A greater Swiss mountain dog.
For thousands of years, human beings have bred dogs for herding, hunting, guarding and simply providing companionship. This is why dogs now come in such a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and coats. Today, more than 200 dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club, which can make it hard to determine the breed of your own dog. With careful observation and research, however, you will be able to learn the breed of your dog as well as all the other dogs in your neighborhood.
Instructions
1. Determine your dog's height and weight. Use measuring tape to measure the height of your dog from the top of his head to the floor. Then, put your dog on a scale to find out his weight. It's important to know the height and weight of your dog, since these are two main factors in determining his breed.
2. Look at your dog's face. Different dog breeds have different facial features that set them apart from other breeds. Take a close look at your dog's eyes, ears, nose and the shape of her muzzle. What color is her nose? Are her ears pointed or floppy? Does she have a flat face like a bulldog or a pointed face like a spitz?
3. Feel your dog's coat. Just like facial features and tails, different dogs will have different types of coats. Run your hands through your dog's coat to see if it is long or short, soft or coarse, thick or thin, and curly or straight. For example, the Alaskan malamute has a thick, coarse coat, while the komondor has a heavy coat with cordlike curls. Also, take a look at the color of your dog's coat. Is it a solid color, or does it have spots or patches?
4. Observe your dog's behavior and temperament. Certain dogs have been bred to act friendly and even-tempered while others have been bred to act aloof or protective. Watch your dog closely to notice if he is playful or serious, brave or timid, and friendly or suspicious of strangers. Beagles, for instance, are curious and happy-go-lucky, while borzois are catlike and independent.
5. Find out the breed of your dog. Visit the American Kennel Club's website to look at pictures of different dog breeds. Once you have found a breed that looks like your dog, read the breed's description to see if it matches with your observations. If you cannot find a dog breed that matches your dog, your dog may be a mixed-breed.
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