Choosing Dog Breed : Domesticated Dogs

Selective breeding
Several thousand years of selective breeding, probably with a number of wild animals, such as the gray wolf and the jackal, has produced the wonderful variety of dog breeds that is available today.

Different breeds
There are working dogs such as retrievers, pointers, herders, and hunters. In addition to these, a great many ornamental and toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug, have been developed.

How modern dogs have developed
Modern dogs have been finely trained to guide the blind, pull sleds, round up sheep, search for smuggled goods, track down criminals, and rescue people from treacherous weather conditions.

Performing tasks
Most breeds have been developed with a particular task or characteristic in mind. A gundog usually has a waterproof coat, sharp eyes, and a well-developed sense of smell. Dogs that control cattle often have short, powerfully muscular front and hind legs. Hunting hounds are small with short legs, a deep chest, and a strong head. Racing dogs are sleek, fine-boned and short-haired. Mountain dogs, used to rescue people in bad weather conditions, are usually massive animals a large head and thick coat.