CanaDogs logo: Canadian dog breeders

facebook_icon-collar

Did you know?

The Romans were the first to classify dogs by breed purpose. They assigned dogs to three different groups:

Class 1: Canis villatica (house dog – protection and vermin control dogs)

Class 2: Canis pastoralis (shepherd’s dog)

Class 3: Venatici (sporting dog)

Choosing a Breed

CanaDogs maple leaf and paw: Canadian dog breeders

At CanaDogs.ca, we believe that understanding something about the original purpose for which your dog was bred can go a long way towards predicting future behaviour and temperament. The 180+ breeds of dog recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club are divided into seven groups and one miscellaneous class. While every dog breed and individual dog has its own unique temperament and personality, each of the breeds of dogs grouped together have a similar function.

When choosing a breed, keep in mind that each breed of dog developed certain instinctive characteristics to enable them to do the job they were bred to do. Also keep in mind such factors as: how big will the adult dog get, the barking factor, digging, shedding and grooming, allergies, exercise requirements, common health problems, and the fit with your family (is it good with children, can it spend time alone). The better you honestly assess your lifestyle and needs, the better a potential pet will fit into your family and the happier people and dog will be!

Irish Setter

Irish Setter

paw_red[1] Hunters of Game Birds

* Pointers
* Setters   
* Spaniels
  
* Retrievers

Group 1 – Sporting Dogs

Sporting dogs were originally bred to find, flush out, and retrieve game birds on land and in water. This group is mostly made up of the pointer, setter, spaniel, and retriever families of dogs. They are intelligent hunting companions that are usually willing, trainable, playful, and very energetic. Some have been used as guide dogs. Sporting dogs vary in size with spaniels being the smallest, and are generally popular with children as pets. Most of these dogs need a lot of exercise and human companionship and may not be suitable in households where the people are gone all day.

 

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

Borzoi

Borzoi

paw_red[1] Hunters and Trackers

* Sighthounds
* Scenthounds

Group 2 – Hounds

Hounds were bred for hunting/tracking people or game ranging from badgers, foxes, and rabbits to wolves and lions using their eyesight or sense of smell. They are independent characters used to working alone. Easily distracted by movement or interesting scents, they may be a training challenge as they are keen hunters. Sighthounds follow their prey by sight and can run like the wind. Scenthounds use their noses to track their prey. Hounds range in size from the tiny Dachshund to the massive Irish Wolfhound. Some of these dogs require minimal exercise while others need a large, enclosed running space.

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

paw_red[1]  Sled Dogs

paw_red[1]  Guardians/Protectors

paw_red[1]  Guides/Rescue Dogs

Group 3 – Working Dogs

Working dogs are the guard and draft workers, originally bred to work alongside their humans. They have been used as sled dogs, guarding and protection dogs for livestock and people, and guiding and rescuing dogs. These dogs are territorial, strong, and confident and require a similarly strong-willed master.  The dogs in this group were bred to work and they are happiest when they’ve got a job to do. This group of dogs includes many of the large and giant breeds. Many make excellent pets, being fiercely loyal and intelligent. However, for some, the demands of their size and protective instincts require careful consideration.

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

Smooth Fox Terriers

Smooth Fox Terriers

paw_red[1]  Vermin Controllers

Group 4 – Terriers

Independent, spunky, tough, and determined, the terriers were bred to hunt rats and other vermin by going into their burrows after them. Tenacious terriers have also been used for guarding, pit fighting, and especially hunting small predators such as badgers, foxes, and rabbits. They are relentless and know no fear or pain when on the job. Terriers have been described as having “a big dog personality in a small dog body”. They are a high-activity dog and are therefore not for everyone.  Terriers can be a boon for those with allergies as many of these dogs have wiry but non-shedding coats.  Properly trained and socialized, they can make good house pets, but remember, they love to dig!

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua 

paw_red[1]  Companions

Group 5 – Toys

Miniature dogs did not evolve naturally. They were bred by people as pets, to be companions and lap dogs. Due to their small size, they are sensitive to extremes of heat and cold and rely on human care to survive. Toys require minimal exercise and are long lived, affectionate and adaptable. They make an ideal pet in situations where keeping any other dog would seem impossible. Toys range in size from approximately one pound to eighteen pounds.  They can be very highly strung and may not be suitable in households with boisterous young children.

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

Dalmatian

Dalmatian 

paw_red[1]  Hard to Classify

paw_red[1]  Jobs no Longer Needed

Group 6 – Non-Sporting Dogs

This group has the largest variety of dogs as it functions as a collection of breeds that are hard to classify in one of the other groups. They may be dogs that used to perform vital tasks that are no longer required such as the Dalmatian. They may be sporting dogs like the Bulldog used years ago in the now-illegal game of bull-baiting. Many of these dogs were companions or watch dogs. With such a variety of animals, this group has likely got something for everyone.

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

paw_red[1] Lhasa Apso
paw_red[1] Lowchen
paw_red[1] Miniature Poodle
paw_red[1] Schipperke
paw_red[1] Shiba Inu
paw_red[1] Shih Tzu
paw_red[1] Standard Poodle

paw_red[1] Tibetan Spaniel
paw_red[1] Tibetan Terrier
paw_red[1] Xoloitzcuintli (Miniature)
paw_red[1] Xoloitzcuintli (Standard)

Rough Collie

Rough Collie

paw_red[1]  Sheep/Cattle Herders

paw_red[1]  Drovers

Group 7 – Herding Dogs

Developed mainly as sheep and cattle herders (who keep the flock together) or drovers (who drive them to market), the dogs in this group have worked alongside their humans for centuries. They are very intelligent and make natural watchdogs. They vary in size from small to large and many have thick, double coats that protect them in all sorts of weather. These breeds are popular as pets because of their obedience and willingness to work. These animals are active dogs who love to work and are eager to please. Owners must be prepared to find channels for their abundant energy. Remember, these dogs will herd anything – even the kids – if they have nothing else to do.

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Leopard Dog

paw_red[1]  Rare Breeds

Not Recognized

This group consists of many different and rare breeds of dog that are not sufficiently well known to have gained recognition by the Canadian Kennel Club. They are all different shapes and sizes, and have various breed purposes. Many are from other countries such as France, Argentina, and the Canary Islands. These breeds are largely unfamiliar to North Americans but have a devoted and loyal following of breed fanciers and clubs.

*Listed Breeds* are still awaiting full Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

paw_red[1] Akbash Dog
paw_red[1] Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
paw_red[1] American Bulldog
paw_red[1] American Pit Bull Terrier
paw_red[1] Australian Koolie
paw_red[1] Biewer
paw_red[1] Black Mouth Cur
paw_red[1] Bolognese
paw_red[1] Catahoula Leopard Dog
paw_red[1] Caucasian Ovcharka
paw_red[1] Chart Polski
paw_red[1] Croatian Sheepdog
paw_red[1] Deutsch-Drahthaar
paw_red[1] Dogo Argentino
paw_red[1] Dogo Canario
paw_red[1] Dutch Shepherd
paw_red[1] English Shepherd
paw_red[1] Fila Brasileiro
paw_red[1] German Coolie

paw_red[1] Perro de Presa Canario
paw_red[1]
Picardy Spaniel
paw_red[1] Porcelaine
paw_red[1] Presa Canario
paw_red[1] Russo-European Laika
paw_red[1] Sarplaninac (Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog)
paw_red[1] St. Hubert Jura Laufhund
paw_red[1] Shiloh Shepherd
paw_red[1] Silken Windhound
paw_red[1] Sloughi
paw_red[1] South African Boerboel
paw_red[1] Spanish Mastiff
paw_red[1] Swiss Hound
paw_red[1] Tenterfield Terrier
paw_red[1] Tosa Inu
paw_red[1] Translyvanian Hound
paw_red[1] Wachtelhund