Dogs are generally split into seven major categories, sometimes eight if you count the miscellaneous category. The different types of dog groupings help to categorize dogs based upon there features. A few types of dog groups include Terriers, Toy Dogs, and Non-Sporting Dogs.

Terrier Dogs

Terrier dogs were originally bred to hunt and control vermin and other predators such as rats, mice, foxes and ferrets. This selective breeding for specific characteristic and traits gave rise to small, energetic breeds with very determined temperaments.

Terriers were bred for their ability to dig tenaciously in search of their quarry as well as the tendency to bark persistently in order to frighten their prey out of hiding.

Terrier dogs tend to be small or medium in size and are usually described as feisty, willing to take on even the biggest of opponents with no regard for size. This is an excellent trait for hunting rats, but not always a nice attitude with other pets or young children.

The very traits that make them successful hunters can also make them a Littledifficult to train effectively as their determined nature may seem to some as being stubborn.

Toy Dogs

Dogs belonging to the toy dog group were originally bred and developed to provide pleasure and companionship to wealthier people. Where other dog breeds were allocated specific roles in hunting or working, toy dogs had no specific working function and became somewhat of a status symbol.

Before the advent of breeding for appearance, toy dog breeds were often employed as lap warmers or bed warmers, spawning the name lap dog and could often be seen seated on the laps of nobles and royalty in both Oriental and European palaces and castles.

Toy dogs generally make very easy care domestic pets, althoughwithout adequate socialization when they’re pups, toy breeds may tend to become very protective of their owners and their property. This trait can develop a persistent barking habit, or yapping, in these very small dogs as they seek to ward off others from what they perceive as their property.

Some more common types of toy dogs include the Chihuahua, Maltese terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Poodles among other types of dogs.

Non-Sporting Dogs

There are so many different types of dogs encompassed in the non-sporting dogs group that it is difficult to give one specific classification or general trait among them.

Non-sporting dog varieties are available in different sizes, coats, appearances, traits and temperaments. This classification is then more specific to all types of dogs whose primary breeding purpose is no longer utilized.

Many of the breeds found in the non-sporting dogs group were once bred for tasks that have alteredover time so that these tasks are no longer as commonly required. Such tasks as hunting small game, bull baiting, circus performing dogs and even coach dogs like the Dalmatian are included in these types of dogs.

Examples of the types of dog breeds included in the non-sporting dogs classification include the Dalmation, the Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Chow Chow, Bichon Frise, and the Chinese Shar-pei.

Herding Dogs

Herding dogs were originally developed to utilize theirMassivelevels of stamina and agility. Many types of dogs in the herding dog group are able to herd animals that may be many times their size and this can seem as though they’re able to control the movements and direction of other animals. They are also able to control the movements ofBigherds of sheep, deer, or cattle that number in the hundreds with relative ease.

Most types of herding dogs have been bred over generations to sport a weatherproof double-coat that not only protects them from the cold, but can also insulate them against the heat.

Herding dogs are very intelligent and have enormous amounts of energy. The combination of these two traits can mean herding dogs often become destructive if not given sufficient exercise or mental stimulation To stopthem becoming bored.

The instinctive nature of herding dogs is very strong and they will attempt to round up members of the family, including other pets, in order to direct them back to areas or activities the dogwould rather to be enjoying.

Herding dogs respond very well to firm training and actually enjoy being challenged with tasks that make them hunt, seek, track, or find object. They will perform best when given specific tasks To completeprior to receiving a positive reward or reinforcement.

Border collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Shetland Sheepdogs are among the various types of herding dogs.

In more recent times, the intelligence and natural determination of these types of dogs has led them to be utilized in substitute roles away from their traditional herding roles.

It is becoming more common to see many different types of herding dogs actively used in working dog roles, such as police work, tracking work, and even rescue work.

Miscellaneous Dog Breeds

There are some dog breeds that are classified as miscellaneous simply due to not being recognized by the American Kennel Club at the time of this writing, although they’re being considered for inclusion into the recognized dog breeds list.

One miscellaneous dog breed includes the Neapolitan Mastiff, which was originally bred in Italy as a war breed to be used in dog fighting and bear baiting. They were also often used by the Romans in the arena, but these enormous fierce dogs are also very effective as guard dogs.

The Black Russian terrier is also quite an old Russian breed, dating back to the 1800s. Originally bred for military use, these Largedogs were also used in the bull-fighting ring.

Another miscellaneous dog breed is the Glen of Imaal Terrier, originally from Ireland and bred to hunt small game. The terrier is also known as a Miniature Irish Wolfhound.

Some current types of dogs that are popular come from the Terrier group and the Toy dogs group to name a couple. Read more about these different types of dogs.

Information about the Author:

Pets Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

“Obesity is a large problem in pets, just as it is with people, and exercising helps keep the dog’s weight down,” Nelson said. “Dogs also need an outlet to relieve their energy or else they may develop destructive behavior. Your dog is going to be happier and more content if it receives sufficient exercise.

“Exercising with your pet also promotes the human-animal bond,” she said. “People like dogs because of their unconditional love, and dogs are going to be very pleased to have their owners do something with them.”

Nelson said exercise is important, but dogs differ in the amount and types of exercise they should be doing to maintain good health. A blanket recommendationfor exercise time amounts cannot be given as exercise needs vary vastly between individuals, and factors such as age, breed, weather and general health all influence the amounts of exercise your dog will need. Nelson stated toThink about these guidelines:

• In general,Bigger and working dogs have higher energy needs, and smaller/toy breeds need less exercise.
• Ideally, dogs should get out twice daily for exercise. Times may vary from 15-60 minutes, depending on your individual pet.
• Turning the dog loose in the backyard isn’t enough — aerobic exercise should be continuous with few breaks. Most dogs are content to lie in the sun and only get up for short periods of activity. If the dog has another dog it can run around with outside, that could be sufficient if they spend long periods of continuous play, but don’t rely upon that in most circumstances.

Nelson stated there are many generalities when it comes to exercising with dogs, but they are just generalities. For example, though many small dogs prefer lighter activities, Jack Russell terriers tend to be very high-energy pets. Here are some generalities for activities to do with your dog depending on its needs and interests:

• Medium andMassivedogs typically make betterlong-distance running partners. If your dog can run longer than you are able, you may want to Think about biking while having your dog run beside you on leash. Pay careful attention to safety if youselect this option. Smaller dogs are bettersuited for shorter distance running or walking.
• While many dogs like catching flying discs, be careful to keep the throws low to avoid injury to joints from higher leaps. Herding breeds, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, are dogs that perform well competitively, butthere are lots of other pure and mixedbreed dogs that perform equally well.
• Medium dogs, especially herding breeds, are good at agility activities. “That’s not to state that huge or small dogs cannot do agility activities, but the herding breeds, overall, are at the top in these competitions,” Nelson said.
• If you like playing fetch with a dog, then a retrieving breed such as a Labrador or golden retriever may be your ideal candidate. While retrievers are usually best at activities like fetch, many dogs enjoy playing fetch with tennis balls, racquetballs, toys or sticks. Playing fetch indoors with your small breed dog is often a viable option; you could run the risk, though, of enthusiastic, unintentional damage to the inside of your house if you try this with aBigger dog.
• Swimming is a non-joint stressing exercise for dogs, just as it is for people. It is a great option during the hot summer months when heat exhaustion is a concern. Retrievers are at the top of the pack for this activity.
• Dogs also need mental exercise. Breeds such as border collies need a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy. Activities to Considerare searching for hidden items, laser light chasing or completing special tasks.

According to Nelson, health concerns to be aware of when exercising with your dog include:

• Make sure your dog is in shape before doing long or intense workouts. If you want to do a longer distance run, you need to build your dog up gradually to the longer mileage.
• Dogs need to get acclimated to hard surfaces, whether they are going out to walk, run or go hunting with their owners. “If they have been on soft grass in the yard for an extended period of time, and then run on gravel or cement, they may tear up their pads,” Nelson said. “Be mindful also in hot weather that your dog may suffer from burns to the pads from hot cement or asphalt.”
• All dogs are at risk for overheating. When it’s hot, the heat, especially combined with humidity, makes it easier for the dog to succumb to heat exhaustion. Be especially cautious with dogs with short noses, like bulldogs and Boston terriers, because they can’t cool themselves as effectively as other dogs due to the conformation of their noses. Dark-haired and long-coated dogs also are at higher risk. If during exercise your dog starts acting woozy, gets a dark red-colored tongue or gets thick ropy saliva, you should stop immediately and get it in a shaded area. Offer water and hose it down with cool water if necessary. For more severely effected dogs, wet them down with water and then take them to a veterinarian immediately.
• Give your dog frequent water breaks while exercising, especially if it is hot out. Limit exercise times to early morning and later in the evenings, and be cognizant of daytime temperatures and humidity.
• Conversely, cold weather also poses special risks to your pet. Frostbite to the feet, nose and ears is possible along with irritation to the feet by ice melts. Do not allow your pet to drink from puddles in the street as they may be contaminated with antifreeze. Short-coated and smaller breed dogs may require a jacket for extra warmth.
• Young dogs, particularlyHuge breed growing puppies, shouldn’t go on long runs until around 12-15 months of age. Up to that time their bones are still growing and elongating. Prolonged, pounding exercise on hard surfaces can potentially cause early damage to their joints.
• Don’t feed your dog right before or right after intense exercise. This may predispose the dog’s stomach to bloat or twist, especially for Largebreed or deep-chested dogs. A general rule of thumb is to not feed dogs an hour before or after exercising.

Source: Kansas State University (news : web)