Types of Dogs: Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Miscellaneous

Terrier Dogs

Terrier dogs were originally bred to hunt and control vermin and other predators such as rats, mice, foxes and ferrets. This selective breeding for specific characteristic and traits gave rise to small, energetic breeds with very determined temperaments.

Terriers were bred for their ability to dig tenaciously in search of their quarry as well as the tendency to bark persistently in order to frighten their prey out of hiding.

Terrier dogs tend to be small or medium in size and are usually described as feisty, willing to take on even the biggest of opponents with no regard for size. This is an excellent trait for hunting rats, but it’s not always a nice attitude with other pets or young children.

The very traits that make them successful hunters can also make them a little difficult to train effectively as their determined nature may seem to some as being stubborn.

Toy Dogs

Dogs belonging to the toy dog group were originally bred and developed to provide pleasure and companionship to wealthier people. Where other dog breeds were allocated specific roles in hunting or working, toy dogs had no specific working function and became somewhat of a status symbol.

Before the advent of breeding for appearance, toy dog breeds were often employed as lap warmers or bed warmers, spawning the name ‘lap dog’, and could often be seen seated on the laps of nobles and royalty in both Oriental and European palaces and castles.

Toy dogs generally make very easy care domestic pets, although without adequate socialization when they are pups, toy breeds may tend to become very protective of their owners and their property. This trait can develop a persistent barking habit, or yapping, in these very small dogs as they seek to ward off others from what they perceive as their property.

Some more common types of toy dogs include the Chihuahua, Maltese terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Poodles among other types of dogs.

Non-Sporting Dogs

There are so many different types of dogs encompasses in the non-sporting dogs group that it’s difficult to give one specific classification or general trait among them.

Non-sporting dog varieties are available in different sizes, coats, appearances, traits and temperaments. This classification is then more specific to all types of dogs whose primary breeding purpose is no longer utilized.

Many of the breeds found in the non-sporting dogs group were once bred for tasks that have altered over time so that these tasks are no longer as commonly required. Such tasks as hunting small game, bull baiting, circus performing dogs and even coach dogs like the Dalmatian are included in these types of dogs.

Examples of the types of dog breeds included in the non-sporting dogs classification include the Dalmation, the Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Chow Chow, Bichon Frise, and the Chinese Shar-pei.

Herding Dogs

Herding dogs were originally developed to utilize their huge levels of stamina and agility. Many types of dogs in the herding dog group are able to herd animals that may be many times their size and this can seem as though they are able to control the movements and direction of other animals. They are also able to control the movements of large herds of sheep, deer, or cattle that number in the hundreds with relative ease.

Most types of herding dogs have been bred over generations to sport a weatherproof double-coat that not only protects them from the cold, but can also insulate them against the heat.

Herding dogs are very intelligent and have enormous amounts of energy. The combination of these two traits can mean herding dogs often become destructive if not given sufficient exercise or mental stimulation to stop them becoming bored.

The instinctive nature of herding dogs is very strong and they will attempt to round up members of the family, including other pets, in order to direct them back to areas or activities the dog would prefer to be enjoying.

Herding dogs respond very well to firm training and actually enjoy being challenged with tasks that make them hunt, seek, track, or find object. They will perform best when given specific tasks to complete prior to receiving a positive reward or reinforcement.

Border collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Shetland Sheepdogs are among the various types of herding dogs.

In more recent times, the intelligence and natural determination of these types of dogs has led them to be utilized in alternative roles away from their traditional herding roles.

It is becoming more common to see many different types of herding dogs actively used in working dog roles, such as police work, tracking work, and even rescue work.

Miscellaneous Dog Breeds

There are some dog breeds that are classified as miscellaneous simply due to not being recognized by the American Kennel Club at the time of this writing, although they are being considered for inclusion into the recognized dog breeds list.

One miscellaneous dog breed includes the Neapolitan Mastiff, which was originally bred in Italy as a war breed to be used in dog fighting and bear baiting. They were also often used by the Romans in the arena, but these enormous fierce dogs are also very effective as guard dogs.

The Black Russian terrier is also quite an old Russian breed, dating back to the 1800s. Originally bred for military use, these large dogs were also used in the bull-fighting ring.

Another miscellaneous dog breed is the Glen of Imaal Terrier, originally from Ireland and bred to hunt small game. The terrier is also known as a Miniature Irish Wolfhound.