Livestock Facts: Canine
Canines. The typical household pet withstanding several hundred different but similar breeds worldwide. My experience in FFA through my high school I was able to learn names, memorize pictures and more about hundreds of these breeds. The breeds are divided into categories which elaborate on what the breed is best known for (cattle dogs herd cattle, toy dogs just look pretty, etc.).
Website American Kennel Club (AKC), differentiates the categories and lists the top three for each category. For example, under the toy category they list chihuahuas, pugs, and shih tzu’s. In FFA this is the same with more breeds such as Boston terriers, Yorkshire terrier, and King Charles Spaniels. Now obviously, toy breed pups are not what we’ll be talking about. Sporting, hound, working and herding breeds are the most important in the ag world.
Sporting and working are very similar but still vary. Sporting breeds include labradors, settlers, and spaniels and are most commonly known as “family dogs”. They are considered a sporting breed as they “assist hunters in capture and retrieval of feathered prey”, according to the AKC and Purina websites. As for working dogs they consist of rottweilers, huskies, and other larger breeds. Being a working breed means that they guard, pull sleds or assist in water rescues (Showsight Magazine).
Hound breeds are exactly what they sound like, breeds of hounds. Basset, blood, and afghan are the most popular in my opinion. Hound breeds are also known for hunting birds and protecting their property/homes.
Lastly, herding breeds practice what their category entails- herding. They herd other species from our time together such as cattle and sheep. These dogs can take the powerful kick from the cattle better than any person or other animal can. Popular breeds are Australian shepherds, collies and sheepdogs. One of my dogs is a herding and working dog mixed breed consisting of heeler and rottweiler. My other dog is a toy breed being a boston terrier.
Sources:
My FFA history
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