| A dog is an omnivorous mammal from the canine family and was domesticated more than 10 thousand years ago. At present, hundreds of breeds of dog are available, which considerably differ from each other. For example, the height of the dog can vary from several centimeters (Chihuahua) to almost a meter (Irish wolfhound, Great Dane), the color, from white to black including reddish brown, gray, brown and in a huge variety of shades.
Dogs are known for their training abilities, love playing and the possibility to adapt to people and social situations. Special dog breeds meant for hunting (for example, Harrier, Foxhound), fighting breeds (for example, Tosa Inu, Bull Terrier) and for cartage (for example, husky, Siberian husky) are nurtured. Dogs are also used in biological and bio-technical research (for example, Squirrel and Arrow).
All over the world the classification system of dogs by the International canine federation (FCI) is very unified, which changes from time to time, according to the decisions of the FCI General assembly. In this classification, scientists try to find a balance between the history of the breed formation, breeding features and usages. Basically, breeds are grouped according to the typological feature or on the nature of use, for example, decorative or gun dogs. In various countries group numbers vary.
As of 2006, the FCI recognizes 337 dog breeds, which are classified into 10 groups. In Europe, usually ten groups are available which are approved by the International canine Federation:
Herding breeds:
Watch, search and service breeds
Terriers
Dachshunds
Hunting breeds (big animals) (Spitz and primitive dogs)
Hunting breeds (small animals) (Hunting dogs)
Gun (with the exception of British breeds)
Gun dogs (British breeds)
Category: Decorative dog breeds
Grey hounds.
Such classifications are applicable in the United States and Europe. |
There's a popular theory that people tend to pick up dogs that at
some level bear resemblance to them. The research conducted at
University of California, San Diego found that independent judges
correctly matched about 75% of 25 dogs and their owners, based just on
the "similarities" found in the photos of dogs and photos of their
owners.
