Types of Dogs

Different types of dogs
The above numbers of dog types are just the tip of the Iceberg - see Bay Dogs! As previously stated these are only the dog types recognised by the AKC. There are no accurate statistics relating to the total numbers of different types of dogs worldwide, not to mention the number of dogs types classified as mongrels, or mutts!

Types of dogs - Variety is the Spice of Life!
The are some 'purists' in the dog world who look down on types of dog breeds that have not been recognised by the leading Kennel Clubs. They believe that only the pedigree types of dogs are the ones to own. But different dog types have to be accepted in the various Kennel Clubs and more are being accepted all of the time. If the modern breeders and those from bygone years had not experimented with cross- breeding various dog types we would not have all the wonderful types of dogs that we have today!

Dog Statistics
The US Census reveals some interesting figures in relation to dogs:

• There are approximately 68,000,000 owned dogs in the United States

• There are no Government stats in relation to actual numbers of individual dog breed types

• Approximately 1 in 3 households keep dogs as pets

• 36% of homes have dogs

• 32% have cats ( cat owners often keep more than one cat)

• 85% of dogs visit an animal doctor in a year

• 67% of cats visit an animal doctor in a year

Small dog types
The small dog types are usually referred to as Toy Breed Types of Dogs but they are also referred to as miniature dog types. Some small dog types were also referred to as 'sleeve dogs', 'pocket size' and 'lap dogs'. Another popular name for small dog types are Teacup dogs. Breeders often use this cutesy phrase as a 'marketing term'! Canine Associations do not endorse or condone the use of any of these terms and would caution the perspective puppy buyer not to be misled by them. The size of small dog types is the result of selective breeding, it does not indicate that a particular dog breed type with an exceptional diminutive appearance is rare or special.