In this article I present all the types of dogs from the different points of view that can be considered: breed, size, character, coat, predisposition to play or hunting, color and other criteria and principles of classification.
Types of Dogs Based on Breed
The first categorization between types of dog is obviously based on breed. The International Cynological Federation (FCI) has classified 400 different breeds, the National Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) has divided them into 10 groups, each distinguished by an identification number and an eventual variety code.
To read the ENCI classification with the various groups and varieties I refer you to our article dedicated to the list of dog breeds presented in alphabetical order and with cards dedicated to each breed.
Types of Dogs Based on Size
Dog breeds based on size are generally divided into three categories:
- Small dogs
- Medium sized dogs
- Large breed dogs
Small dogs weigh between 5 and 10 kg .
Some examples of small dog breeds are:
- Poodle
- Pug
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Italian Volpino
- Yorkshire Terrier
Among the small dogs, the “Extra Small” or “Toy” dogs are also identified , with an average weight of less than 5 kg .
Some examples of extra small dog breeds are:
- Miniature Poodle
- Meat sauce
- Chihuahua
- Chin
- Russian Toy
On the other hand, medium-sized dogs are defined as those with an average weight ranging between 11 and 25 kg .
This category includes a large number of dog breeds, such as, for example, among the most widespread in Italy we mention:
- Beagle Harrier
- Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Cirneco of Etna
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Afghan Hound
- Italian Hound and Smooth Hair
- Shiba Inu
- Siberian Husky
- Welsh Corgi
Large or “maxi” dog breeds refer
to adult specimens with an average weight of more than 25 kg .
Among the best known, as an example, we point out:
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Dalmatian
- Doberman
- Argentine Dogo
- Schnauzer
- Italian Spinone
- Weimaraner
Types of Dogs Based on Character
Just like us humans, each dog has its own specific character and any generalization can be risky or misleading.
However, it is possible to indicate breeds that have certain characteristics and tendencies, sometimes direct consequences of their evolutionary path.
We can therefore point out, for example, dog breeds that are suitable for children , in the sense of being not at all aggressive, patient and predisposed to play. Here are some:
- Great Dane
- Bearded Collie
- Boxers
- Golden Retriever
- Maltese
- Pinscher
Types of Hunting Dogs
In this case the discussion becomes a little more complex because within the various types of dog breeds suitable for hunting it is necessary to make further distinctions between:
- Pointing dogs: refers to those dogs that, after having identified wild prey, stop in a point or stand, indicating its presence to the hunter. Breeds of this type are, for example: the English Pointer , the English Setter and the Italian Pointer .
- Retrievers:These are dogs that retrieve game after it has been killed by the hunter. This category of dogs includes Golden Retrievers .
- Scenthound or tracking dogis a type of hunting dog used to flush out and chase wild animals, especially furred game, and drive them toward hunters. This category includes the Balkan Hound , the Apennine Hound , the Posavatz Hound and the Beagle Harrier .
- Burrowing dogs: these are dogs selected over the years to be small and strong so that they can easily enter the burrows of wild animals such as badgers or foxes, thus flushing them out and allowing the hunter to kill them. Types of these breeds are the Fox Terrier and the German Dachshund .
- Bloodhounds or tracking dogs: These are dogs with a highly developed sense of smell, used in the search for wounded game, thanks to their ability to follow a blood trail, hence their name. Types of breeds in this group are the Bloodhound , the Westphalian Hound and the German Hound .
Types of Dogs Based on Color
Color is just one of the elements used to describe a particular breed. However, it is possible that a person decides to choose his dog based on color, in most cases white.
Dogs with white fur include the Maltese Bishon and the White Poodle , the Bedlington Terrier , the Coton de Tulear , the Japanese Spitz , the Bull Terrier and the Puli .
Other colors, including black , can take on different shades and are almost never uniform. The Poodle or the Newfoundland can be “almost totally” black.