Types of Dog Breeds

Every dog breed falls under a certain type, classification, or category. We have sorted them out and have extensive documentation on what each type is all about. Browse through the dog type lists below to find a puppy based on its breed type.

Note that many dog breeds will fit within multiple categories. Also, some categories are a sub category of another category but have been listed separately due to a specific skill set that the breed group possesses.

The size and appearance of breeds within the same type can vary greatly.

List of dog breed types:

  1. Companion Dogs

    The name says it all. Unlike other dogs which are bred for a particular job, companion dogs are bred simply to keep you company. Companion dogs can be any size, most are smaller breeds though.

  2. Toy Dogs

    Unlike some companion dogs, which can be large, all dogs classified as toy are small. Toy dogs make great small family pets and companions.

  3. Guard Dogs (Attack Dogs / Barking (Watch) Dogs)

    Guard dogs (also referred to as attack dogs and watch dogs) are used by police, military, business owners and home owners for the following primary purpose: keep people and property safe. They can be trained to attack, corner, block, pin, or in the case of a watchdog - bark at any intruders.

  4. Herding or Pastoral Dogs

    Herding dogs are best known for rounding up animals. They are bred to move and corral livestock, not necessarily to guard them. Herding dogs can be great family dogs due to their friendly, clever, high-energy nature. They are praised for being extremely intelligent and are easily trained to adhere to command. This type includes the Border Collie, often considered to be the smartest dog in the world.

  5. Spitz/Arctic Dogs

    Popular in harsh weather areas, these dogs are adept at living in cold climates. Their thick long coats keeps them warm and their ears are small and close to the head to prevent frostbite. Arctic dogs are skilled at a number of things ranging from hunting moose to pulling sleds.

  6. Hunting Dogs (All)

    When it comes to hunting, these breeds will help you bring home your game. All breeds used for hunting are listed in this category. These dogs have also been sub-categorized below due to the specific hunting styles and unique skill sets of some of these breeds.

  7. Cur Dogs

    A dog associated with rural areas, Curs are a hearty, intelligent, multitalented hunting dog. Many Curs also make great herding dogs. Remember Old Yeller? He was a Cur.

  8. Tracking Dogs (Scenthound)

    Need a dog with a good nose? These dogs are able to track game using their keen sense of smell. The Bloodhound has the best nose of the bunch. The bloodhound nose has 4 billion olfactory receptors; you have 12 million. That's a nose that 333 times better than yours.

  9. Sighthounds

    No, their eyes aren't 333 times better than yours. The label "sighthound" comes from their ability to run fast and keep prey in sight. They have an aerodynamic shape with long legs, small head, lean body, extra large heart, and efficient lungs. That's not to say they have bad eye sight, they are skilled at keeping a visual lock on fast moving animals while running full speed.

  10. Gun Dogs

    Typically used to assist in the hunting of birds; these dogs are experts at pointing, flushing and retrieving fowl. Gun dogs are extremely intelligent, easy to train, and great companions for frisbee throwers.

  11. Terriers

    Terriers are generally smaller than other hunting dogs and are not used for hunting as much as they once were long ago. They were originally bred for controlling small nuisance game. Terriers may be smaller than most other hunting dogs, but don't tell them that. They have a huge ego and are known for not being easily intimidated. They are brave, loyal, active, and at times stubborn.