Before we think about adopting a dog, it is very important to understand the different types of dog breeds. This is because one needs to bring home a dog that suits their lifestyle, living space available and the dog's temperament should match your needs. There are some dogs that prove to be good apartment dogs and few dogs require a lot of running space. Also, a few dogs require a lot of dog grooming and dog exercises to remain healthy.

Apart from the level of dog care required, you also need to keep in mind the size of the dog. If you are looking for a lap dog or a dog that requires less living space, you need to go in for small dog breeds. If you want a dog to guard your house, cattle or property, you may require a shepherd dog or a good watchdog. If you have kids at home, you should go in for dogs that are excellent pets for children. Those who do not have time for high energy dogs, should adopt dogs that love lazing around. There are different dogs, divided into different categories.

Different Dog Breeds

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has recognized about 157 types of dog breeds. These different dogs are placed in different dog groups. Let us have a look at the types of dog according to the dog group.

Sporting Dogs
Sporting dogs also known as Gun dogs in England are bred to help in hunting game birds. These dogs can work in land and water environment and are suited for field activity. The sporting dogs are divided into three categories; Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. Did you know trained dogs are very helpful companions for people suffering from autism, depression, post traumatic stress disorder?

Working Dogs
Working dogs are dog breeds that are bred for hunting, rescue operations, guarding, herding,pulling as well as hearing dogs. These types of service dogs are very intelligent and help their masters in their tasks. They are generally large dog breeds and very courageous in nature.

Herding Dogs
The herding dogs take care of herding livestock like sheep, cattle, etc. These dogs have a waterproof double coat that helps protect them from natural elements. They are also used in police search and rescue operations as well.

Terrier Dogs
Terrier dog breeds are a group of dogs bred to hunt and kill vermin like mice, rats and other animals that affect a farm. These dogs are very active and brave. They have the ability to fight off any predatory animal attacking the farm such as a fox.

Toy Dogs
Toy dogs or miniature dogs are very small dog breeds. These kinds of dogs are mostly kept as a status symbol by the wealthy. They are easy to care for and very loyal. They are basically lap dogs who require very little living space.

List of Dogs

Not all dogs are friendly and happy-go-lucky kind of canines. There are many dangerous dogs in the world. Here, we shall enlist only a few popular dog breeds. The following list will help you learn some of the different breeds that may suit your needs.

Dogs that are Small
Different types of small dogs generally make good apartment dogs. If you are looking for types that stay small then the following list will prove to be helpful.
  • American Cocker Spaniel
  • American Eskimo Dog
  • Beagle
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Boston Terrier
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Chihuahua
  • Dachshund
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • Fox Terrier
  • French Bulldog
  • Havanese
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Jack Russel Terrier
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Maltese
  • Miniature Bull Terrier
  • Miniature Doberman Pincher
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Pomeranian
  • Poodle
  • Pug
  • Shiba Inu
  • Shih Tzu
  • Toy Fox Terrier
  • Volpino
  • Welsh Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier
Dogs that don't Shed
Many times people who want to adopt a dog are worried about the dog allergies. They can try to bring home dogs that don't shed. These are hypoallergenic dog breeds that do not cause severe dog allergies to the owner or people coming in contact with the dog. Allergies are caused by dog dander. You can bring home dogs that are not heavy dander shedders and do not produce allergens, these breeds are:
  • Shih Tzu
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Maltese
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Border Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Havanese
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Silky Terrier
  • Welsh Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Chinese Crested
  • Australian Terrier
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Standard Poodle
  • Wirehaired Fox Terrier
  • Greyhound
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix
  • Basenji
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
These are a few types that you can adopt as pets. Popular dog breeds like a Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Boxer, etc. are very commonly seen in American homes. Make sure you understand all about the dog behavior, temperament, nature and exercise requirements of the dog breed you are interested in. If the dog behavior matches your requirement, you should adopt the dog. Or else look for a breed that matches your need.