They have a life expectancy of 12 years. They are typically Guard Dogs.

Here is a video which compares a German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls Bite. Imagine that was your real hand.​

The Toy Dogs.

Toy Dogs are often seen as a luxury style dog, it use to be that only wealthy people owned them, however that has changed now. While it still holds a certain degree of its original status, you can see certain wealthy women carrying there pet dogs around in there handbag. These are generally seen as home dogs, they cannot work, guard, but they can provide a family their love.

Some of these dogs include, but are not limited to:

Chihuahuas


This is probably the best picture to depict the size of a Chihuahua and it's wealth status.​

Taken from <<< - "More than most other breeds, how a Chihuahua turns out depends mightily on the genetic temperament of his parents and grandparents (entire lines are social or antisocial) and how you raise him (socialization and training) when you bring him home."

A Chihuahua generally weighs 6 pounds! It's length is between 6-9 inches. Chihuahuas originate from Mexico, and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. They are typically companion dogs.

Toy Poodles

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With the ability to talk from experience, a Toy Poodles temperament is rather active, very intelligent, alert, easy to teach, good with kids, obedient and above all a dignified dog. Whenever I come home in the car, my dog will always watch the car with hits head held up high.

A fantastic trait of a Poodle is that their hair doesn't fall off of their body. Most dogs will lose hair, some greater than others; however a poodle does not lose any hair at all.​

There are 3 sizes in poodles, A Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Standard Poodle. Toy Poodles are generally 10 inches long, Miniatures are between 10-15 inches, and standards are anywhere between 20 - 27 inches. They weigh between 6-9 pounds, 15-17 pounds, 45 - 70 pounds respectively. They have a life expectancy of 14-17 years. They originate from Germany/France, being the National Dog of France. They are very good for companionship, and Standard Poodles are used in France as guard dogs.

The Sporting Dogs.

Sporting Dogs are basically very active dogs. Many of these breeds evolved from ones that accompanied humans on hunts. Sporting Dogs are great for throwing a Frisbee, or taking them for a run. Many of these breeds of dogs are bred in harsh conditions, which is why some of them have a relatively water proof coat. These dogs are wonderful family dogs, that require activity but also provide love to their family.


Some of these dogs include, but are not limited to:

Golden Retrievers

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Taken from here "The Golden Retriever is eager, alert and self-confident with a kind expression and an outstanding character. He is extremely friendly, reliable, trustworthy and devoted. Any signs of aggression toward other dogs or people, nervousness or hostility are uncharacteristic of the breed. The Golden is NOT a guard dog but a "people dog". He thrives on human companionship and must be allowed to interact with people. This is a dog who is completely devoted to his family, always happy and forever trusting and forgiving. Being a Sporting breed, he is active and energetic and, therefore, requires a fair amount of exercise including daily walks, running, and free play time."

A Golden Retriever generally weighs 60-70 pounds, measuring up to 24 inches. They have a life expectancy of 13-15 years. Golden Retrievers make wonderful family dogs but poor guard dogs due to their trust.

Labrador Retrievers


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Taken from Wikipedia - "Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to being territorial, pining, insecure, aggressive, destructive, hypersensitive, or other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds. As the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. Labradors instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness (a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it)."

2 Common problems with Labradors is that they suffer from a hereditary hip problem. Another problem is that they have an obesity issue. As funny and sad as it sounds Labrador pups have been known to eat themselves to death, and the combination of masses of food with little exercise is something you want to avoid as a Labrador owner.

A Labrador Retriever generally weighs 60-70 pounds, measuring up to 24 inches. They have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Labrador Retrievers make wonderful family dogs and are one of, if not the most popular dog breeds in the world.

The Hound Dogs

The Hound Dog are a among a breed of dog who have been known to work very closely with humans for centuries, originally helping us to hunt and survive. They can be divided into 2 groups, sight hounds and scent hounds.

Some of these dogs include, but are not limited to:

The Sausage Dog (Dachshund)

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Taken from Wikipedia - "Dachshunds are playful, but can be stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. Many dachshunds are stubborn, making them a challenge to train. Several quotes have been recorded regarding the training of dachshunds; one is from E. B. White:
"Being the owner of dachshunds, to me a book on dog discipline becomes a volume of inspired humor. Every sentence is a riot. Some day, if I ever get a chance, I shall write a book, or warning, on the character and temperament of the dachshund and why he can't be trained and shouldn't be. I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a dachshund to heed my slightest command. When I address Fred I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him in something he wants to do."
They have a loud bark and without proper training they can become nuisance barkers. Dachshunds are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners, though they can be standoffish towards strangers. If left alone, many dachshunds will whine until they have companionship. Like many dogs if left alone too frequently, some dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety and may chew objects in the house to relieve stress. They rank 49th in Stanley Coren's Intelligence of Dogs, being of average working and obedience intelligence."

A Dachshund, more commonly known as a 'Sausage Dog', weighs between 16 - 32 pounds, and measuring up to 15 inches. A Sausage Dog is part of the Hound breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 14 - 17 years. They are an adaptable breed of dog, able to live in the city or country, adaptable to any climate.

Greyhound

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Taken from Wikipedia - "The Greyhound is not an aggressive dog, as some may believe due to muzzles worn during racing. Muzzles are worn to prevent injuries resulting from dogs nipping one another during - but more likely immediately after a race - when the 'hare' has disappeared out of sight and the dogs are no longer racing but still excited. The thin skin of the Greyhound can tear easily from a small nick from teeth so even a minor skirmish can result in stitches and time out from racing. Greyhounds with a high prey drive occasionally wear muzzles outside the racetrack; owners aware that their Greyhound has a high tendency to chase small prey will protect small prey by applying the muzzle.
Contrary to popular belief, adult Greyhounds do not need extended periods of daily exercise, as they are bred for sprinting rather than endurance. Greyhound puppies that have not been taught how to utilize their energy, however, can be hyperactive and destructive if not given an outlet, and they require more experienced handlers"

A Greyhound weighs between 60 - 70 pounds, and measuring up to 30 inches. A Greyhound is part of the Hound breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 10 - 12years. Remember these breed of dogs are the breeds used in races, they are hunting dogs, and are the fastest breed of dog, clocking 37mph!

Requested Dogs​

If you have any dogs you'd like to read about, or just dogs you'd like me to add to this guide then please reply to this thread, or message me. It is much appreciated,​

Jack Russel Terrier

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Taken from Wikipedia - "Jack Russells are first and foremost a working terrier. Originally bred to bolt fox from their dens during hunts, they are used on numerous ground-dwelling quarry such as groundhog, badger, and red and grey fox. The working JRT is required to locate quarry in the earth, and then either bolt it or hold it in place until they are dug to. To accomplish this, the dog won't bark but will expect attention to the quarry continuously. Because the preservation of this working ability is of highest importance to most registered JRTCA/JRTCGB breeders, Jack Russells tend to be extremely intelligent, athletic, fearless, and vocal dogs. It is not uncommon for these dogs to become moody or destructive if not properly stimulated and exercised, as they have a tendency to bore easily and will often create their own fun when left alone to entertain themselves."

A common trait with Jack Russell is their hyperactivity. It is recommended that if you have one of these dogs then you make sure they get a decent amount of exercise, throwing a frisbee, flyball or running is a great way to keep them happy. They are also recommended to take obedience classes (trained) they can be somewhat aggressive towards other animals or people if not trained properly.

One Common problem with the Jack Russell however is an eye problem. The eye problem itself is called, 'Primary Lens Luxation'. This basically happens when the eye becomes displaced, and without proper treatment leads to permanent blindness.

A Jack Russel Terrier weighs between 9-18 pounds, and measuring up to 15 inches. A Jack Russel is part of the Terrier breed of dogs and they are renowned for their long life expectancy of 13-16 years. They are companionship dogs like Poodles.

Chow Chow

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Taken from here - Chow Chows are very loyal and affectionate with their family yet sensitive and hesitant in dealing with strangers. Once attached to a particular family member, your Chow pets are highly protective. The Chow dogs stand with dignity, beauty, pride, intelligence, strong will and independence, but they can be very domineering, serious and stubborn as well. This breed longs to be treated with utmost respect as they have a tendency to lose their temper easily. In short, being a Chow owner requires a lot of patience.

If you picked up on the name, the Chow Chow originates from China and some of these dogs can resemble Pandas. The Chow Chow is for the most part a one master/family dog. It is loyal, protective, independently spirited, and has a purple tongue. These dogs can be somewhat aggressive to strangers, which is why it is regarded as a one master dog; these dogs are also ideal for apartment life however require constant grooming.

1 Common problem with Chow Chow's is their intolerability to anesthesia. This means that if they ever need surgery for a problem then it is actually very possible they will die from the anesthesia. This doesn't appear to be a problem, however as a dog owner I know what it's like when your pet requires surgery and, you will be so fast to accept such surgery when necessary that when you grow attached to such animals the chance that surgery may kill your dog is an immensely difficult thing to come to terms with. This is not to say that Chow Chow's will always die from anesthesia it is just they are more susceptible to it than other dog breeds.

A Chow Chow weighs between 44 - 70 pounds, and measuring up to 22 inches. A Chow Chow is part of the Non Sporting Companionship breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 9 - 13 years.

Border Collie

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Border Collies are an exceptionally intelligent breed. The breed has an instinctive desire to work closely with humans, because of their herding instincts over centuries of breeding. A Border Collie requires an enormous amount of physical and mental stimulation, they are known to chew things they're not supposed to and dig holes in the garden for fun. A common trait attributable to most dogs, but especially the Border Collie is that when their tail is up and wagging, then they're more interested in play as opposed to work. When however their tail is down it suggests that they are attentive and ready to listen and work.

Some common traits to the Border Collie is its innate hyper activeness. These dogs require an enormous amount of stimulation. They have the ability to play fetch for hours on end. Border Collies are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs around, exceptionally versatile and if trained well has the capability of doing just about anything. These dogs are renowned for their herding abilities, and are a common choice for farm dogs. While these breed of dogs are not for most family households, they are great for active people, who are looking for a natural looking, intelligent and athletic breed of dog.

Some common problems with the Border Collie is its hyper activeness. When these dogs do not get the right stimulation, they become very destructive, which ultimately leads them to dig holes and chew up furniture. They also succumb to 'Seperation Anxiety', where in they become destructive and often bark when left alone a lot. Border Collies are also genetically prone to becoming deaf.

A Border Collie weighs between 30 - 50 pounds, and measuring up to 21 inches. A Border Collie is part of the Herding breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 12 - 14 years.

Siberian Husky

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Taken from here - "Siberian Huskies have a wonderful temperament for a family pet &#8211; as long as you know exactly what you are in for as far as training! Siberians are generally as friendly as they are beautiful, making them an ideal choice for all types of families. These dogs are playful and affectionate, but not generally known a &#8220;one-person&#8221; kind of dog. They will be social with anyone who is kind to them, making them a good option with children, but a poor selection as a guard dog. However, their intense appearance and size can make them intimidating to strangers, so from this standpoint they can prove to be an effective deterrent against intruders."

Some common traits of the Siberian Husky is that while it has a delightful temperament and is regarded as a 'one man' dog, it is not sycophantic. This breed of dog is probably one of the most popular breed that closely resembles a wolf. It is an intelligent breed that is friendly, adaptable, dignified, alert and it howls much more than it barks. These dogs are often stereotyped as sled dogs, if you know anything about the Antarctic/Arcitc expeditions, these dogs were often used.

Some common health problems with the Siberian Husky is that it is prone to 'Hip dysplasia', and is susceptible to eye issues such as juvenile cataracts although the eye issues generally occur in males.

A Siberian Husky weighs around 50 pounds, and measuring up to 22 inches. A Siberian Husky is part of the Working breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 11- 15 years.

Shih Tzu

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Taken from here - "Despite its most regal look the Shih Tzu is not aloof but is surprisingly robust. They are loving and loyal, bonding particularly well with one member of the family. The Shih Tzu is a playful and active breed often retaining its puppy-like behaviour until well into the later stages of life. This is one breed that loves human contact and companionship, but may have a tendency to become spoilt and act accordingly. Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that learn quickly."

It is important to remember that these dogs originate from the Tibetan mountains and China. They were originally bred for royalty and are used very often as show dogs. They have exceptionally luscious hair and require regular maintenance including constant grooming, protection from heat and cold, and protection from over eating. Because of their generation of royalty, they love to be pampered and can be regarded as arrogant. With all that said however, they are a trusting, loyal, social, friendly, playful and energetic dog.

A common problem with the Shih Tzu is its flat face if you like. A very common cross breed with this dog is the Maltese x Shih Tzu. This crossbreed however leaves it prone to 'hydrocephalus'. However a pure Shih Tzu also has numerous health problems including, 'patellar luxations', back problems, and eye problems that can lead to blindness.

A Shih Tzu weighs between 9 - 16 pounds, and measuring up to 11 inches. A Shih Tzu is part of the Toy breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 13 - 15 years.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Taken from here - "The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog with a big attitude. This is a dog that will one minute happily snuggle on grandma&#8217;s knee, delicately eating digestives and the next minute leap through the air and tear after the neighbour&#8217;s Rottweiler, promising to show it who is boss. Yorkies are terriers after all, and will protect their territory valiantly. The Yorkie is an affectionate dog but not naturally good with children. If a Yorkie is brought up with children or exposed to them as a puppy, it should be fine. However, children need to understand that the Yorkie has small bones that break much easier than most toys. Supervision is highly recommended."

If you didn't catch on the name, the Yorkshire Terrier originates from Yorkshire. Some common traits of the 'Yorkie' is that it's high spirited, loyal, tenacious, active and has a yappy bark sound. It should also be noted that these dogs are not ideal to have around other pets. They are very small dogs, probably the smallest in the world. With this however comes numerous problems, the smaller sizes of these breeds have a short life expectancy.

There are quite a few health problems with this breed, one of which being its delicate digestion system, and thus they are very picky when it comes to foods they'll eat. Also these dogs follow the trend of small dogs tolerance to anesthesia, they are very susceptible to anesthesia due to their size, and sometimes it can result in their death.

I haven't done this dog much justice, however don't get me wrong these are a great breed of dog. Every dog has health problems, some more than others and every dog has maintenance issues. However if you train these dogs well and look after them well then they're a bundle of joy. They are also exceptionally cute due to their size.

A Yorkshire Terrier weighs between 5- 7 pounds, and measuring up to 8 inches. A Yorkshire Terrier is part of the Toy breed of dogs, and they have a life expectancy of 8- 15 years. It should also be noted that sometimes these breed of dogs are half the size I have stated here, and thus this reduces their life expectancy to maybe 2-5 years.

American Pitbull Terrier

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Taken from here - "The APBT is a breed that is loyal to friends and family, and is generally friendly towards strangers. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock (prey drive). As with any dog breed, proper training and socialization at an early age is a must. According to the UKC, "aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable."
The American Temperament Testing Society shows a pass percentage of 86% for American Pit Bull Terriers. American Pit Bull Terriers generally have a lot of energy and benefit from exercise and stimulation to channel their energy properly and avoid becoming frustrated, bored, or destructive."​

Pitbulls have often been misrepresented in the media. Yes they are slightly more aggressive than other breeds of dogs, however this is not the norm for their breed. If these dogs, like any dogs are not trained properly, and given the adequate stimulation and attention, then they may develop aggressive tendencies. Unfortunately however it needs to be noted that they are banned in some countries due to this misconception, which is derivative of bad ownership.

If you gathered from the name, these dogs originate from America. They are an exceptionally powerfully built breed, however require solid discipline and training. Pitbulls are somewhat susceptible to some health problems like all dogs. The main problem is their skin. A notable skin condition that they are genetically born with is 'ichthyosis'. What this is, is basically scaly fish like skin. Doesn't seem like much, but the consequential spectrum can have life threatening ramifications. Another problem is 'Hip Dysplasia' this is when the hip socket is naturally deformed. This can lead to severe arthritis at an elderly age for the dog, which is extremely painful.

The American Pitbull Terrier is part of the 'Terrier Breed', and weighs between 35 - 75 pounds, measuring between 18 - 22 inches with an mammoth 235 PSI bite force. They have a life expectancy of around 12 years. ​

Thank you for reading my guide, it is finally FINISHED! This guide has taken me a couple weeks to finish, and is over 3,500 words long! If you liked my guide or would like to know about particular breeds of Dogs please PM me or reply here. Hopefully you liked my guide and now know what some common breeds of dogs look like. I will check up and add breeds upon request. Enjoy!​

 

I didn't know a lot of the information about the dog breeds, but I have seen every single one of those breeds. Thanks for the share!

 

I've corrected the wording, as, common ancestor suits it better, sorry.

For the record, it's not fallacious as it's not an argument. Also, I did mean common ancestor, though, the word descendants may not have articulated as concisely.

Thanks!

 

Great info, man. We've breed Chow Chow and German Shepherds. We've got 3 Chow Chows, a German Shepherd and a Labrador

Chow Chow's and my personal fave, though.

 

http://www.nwcreation.net/dogsandwolves.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/5/l_015_02.html

All dogs have a common ancestor in the Gray Wolf. The Gray Wolf itself evolved from another animal, which, I forgot, more than likely some form of carnivore.

What you are saying is the equivalent of America cannot have "descended" from England because both are still in existence. It is also the same as saying Humans cannot have "descended" from apes, as apes are still in existence. The diversity in dogs all roots back to a certain wolf, Biologists have garnered evidence supporting it to be the Gray Wolf, much like how humans have evolved from apes.

 

Finn is OWNING you malaka dang.

I rate your guide 7/10, i like how it was set out, But having most of your information from wikipedia really wasnt original.

 

all i gotta say is nice but why did u put so much effort into this?

 

I love labradors and German shepards.

Make one for mixed Labs with German Sheps

 

Some images are broken, could you fix those?

Nice guide, I learned a few things ^_^

 

That was a nice read haha
You should also add some information about the papillon, I'm sure that a lot of dog lovers would be interested in them, too