Dogs | Dog Breeds
Dogs are domesticated mammals of the Carnivora order. Descendants of wolves, dogs are the first animals to have been domesticated by humans—roughly 30,000 years ago. Dogs are bred for particular physical and emotional characteristics to assist humans with work and service tasks or to serve as companions, or pets. Dogs are differentiated as either purebred, or pedigree, with parents of the same breed, or as mixed-breeds, mutts, hybrids or mongrels with parents of multiple breeds. Dogs are often referred to as ‘man’s best friend’ referring to the high degree of loyalty that dogs share with humans.
The Great Dane is among largest dog breeds, and considered a giant dog breed. Typically, Great Danes reach an overall height of 42.5 to 49.5 inches and have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Other large dog breeds include the Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, and Saint Bernard.
The Chihuahua is among the smallest dog breeds, and is considered a toy breed. Chihuahua’s usually weigh less than 6 pounds, and have an average height of 5 to 8 inches. Other small dog breeds include the Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund and Maltese.
The most popular dog breeds in the world include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs. Other popular dog breeds are Beagles, Poodles, Rottweilers, Yorkshire Terriers, as well as Pointers.
