Types of Dogs So you and your family are ready to find the right puppy for your household. It is going to be quite a time looking because there are so many different types of dogs out there. I bet you didn't realize that there are over 400 different types of dogs up to this year. Of course, qualified breeders around the world develop new breeds by cross breeding, also. The perfect example for this crossbreeding is the peek-a-poo - a cross between a Pekinese pup and a poodle. And we all know how cute that mixture that is. Remember when trying to select one, that all types and breeds have their own characteristics. Aside from large and small, long haired or short, there are many others to take into consideration. If you aren't particular about specific training, choose a dog likely to adapt best to your family routine in energy level, size, and grooming needs. Also keep in mind yard space and your availability to walk your new friend. Breeders from America and the UK kennels keep the most current and complete registries of pure breeds. This might be a good place to start if you are looking for a pure bred puppy and one that will be able to be used in breeding on down the line. Since there are such a great number of different types of dogs, it is important to start with a breed that has generations of expertise bred into him. From there, you can decide if breeding is one of your primary reasons for getting your new pet or not. If not, then choosing another dog or a mixed breed that has the physical characteristics that you prefer is the next way to choose your type of dog. Below are seven groups of dogs listed and their common characteristics. This will give you some information and help you narrow your search. Classifications of dogs: -  Hounds - Greyhounds, Whippets, Beagles, Coon Dogs.  -  Sporting dogs, gun dogs - Spaniels, Pointers, Setters.  -  Terriers - Bedlingtons, Airedales, Scotties, Jack Terriers.  -  Working dogs - Dobermans, Huskies, Samoyed, Newfoundlands, St. Bernard, Spitz.  -  Herding dogs - Collies, German Shepherds, Great Pyrenes, and Komondors.  -  Companion dogs - Maltese, Shi Tsu, Chihuahuas, and Chows. -  Fighting dogs - Dogos, Canary Island , Tosa Inu, Pitbull Terrier. This is by no means an extensive listing of all types of dogs. If you search the Web you can find many websites on each of these groups, and plenty more different dogs within these groups - both pure bred and mixed. Choosing just the right addition to the family is a fun thing to do so be sure and get everyone involved in the selection. Then of course, if you truly want the most grateful pooch in town, go down to the city pound and take a good look around. These pups and dogs come in all types and sizes and shapes and because they are abandoned or donated the get all their shots from the pound, too! Whatever type of dog you choose; good food, good training and a whole lot of love will make him a great pet.