Classification of Dogs

There has been a lot of controversy in the past about from which animal today's dog descended from, and evolved into the sweet animals we know today. Many respected researchers have swayed their opinions throughout the years, but now there is a definite decision that today's dog species evolved from wolves or the Canidae species.

Like dogs, Wolves vary greatly in size and the biggest known to date is the North American Wolf that migrated from Eurasia where it evolved.

Classification of Dogs

Pedigrees and Crossbreeds - The British Dog Breeds

Dog breeding is big business. This classification of the dogs known as pedigrees and crossbreeds is mainly governed by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, which is the ruling body established in 1873 to oversee the legitimacy of breed.  This Club takes care of registering litters, establishing breed, tracing and verifying parental lineage, transfers of ownership, show titles and other breed related services. There are other organizations worldwide that perform the same functions as the Kennel Club. Pedigrees and crossbreeds are usually the dogs found within the British Dog Breeds that are established and fall under the authority of the English Kennel Club.

Pedigree - A dog is known as being a pedigree if both parents are pure bred and have been known for a number of generations.  Unless the parentage is proven, they cannot be registered with the Kennel Club of Great Britain. These are the dogs you see at dog shows, and can be purchased from reputable breeders anywhere in the world. This classification of dog is the highest in monetary value and depending on the breed can cost upwards of thousands of dollars for a pup.

The Basset Hound - A Pedigree Dog!

photo credit: Chuck.falzone

Crossbreeds - This is where one parent is one pure breed and the other parent is a different pure breed. Sometimes this occurs by simple human error and other times it is done by design by breeders.

photo credit: mjteggy05

Non Pedigree Dogs

Mongrels - Dogs which are of a completely mixed parentage are called mongrels. This classification of dogs is the most common for pets and families love them and care for them throughout their lives.

Unrecognized Breeds - This type of dog also follows under the non pedigree classification and there are a handful of them. Though these types of breeds are not recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Brittain, they are non the less popular and loved by many. The Russel Terrier is a prime example of the unrecognized breed classification of dog. They are excellent companions, great working dogs and are loving and caring.

Russel Terrier photo credit: JelleS

Other Unrecognized Breeds - Lurcher, Longdog, and the Lucas Terrier.

Also, the white and long haired German Shepherd, which is not officially recognized by the British Kennel Club for show purposes yet still has a big following. The German Shepherd has it's own club, and as we all know, they are some of the smartest dogs around and is able to participate in agility and obedience events just as good as any dog at the British Kennel Club.

Lucas Terrier (image source: www.puppiesanddogsforsale.com)

Old Dog Breeds

Throughout the history of the canine race one can find many breeds that no longer exist today, but surely their blood runs in the veins of many other dogs that are still with us today, like a few of the breeds in this classification.

• Alco
• Carrier dog of the Indians
• Dogs of the Native Americans
• Hare Indian Dog
• Asiatic Nootka Dog
• Hounds
• Turnspit
• Truffle Dog
• Setters and Water Dogs
• Spaniels and Water Dogs
• Wolf Dogs
• Bull Dog Breeds of Old
• Greyhounds
• Terriers
• Dalmatians and Boar Hounds