Pure Dog Breed

A pure breed is defined as a group of dogs which, when bred with their own kind, will produce their own kind. Purebred dogs allow owners a large degree of long-term predictability that does not exist with mixed breeds or mutts. Even if you are very sure of what two dogs created the mix, you don’t know what may have been behind them.

The AKC method of classifying a breed is based more upon the purpose for which he was bred than a dog’s physical characteristics. Which is why, it lists seven distinct categories into which all breeds fit: sporting, non-sporting, working, hound, terrier, toy and herding. There is also a miscellaneous class, which is treated as a temporary category. Eventually, miscellaneous breeds are placed into one of the seven distinct categories. Miscellaneous dogs can enter AKC competitions but cannot receive championship points.

Herding dogs are used to move herds of livestock and need lots of exercise. Hounds are used for hunting by sight or smell and should not be allowed off leash. Sporting dogs are bred to hunt birds and require an active lifestyle. Terriers are bred to hunt small vermin. These dogs have a tendency to dig and love to chase.

Toy breeds are bred for their small size and have a variety of exercise requirements. Nonsporting dogs are a diverse group with various functions. The one thing they have in common is that they are not usually used to hunt game. Working dogs are well, working dogs; these dogs are used to pull carts, guard people and property and search and rescue.