Selective breeding in different types of dogs was originally designed to make the most of useful traits so that dogs could be utilized for various working purposes. Ranging from hunting and guarding to entertainment and status Geoff Cameron USA Jersey , different dogs developed according to the tasks for which they were required.

Breeding specific types of dogs based on looks alone is only a practice that began during the 19th Century and since this time, there have been certain breed standards that are recognized.

The different types of dogs we know and love today fall into 7 basic categories, along with an 8th miscellaneous category for dog breeds that are still being classified.

Sporting Dogs

Sporting dogs, or gun dogs, also encompass three sub varieties of dogs. These are the Retrievers, Pointers Erik Palmer-Brown USA Jersey , and Setters. Originally bred to hunt game birds, most breeds are able to work equally well on land or in water.

The primary difference between the three sub varieties of sporting dogs is as follows:

Retrievers will locate any killed or injured game and bring it back to the hunter. To these happy natured dogs, retrieving is a great game.

Pointers were designed to locate prey and, once found, will stand with nose and often one paw raised to point toward the location of hiding prey. These intelligent dogs thrive on games of hide and seek.

Setters will locate their prey and, once found Eric Lichaj USA Jersey , will crouch before the hiding place or position in which it was cornered to wait for the hunter to complete the hunt with a net.

All types of dogs in the sporting dogs group respond well to obedience training and seem happiest when trying to comply with their master?s commands. While they are very intelligent, they are also extremely energetic, so sporting dogs need a lot of regular exercise.

Some of the more common types of sporting dogs include the Labrador retriever, Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner DeAndre Yedlin USA Jersey , and the German Short Haired Pointer.

Hound Dogs

Hound dogs were originally bred to chase quarry either by sight or smell, or in some cases, both. These types of dogs have excellent eyesight along with speed and amazing levels of stamina, which makes them ideal for tracking, flushing out game, and hunting.

Many hound dogs have an inherently determined nature and once they?ve set their sights on their prey Dax McCarty USA Jersey , it can be difficult to deter them from their goal. They can seem quite single minded and this can sometimes make obedience training a challenge unless handled with firm, positive reinforcement.

Some of the more common types of hound dogs include the Dachshund, English Foxhound, Greyhound