How To Identify The Breed Of Your Dog

How to identify the breed of your dog?

The cheapest solution is to just identify the breed of your dog manually. It is possible to conduct a DNA analysis of your dog, this should give you more information on the breed of your dog. You could also consult with the breeder who sold you the dog, as they will probably know the lineage of the dog and potentially have certification of its breed status.
DNA identification

There are various places where a DNA sample of the dog can be taken (using a swab taken from the cheek). It should be noted that these results are not guaranteed to be correct, also many breeds are actually created from a mixture of other breeds, so for example a dog breed may be mislabeled in this way. One example of this service happydogdna.com, no endorsement is given for this service, please take it as a jumping off point for researching the subject.
Manual Identification

Identify all the relevant stats of your dog.

Weight
Height (to the withers not the head)
Note the shape of the face and the head.
Check the eye colour, the ears.
Check the fur of the dog
Check the tail of the dog, note though that some dogs may have had their tail docked
Check the behaviour of the dog, as certain breeds have specific temperaments, also certain breeds where bred to have specific skills, so for example if the dog is very good at smelling out small animals, this is an indicator that it may be a scent hound
How vocal is the breed

Contact a breeder

Contact a breeder of dogs, preferably one who breeds the type of dog you think you have. For a fee or possibly for free they may be able to advise you as to the type of dog you have.
Contact the seller of your dog

The person who sold you the dog may have more information at the very least about the parents dogs of your dogs. From this you already have more information, they may have certifications on the nature of the breed of dog. Some dogs can be directly traced back to the progenitor dog for that breed.

List Of Types Of Dogs

Here is a list of all the types of dogs out there, there is some duplication in this list of the types of dogs which exist as some breeds are known by multiple names:

Affenpinscher
Afghan Hound
Africanis
Aidi
Airedale Terrier
Akbash
Akita Inu
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alaskan Malamute
Alpine Dachsbracke
American English Coonhound
American Eskimo Dog
American Foxhound
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Water Spaniel
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Argentine Dogo
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Australian Terrier
Azawakh
Basenji
Basset Hound
Barbet
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Beagle
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Bedlington Terrier
Belgian Laekenois
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Bergamasco
Berger Picard
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bichon Frise
Black and Tan Coonhound
Black Russian Terrier
Bloodhound
Bluetick Coonhound
Boerboel
Bolognese
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Borzoi
Boston Terrier
Bouvier des Flandres
Boxer
Boykin Spaniel
Bracco Italiano
Briard
Brittany
Brussels Griffon
Bull Terrier
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Cairn Terrier
Canaan Dog
Cane Corso
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Caucasian Ovcharka
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Cesky Terrier
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinook
Chow Chow
Cirneco dell'Etna
Clumber Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
Coton de Tulear
Curly-Coated Retriever
Czechoslovakian Vlcak
Dachshund
Dalmatian
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Doberman Pinscher
Dogue de Bordeaux
Elo
English Cocker Spaniel
English Foxhound
English Pointer
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dog
Eurasier
Field Spaniel
Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Spitz
Flat-Coated Retriever
French Bulldog
German Longhaired Pointer
German Pinscher
German Shepherd Dog
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Spitz
German Wirehaired Pointer
Giant Schnauzer
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greyhound
Harrier
Havanese
Ibizan Hound
Icelandic Sheepdog
Irish Red and White Setter
Irish Setter
Irish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
Italian Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Japanese Chin
Japanese Spitz
Jindo
Kai Ken
Karelian Bear Dog
Keeshond
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kishu Ken
Komondor
Kooikerhondje
Kuvasz
Labrador Retriever
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lakeland Terrier
Lancashire Heeler
Leonberger
Lhasa Apso
Löwchen
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Mastiff
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Moscow Watchdog
Mudi
Neapolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Norfolk Terrier
Norrbottenspets
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Lundehund
Norwich Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Otterhound
Papillon
Parson Russell Terrier
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Perro de Presa Canario
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Pharaoh Hound
Pit bull
Plott
Pointer
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portuguese Podengo
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Portuguese Pointer
Pomeranian
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Pug
Puli
Pumi
Pyrenean Shepherd
Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rat Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Russell Terrier
Russian Toy
Saint Bernard
Saluki
Samoyed
Schapendoes
Schipperke
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Shar Pei
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Silky Terrier
Skye Terrier
Slovensky Cuvac
Sloughi
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Smooth Fox Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Water Dog
Spinone Italiano
Stabyhoun
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Sussex Spaniel
Swedish Lapphund
Swedish Vallhund
Thai Ridgeback
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Tosa
Toy Fox Terrier
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Whippet
Wire Fox Terrier
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Vizsla
Xoloitzcuintli
Yorkshire Terrier

collie dog

The Collie dog is a sociable, intelligent dog. It makes an excellent family pet, as it has a good natured personality, it is loyal and devoted. This type of dog tends to get along with strangers and family alike. However they are sensitive dogs so need significant amounts of attention from owners.

Collies originated from Scotland, they were bred to herd and drive livestock. The breed was a favorite with Queen Victoria in the 1800's.

The collie breed so more famously known for its role in the TV series Lassie. It is a medium sized dog, with a fairly long dense undercoat. The coloring of the coat goes from white, sable or blue merle.

For grooming a Collie requires that its coat be brushed at least once a week. More frequent brushing is required during shedding season. Collies generally live from 12-14 years, and specific health problems with this breed include PRA, thyroid issues, epilepsy, skin irritation and bloat.

Poodle

A poodle is a breed of dog which comes in many varieties, including toy, miniature and standard. They come in many different colors including blue, black, white, apricot, silver, brown and red. Poodles are retrievers, or gun dogs, and are still used in that role. The unique way that the poodle is cut came from the need to keep the major joints of the poodle warm while they were in water, while the rest of the body was shaved to have less drag in the water.

The poodles coat is thick and does not shed significantly. This means that they require extensive care and grooming if kept to show standards. The origination of the name poodle comes from Pudel (German), which is shortening of Pudelhund, a translation of this would be splashing dog. Standard poodles have a median lifespan of ~12 years, while miniature and toy poodles had a median lifespan of ~14 years. However some toy poodles can live up to 17 years with a healthy lifestyle

Border Terrier

A border terrier is a small breed of dog with a rough group. It was originally bred to hunt vermin and fox as well as being used to hunt otters and badgers. They were bred from Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Bedlington Terriers. The Border terrier takes its name from region where it came from being the border between England and Scotland.

They are affectionate, well tempered obedient, alert and fearless. They tend to get on fine with other dogs, however if they do take a dislike to another dog they will start a fight and can be difficult to stop. Activity wise these dogs will adapt to the owner, so they do not necessarily demand a lot of exercise but are happy to get some. This breed does like company and is not suited to be being left alone for long periods. Border terriers are not task oriented dogs, but their love of people and even temper makes them an ideal therapy dog for children and elderly.

Boxer

The Boxer breed of dog was originally developed in Germany. It is a stocky, medium-sized short-haired dog. The boxer was bred from the bulldog and the now extinct Bullenheiser and is part of the molosser group. The name boxer may be derived from the tendency this breed has of playing by standing on its hind legs and playing with its front paws as if boxing.

Boxers are energetic, bright and playful. They tend to be good with children. Exercise wise they are a very active dog and need significant amounts of exercise to stop them getting bored and causing bad behaviour such as digging or chewing. By nature boxers are not aggressive of vicious but they do need to be socialized, they are generally happy with smaller dogs or puppies but with other adult dogs problems can occur.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are a large breed of dog, they were developed as gun dogs to get waterfowl and game which had been shot during hunting. So they were bred to have a soft mouth to not damage game and for the love of water. These dogs are very versatile and are employed in roles such as illegal drug detection, hunting and as guide dogs. These are lovable, intelligent dogs with lovely charm. They can be easily training and are patient and gentle with children. Golden retrievers are also very friendly with other dogs, as this dog has very little if any guarding instincts. Although they do not attack they do make good watchdogs as they will alert on the approach of a stranger. Retrievers are happiest when they are surrounded by people. They are not dedicated to only one owners and are generally friendly to strangers or those familiar.

The Golden Retriever came from Britain, originating from a mixture of the flat-coated retriever and the tweed water spaniels. Golden Retrievers are fairly active dogs, they require a moderate level of exercise per day, this breed is likely to get obese if fed to much or not having enough exercise. They need to be groomed at least once a week, and even daily when they are shedding (this season is normally in the spring as the dog loses its thick winter coat). Ear cleaning is also advisable to stave off ear infection.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire bull terrier staffy staffie

The Staffordshire bull terrier (more colloquially known as staffie or staffy) is a breed of dog which is medium size, with a short coat. It was originally bred to kill mice and rats. It is an English breed, there is also another version the American Staffordshire Terrier which is larger. It developed in the region of Staffordshire, England in the nineteenth century by crossing bulldogs with terriers. It was originally for the defunct sport of bull baiting.

The breed is known for its boldness, inquisitiveness and fearlessness. It can make for a reliable family dog, thriving on the family environment, but requires an experienced dominant owner. These dogs have a history of being involved in dog fights, so this breed has a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs. So that even a Terrier with a benign temperament may fight other dogs if challenged. It is generally held that it by stopping the Staffordshire from making eye contact with strange dogs then this behaviour can be reduced. Aggression reduction can also be achieved by proper socialisation and training of the puppy.

The Staffordshire bull terrier will be ok in an apartment as long as it gets enough exercise, it is very active indoors. They normally have a life expectancy of 10-16 years. Grooming is relatively easy due to the short-haired coat.

Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel dog This type of dog originated in the United Kingdom. It was brought to the United States and Canada in the 1800's. They are in the sporting breed group and are the smallest in this group. Previously they were used to flush out game and prey from the bushes so they could be shot. The name Cocker is commonly thought of to come from their use to hunt woodcock in England. It is a versatile small dog, which is a very popular pet, but it has a good work ethic, so it makes a top show dog, a competitive game dog, a companion hunter or a kind therapy dog. There are two different varieties of Cocker spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel, and the American Cocker Spaniel, their primary differences are in the physical, the American version has a shorter snout, more luxurious coat, longer neck and it little bit taller with a shorter back. This type of dog is an excellent swimmer.
Naming

There are two versions of this breed, the American Cocker Spaniel, and the English Cocker Spaniel.
Temperament

This breed is lovable, playful, gentle, obedient and intelligent. Their keen intelligence means that they love games and tricks, they will love to chasing or fetching games and impress in tracking and agility competitions. Cocker spaniels are very sociable and get along with all other household pets. However as they accept everything it is important to protect them from child's play which may become overly rough. They develop a fierce loyalty to their owner. They can be a little tricky to house break and like to bark. Note of course it depends upon the training the puppy receives and if not done properly this breed may have temperamental and problems, for example it may have shy-sharpness which is a combination which may cause viciousness.
Grooming and care

The hair on this breeds head is fine and short and the body hair is medium length. They come in many different variety of colors including; black, red, light beige, multi-colored, black and tan. They need to be exercised frequently. Cocker spaniels love to swim but care should be taken as they love to retrieve objects which they may find floating in the water. Due to their long and pendulous ears which can produce problems if not taken care of its important to clean and trim them. These dogs have high stamina level so need to be given regular exercise, so daily walks should be the norm, also be sure to keep the dog away from thick undergrowth as the coat can get tangled up very easily.
Health

Cocker Spaniels are mostly healthy, but they are more likely to get the following disorders:

Ear problems - proper cleaning of the ears should minimize these
Closed Tear ducts - if your pet is tearing frequently, then the ducts may need to be cleaned out by a vet
Disk Herniations - as this is a very athletic dog they can be prone to back damage
Conjunctivitis- if a dog enjoys digging it may be prone to getting eyelid inflammation

Stats

Height - males 38 cm(17 in) females 36 cm(14 in)

Life span - 12-15 years

Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever dog in snow These dogs where once known as 'St. John's Dogs'. The Labrador Retriever is one the of most popular breeds. They originated from Newfoundland, Canada, and where trained to haul fisherman's nets to shore. In the 1800's somewhere brought over to England, where the dog's skills as a retriever where developed. It was in England that it was given its name. Their otter-like tails and webbed toes mean that they are very good swimmers, their coat will even repel water to a certain degree, allowing their usage in the hunting of waterfowl. Labradors mature at around 3 years old, before this they have boundless energy. The Labrador Retriever comes in various different colors usually gold, black or brown.
Naming

This breed is often named after its color so it may be also referred to as; Golden Labrador Retriever, Silver Labrador Retriever, Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Yellow Labrador Retriever, White Labrador Retriever and Black Labrador Retriever. The name of this dog is often misspelled as Retriver, Retreiver or even Retrever. Also
Temperament

They have a loving, gentle disposition, and are very trainable and obedient, also excelling in detecting drugs, or as a guide for the blind or a service dog for disabled people. They are not very prone to being territorial, insecurity, pining, aggression, destructiveness, or hypersensitivity. They will instinctively enjoy holding objects in their mouths. They are prone to chewing objects if not trained appropriately. They love to play in water. Although some may be reserved in front of strangers unless well trained. These dogs are more like watchdogs than guard dogs. It is important to train them early to not pull on leashes as they have very strong necks. Labradors are a little bit more independent and dominant than Golden Retrievers.
Grooming and care

The coat is normally close, short and thick. The Labrador Retriever requires weekly care and grooming. A monthly bath is also recommended. It is important to make sure nails do not get too long and trim them, also be sure to make sure the ears do not have any dirt in them and for possible signs of any infection. This breed sheds hair twice a year, or throughout the year in a temperate climate. Labradors have a great appetite, eating digestible and non-digestible food, so care should be taken to control diet to avoid obesity. They will do fine in an apartment if they get enough exercise. However they are active indoors so will do best with some outdoors space to roam around in. They need to be taken on daily brisk walks or runs to be kept happy. They are big eaters so their food needs to be controlled to that they do not gain weight
Health

Labradors are generally a relatively healthy breed with relatively few major problems. However potential health problems specific to the Labrador Retriever:

Epilepsy
Eye problems- specifically progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, retinal dysplasia and corneal dystrophy.
Hereditary Myopathy
Knee problems
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia ( poor hip joint development ) - hip scoring is recommended before breeding
Skin allergies

Stats

Labradors are larger dogs with males weighing 30-36 kg(65-80 lb) and females 25-32 kg (55-70 lb).

Life expectancy of this breed is 12-13 years

Types Of Dogs

There are many different types of dogs, with over 150 recognized breeds as well as many more different variants.

When choosing a dog it is important to examine your personal circumstance (e.g. home life, how much time available for the dog, children) and mesh them with a dog who has the appropriate temperament and requires the level of care that you can provide. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you choose your pet.

How much space do you have?
How much exercise and care time do you have for the dog
What size is good?
Where is the dog going to be living?
How much grooming do you want to do?
Do you have the experience to deal with a more challenging dog?
If you have children how will the dog be with them?