Characteristics – The domestic dog possesses heightened senses, and still retains some of the scavenger instincts that it inherits from its ancestors the wolf.  With a huge multitude of breeds, dogs have since subsequently evolved into various specialised sub-groups with various characteristics. There are many types of dogs:

Herding Dogs – used to control flocks of sheep and other livestock, they are bred with qualities such as good eyesight, intelligence and hard working dogs.  They come in small varieties (Collie dogs), as well as large dogs that are capable of also defending flocks against predators (German Shepherds).

Toy Breeds – The toy breeds were perhaps the first status symbol, owned by wealthy aristocrats, this main dog features a very small size, typically similar to your average cat.  With no purpose other than that of a domestic pet, the toys were bred for desirability for rich and wealthy individuals.

Hounds – Typically bred for being able to chase its prey or quarry by sight / smell they have exceptional abilities at tracking with great eyesight, very fast speed and high amounts of stamina.  Typical breed examples include the greyhound.

Gun Dogs – bred for retrieving or pointing its quarry out, the sporting dogs include the retriever, the pointer and the setter.  Sporting dogs have been selectively bred to a high level, and as a result – they are a highly specialised breed with various individual features, such as webbed feet and waterproof coats. As well as ‘soft mouths’ that would not damage prey on retrieval.   This subgroups main strength is its ability to track injured prey, and bring it back to the hunter.