A broad list is given below. However note that there can be several overlaps in the classification as one dog is capable of more than one task. The classification thus cannot be clearly defined.
Companion dogs/ Toy Dogs
These are dogs that do not perform any tasks and only provide pleasing companionship. Small sized companion dogs are called toy dogs.
This is the complete list of AKC recognized breeds that can be classified as companion dogs:
Affenpinscher, American Eskimo, Australian Silky Terrier, Silky Terrier, Bichon Frisé, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested Dog, Crossbreed dogs, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, German Spitz, Brussels Griffon, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, English Toy Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Löwchen, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Schipperke, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier.
Guard dogs
These are dogs that have natural instincts to guard against strangers and unknown animals. Some of the guard dogs are only 'watchdogs' - they only bark to scare away intruders. But others have the ability to attack the intruders.
The most common guard dogs are:
American Bulldog, Anatolian Shepherd, Black Russian Terrier, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Tibetan Mastiff.
These are dogs that aid humans in hunting. They can be further classified into the following types:
Hounds track and chase the animal being hunted.
List: Afghan Hound, Basenji, Basset Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Dachshund, Greyhound, Harrier, Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Otterhound, Pharaoh Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound, Whippet.
Terriers are used to hunt mammals.
Examples: American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bull Terrier, Irish Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Lakeland Terrier.
Gun dogs identify location of the prey.
Examples: Golden Retriever, English Setter, English Cocker Spaniel.
Pastoral dogs
These are dogs bred to work livestock. Types of pastoral dogs include:
Herding dogs like Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie,
Drovers like Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog
Livestock guardian dogs like Anatolian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Tibetan Mastiff
Sled dogs
These are types of dogs that are employed to pull wheel-less vehicles over snow or ice, using harnesses.
Examples: Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo Dog, Samoyed, Siberian Husky
As mentioned earlier, dogs can be classified in different ways. Another popular way of classifying them is grouping them into: sporting, Non-sporting, Working, Hounds, Terriers, Toy, Herding, and Miscellaneous dogs.
Related Articles