![Barbet standing in the snow.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Barbet-standing-in-the-snow.jpg)
What's a dog breed?
People have been breeding dogs since prehistoric times. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. From the beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform various tasks. Hunting, guarding, and herding are thought to be among the earliest job…
What's a dog breed?
People have been breeding dogs since prehistoric times. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. From the beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform various tasks. Hunting, guarding, and herding are thought to be among the earliest jobs eagerly performed by the animal destined to be called “man’s best friend.”
For thousands of years, humans bred dogs toward the physical and mental traits best suited for the work expected of them. The sleek Greyhound types bred to chase fleet-footed prey, and the huge mastiff types used as guard dogs and warriors, are two ancient examples of dogs bred for specific jobs.
As humans became more sophisticated, so did their dogs. Eventually, there emerged specific breeds of dogs, custom-bred to suit the breeders’ local needs and circumstances. The Greyhound, for instance, was the foundation type for the immense Irish Wolfhound and the dainty Italian Greyhound. All three have a distinct family resemblance, but you’d never mistake one for another.
So, then, when is a breed a breed and not just a kind or type of dog? The simplest way to define a breed is to say it always “breeds true.” That is, breeding a purebred Irish Setter to another purebred Irish Setter will always produce dogs instantly recognizable as Irish Setters.
Each breed’s ideal physical traits, movement, and temperament are set down in a written document called a “breed standard.” For example, the breed standard sets forth the traits that make a Cocker Spaniel a Cocker Spaniel and not a Springer Spaniel.
The AKC standard for each breed originates with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. Once approved by the AKC, a standard becomes both the breeder’s “blueprint” and the instrument used by dog show judges to evaluate a breeder’s work.
There are over 340 dog breeds known throughout the world. The American Kennel Club recognizes 200 breeds.
![Airedale Terrier](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/02165956/Airedale-Terrier-standing-stacked-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Airedale Terrier
His size, strength, and unflagging spirit have earned the Airedale Terrier the nickname 'The King…
See More![American Hairless Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/American-Hairless-Terrier-standing-in-the-grass-on-lead-400x267.jpg)
American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier, a Louisiana native, is a smart, inquisitive, and playful dog tha…
See More![Australian Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Australian-Terrier-standing-in-the-garden-400x267.jpg)
Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is plucky, spirited and lively. The cheeky self-assured Aussie approache…
See More![Bedlington Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Bedlington-Terrier-standing-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Bedlington Terrier
Graceful terriers in sheep's clothing, Bedlington Terriers, named for the English mining shire…
See More![Border Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Border-Terrier-On-White-03-400x267.jpg)
Border Terrier
Admirers of the upbeat and agile Border Terrier cherish their breed's reputation as a tough…
See More![Bull Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/bull-terrier-on-white-10-400x267.jpg)
Bull Terrier
Among the most comical and mischievous citizens of dogdom, the Bull Terrier is playful and…
See More![Cairn Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cairn-Terrier-sitting-in-the-grass-400x267.jpg)
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are happy, busy little earthdogs originally bred to fearlessly root out foxes and…
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Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier, national dog of the Czech Republic, is a clever and adventurous playmate fo…
See More![Dandie Dinmont Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier-slide-6-400x267.jpg)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The unique-looking Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a tough but dignified little exterminator. Sturdily…
See More![Glen of Imaal Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Glen-of-Imaal-Terrier-On-White-01-400x267.jpg)
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Gentler, less excitable than most terriers, but still bold and spirited, the double-coated Glen of…
See More![Irish Terrier](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Irish-Terriers-sitting-together-400x267.jpg)
Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier, 'Daredevil' of the Emerald Isle, is a bold, dashing, and courageous terrier of…
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