While there are approximately more than 400 types of dogs currently, not all are pure breeds. Some are mixes of 2 or more breeds, making them mix-breeds. Depending on the work that a dog was bred for, characteristics from two or more dogs were chosen and combined to form a new, specialized breed. Then this breed had to be selectively bred and developed for many generations before it would formally be recognized as a PURE breed. Confirming to this, many breeds have been developed since selective breeding started centuries ago. These breeds were then classified into categories depending on their work, and thus came into existence the 7 main categories into which these breeds were classified -

1. Herding Group
2. Hound Group
3. Sporting Group
4. Working Group
5. Terrier Group
6. Toy Group
7. Non-sporting Group

Dogs which did not fit into any of these specific groups, or those which could not be classified, were placed into two other categories -

• Miscellaneous Class
• Foundation Stock Service Breeds

This Buzzle article introduces these 7 groups to you, as well as a few of the FSS breeds. Earlier part of the working group, these herders were very recently appointed a group of their own. They are very intelligent breeds with an innate instinct for herding and protecting, making them excellent as guard dogs and cattle herders. Eager to learn and please, they are a delight to train, and are very loving companions. They make excellent pets and can also be used as therapy dogs, police dogs and guide dogs (prime example being the German Shepherd). These breeds are brimming with energy and require daily exercise, which is why they do not do very well in small spaces. But they are wonderful pets for committed and experienced owners. The hound group has been developed over hundreds of years to assist man in hunting for food and sport. Few of the members of this group have an extremely sharp and developed vision and are known as 'sight hounds' or 'gaze hounds'. Others have a very acute sense of smell, and they can follow even the mildest of scents for miles. They are often called 'scent hounds'. All hounds have incredible stamina, can tirelessly run for long distances and are some of the fastest dogs. Swift and agile, these beautiful dogs display a single-mindedness when it comes to hunting or running, and are gentle, considerate and wonderful companions to humans. Sporting dogs make excellent companions for people who have active lifestyles. The breeds in this group are full of energy and enthusiasm and need a considerable amount of exercise on a daily basis. All the pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels are included in this group. Alert, lovable and brimming with energy, these breeds make wonderful companions for life. Working dogs were selectively bred to assist man in jobs like rescues, guarding and pulling carts, carriages and sleds. In keeping with this profile, all working dogs are of formidable size and stature, and can be difficult to handle for first time dog owners, if they are not properly trained. These dogs are best suited for working rather than for being family pets, as not having work/purpose in life can lead to unhappiness and behavioral issues. But if they are given work and exercise, they are extremely loyal and dependable companions. All the breeds in this category are intelligent and hence easy to train, making them a pleasure to work with. 'Feisty' is the word that would best describe any terrier. 'Terrier' is derived from the Latin word meaning 'Earth', and these breeds are expert diggers. They were originally bred to hunt vermin and while they are no longer used for the same work, they still find it tedious to tolerate creatures other than themselves. They require a considerable amount of grooming to look their best. These spunky and energetic breeds are full of enthusiasm, and can charm even the most seasoned dog handlers. Spirited as they are, they need owners who can be stern when required and can match their zest and spunk. The breeds in this group are best described as petite, but that is in contrast with their big personalities. These breeds make wonderful lapdogs and delightful companions. These breeds adapt well to apartment life, and are content with lounging on your lap at the end of the day, are happy with minimum exercise, and hence are ideal pets for people living in apartments. They also make some of the best therapy dogs since they are very cuddly and loving. If you want a dog but are apprehensive about getting a big breed that requires a lot of exercise and maintenance, and want a dog that you can snuggle with at the end of a long day, then these toy breeds are tailor-made for your requirements. This is a motley group. Some of the breeds included in this group are as different as chalk and cheese. There are no specifications regarding size, appearance, personality traits, exercise requirements, etc. Some of the breeds are uncommon while others are more common and popular. The breeds included vary in size as well as personality, but regardless of this, all are excellent as companions. The breeds included in this group are not categorized into the other 7 groups by the AKC. But their records and breeding developments are maintained by the AKC. They are also allowed to compete in dog shows with the rest of the breeds of the 7 groups. But these breeds are not considered eligible for recognition by the AKC. Dogs have been man's companions since time immemorial. Whether it was just sitting on his lap providing companionship, helping shepherds with herding their animals, assisting hunters in retrieving their game, pulling sleds or other heavy items for man or guarding his property and life, dogs have been present by man's side faithfully. There are innumerable mix-breeds which do not fit into the above categories, but that does not, and should not, take away from what they have to offer - which is the same as any recognized breed can - unconditional love and companionship.