Dog breeds
There are countless different dog breeds. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) alone, the world's largest cynological umbrella organisation, recognises over 350 different breeds. In addition, there are, however, numerous other dog breeds that are only recognised by other, sometimes regional, breeding associations.
The actual number of dog breeds is therefore likely to be around 800 or more.
Breeds recognised by the FCI
The FCI is the largest cynological association in the world. The cynology deals with breeding, breeds, behaviour, education, care and diseases of domestic dogs.
The FCI pursues the worldwide goal of promoting the breeding and welfare of pedigree dogs. The official breed standards of the various breeds are published in English, German, French and Spanish.
The FCI divides the dog breeds it recognises into 10 different groups:
- Herding and driving dogs (excluding Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs)
- Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other dog breeds
- Terrier
- Dachshunds
- Spitz and dogs of the original type
- Running and scent hounds and related breeds
- Pointers and Setters
- Retrieving dogs, search dogs and water dogs
- Companion dogs and toy dogs
- Greyhounds
Classification of dog breeds according to their size
In most cases, prospective dog owners are unlikely to be very interested in which group the FCI classifies a particular breed of dog. Instead, the main focus is usually on the nature and expected size of the breed in question.
For this reason, dog breeds are usually divided into small, medium and large breeds. Small dog breeds like the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua reach a maximum shoulder height of 39 centimetres.
Medium-sized breeds, such as the Australian Shepherd and the Labrador, reach between 40 and 59 centimetres in height. From a shoulder height of 60 centimetres, one speaks of large dog breeds. These include the Golden Retriever and the Rottweiler.
Which dog breeds are suitable for beginners?
As a beginner in dog keeping, the choice of dog breed needs to be especially well-considered. This is because pedigree dogs not only differ from each other in appearance and size but also in character, sometimes very clearly.
For example, herding and hunting dogs, as well as classic service dogs such as the Malinois, sometimes prove to be quite demanding companions, which can easily cause problems if not kept properly and can therefore quickly overburden first-time owners.
Anyone who wants to get a dog for the first time should therefore give preference to uncomplicated dog breeds. These include the poodle, the Golden Retriever, the Labrador, the French Bulldog and the Pug.
Adequate food for all dog breeds
The nutritional requirements of different dog breeds differ, sometimes quite considerably. To ensure a long and healthy dog life, it is important to take this into account and always ensure that feeding is in line with requirements.
The Bellfor range offers suitable solutions for all dog breeds. With our high-quality products made from natural ingredients, you can easily achieve a balanced diet for your four-legged companion.
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