Different Breeds of Dogs & Cats

Domestic dogs come in a vast array of colors, shapes and sizes and are the only animal that has such diversity of appearance without speciation. Conversely, there are basic similarities in shape and size among domesticated cats but a wide selection of breeds available each with its own aesthetic traits and personality.

  1. Different Breeds of Dogs

    • The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 161 breeds of dogs across eight categories. However, the Kennel Club of the U.K. recognizes 210 pedigrees within seven groupings. According to AKC, the groups of dog breeds are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding.

    Sporting Breeds

    • Active dogs used in hunting and field activities, sporting breeds include the cocker Spaniel, Labrador retriever, Irish setter and German wirehaired pointer. These breeds are extremely energetic and alert, requiring a lot regular exercise.

    Hounds Breeds

    • In the past, these dogs were bred for hunting due to their acute oratory sense and stamina to pursue quarry. This breed group includes dogs with a diverse range of size, coats and appearance including the beagle, whippet, harrier, Irish wolfhound and dachshund.

    Working Breeds

    • Working breeds are suited to performing jobs including pulling sleds, guarding property and water rescues. They are highly-intelligent fast learners and extremely loyal, including breeds such as the boxer, great Dane, Doberman pinscher, bullmastiff and Saint Bernard.

    Terriers Breeds

    • Terriers range in size from the very small to large and are characterized by their spirited and feisty personality. Breeds in this grouping include the Australian, border, Irish, cairn and Staffordshire bull terrier.

    Toy Breeds

    • Toy dogs breeds are small in size and bred for city living. Breeds within this grouping include the Chihuahua, Papillon, pug, Shih Tzu and silky terrier.

    Non-Sporting Breeds and Herding Breeds

    • Non-sporting breeds is a group of diverse breeds, differing in terms of personality, size, coat length and general appearance. The dalmation, bulldog, poodle, American Eskimo dog and Lhasa Apso are all included in this category by the AKC.

      Herding breeds have a natural instinct for being able to control other animals' movements such as farm stock. Herding breeds include the collie, Australian cattle dog, German shepherd, Belgian malinois and the corgi.

    Different Breeds of Cats

    • The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes 55 breeds, including established and newly developing breeds as well as breeds with new traits. However, The Cat Fanciers' Association Inc. recognizes 40 pedigree cat breeds and two miscellaneous breeds.

    Hairless and Shorthair-Coat Breeds

    • The majority of recognized cat breeds have short-haired coats, including breeds such as the American shorthair, Bengal, Burmese, Chartreux, ocicat, Russian blue and Siamese. Hairless breeds have no hair, very short hair or just a fine down such as the Donsky, Minskin, Sphynx and Peterbald breeds.

    Rex, Medium-Length and Long Hair Breeds

    • Rex breeds such as the Devon and Silkirk Rex have soft, curly coats of short to medium length. Some breeds such as the Scottish Fold, Manx and Japanese bobtail are available in long and short hair varieties. Long Hair cat breeds include the ragdoll, Birman, Himalayan and Persian.