dog breed group characteristics

guardian dog

flock guards and mastiffs

flock guard

guarding flock for shepherds

bred for protectiveness, hardiness, courage, and large size

characteristics: heavy bone, a muscular build, weather resistant coat, large size

mastiff

personal guard and war dogs

smooth coats

characteristics: bone growth and overgrowth/thickening of skin resulting in wrinkled faces, dewlaps, drop ears

scenthound

tree hounds and trailing hounds

tree hounds

coonhound and cur breeds

help feed families, also served as guard dogs and family companions

ability to drive game up a tree and alert hunter and hold game in tree

superior stamina and cold nose

cold nose

ability to smell and track old col trails

trailing hounds

descended from mastiffs and st hubert hound

characteristics: tracking ability, hanging ears, endurance, congenial dispositions (work in packs)

baying sound

scenthound breeds

sighthound and pariah dogs

pariah dogs

first stage in evolution

short, smooth coats and large erect ears developed from warm climate

ex. basenji, cannan dog

sighthounds

bred with light bone and deep chests to run swiftly for longer periods of time

long heads to minimize wind resistance and enable dog to withstand high temps

gun dog

used to hunt birds

retrievers, pointers, setter, and flushing spaniels

retrievers

water dogs: shaggy/curly coats

land dogs: heavier bodies, wider heads, shorter dense water resistant coats

pointers

identify the location of birds with distinctive pointing stance

strong hunting drive and scenting abilities

setters

slightly crouching or setting upon locating game

falconers and hunters with nets to get closer to birds when stalking prey

characteristics: fringes of hair on the ear, legs, tail

flushing spaniels

descendants of setters

flushing abilities

developed into breeds used as exclusively companions

herding dogs

developed breeds with diff temperaments, coat types, and herding styles based on livestock, terrain, and climate

characteristics: great stamina, agility, intelligence, and affiniy for working in partnership w/ people

terrier

assist in controlling vermin

feisty temperaments, weather resistant coats, muscular bodies, independent natures

companion dog

originated from other groups but adapted to be family companions

tend to be miniaturized versions of their ancestors

lively, intelligent, and affectionate