Today, dogs are our companions, our hiking buddies, our couch snugglers, and often, our family. But long before they were family members, dogs had jobs— serious ones. They were bred with purpose, selected for traits that helped humans survive, thrive, and build civilisations.
From fearless hunters to gentle retrievers, mountain herders to palace lapdogs, the modern dog is a reflection of human history. Let’s take a journey through
the world of dogs, exploring different breed categories and what these incredible canines were originally bred to do.
1. Herding Dogs – The Watchful Workers
Purpose: Moving and managing livestock—sheep, cattle, even reindeer.
These dogs were bred for intelligence, stamina, and responsiveness, often working independently in rugged terrain.
Border Collie (UK): Often called the most intelligent breed in the world. Bred to herd sheep across the rocky highlands of Scotland and Wales with laser
focus and incredible agility.
Australian Cattle Dog (Australia): Hardy, energetic dogs used to drive cattle across vast, hot distances. Known for their endurance and tenacity.
Belgian Malinois (Belgium): Originally herders, now better known for working in police and military units due to their speed, focus, and drive.
2. Sporting Dogs – The Field Companions
Purpose: Assisting hunters in finding and retrieving game.
These breeds have strong noses, soft mouths, and endless enthusiasm for outdoor work.
Labrador Retriever (Canada/UK): Originally bred in Newfoundland to retrieve nets and fish from icy waters. Later developed into a gundog in the UK to
retrieve birds.
English Setter (UK): A gentle, elegant bird dog used to "set" or crouch low when it found game birds, allowing hunters to net them.
Weimaraner (Germany): Known as the “Gray Ghost,” it was bred to hunt large game like boar and deer with speed and stealth.
3. Working Dogs – The Powerhouses
Purpose: Pulling sleds, guarding property, rescuing people, and even fighting in wars.
These are the muscle breeds—strong, dependable, and task-driven.
Siberian Husky (Russia): Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds over long, frozen distances. Known for their stamina and pack mentality.
Boxer (Germany): Originally used for hunting large game and later as a guard and war dog. Their alertness and power made them natural protectors.
Rottweiler (Germany): Descended from Roman drover dogs, they were used to herd livestock and guard valuables—often carrying money pouches tied
around their necks!
4. Hound Dogs – The Hunters
Purpose: Tracking or chasing prey using sight or scent.
Split into two groups—sighthounds (chase by sight) and scent hounds (track by smell).
Beagle (UK): A scent hound bred to track rabbits and small game. Compact and determined, with an extraordinary sense of smell.
Bloodhound (France/Belgium): The ultimate tracker. Originally used to hunt deer and boar, and now often employed in search and rescue or law
enforcement.
Saluki (Middle East): One of the oldest dog breeds, bred to chase gazelle across the desert using pure speed and sight.
5. Terrier Dogs – The Tenacious Tunnelers
Purpose: Flushing out and killing vermin, guarding homes and barns.
Terriers are known for their boldness, grit, and lively personalities.
Jack Russell Terrier (UK): A fiery little fox-hunting dog with endless energy and a nose for trouble.
Scottish Terrier (Scotland): Originally bred to dig into dens to catch badgers and foxes. Small but incredibly determined.
Airedale Terrier (UK): The largest of the terriers, used for catching otters and rats, and even served as messenger dogs in World War I.
6. Toy Dogs – The Aristocrats of the Dog World
Purpose: Companionship, comfort, and in some cases, royal flair.
Small, cute, and often pampered—but many of them still have a surprisingly tough background.
Pekingese (China): Bred to sit in the sleeves of Chinese emperors. Guarded by royal attendants and believed to ward off evil spirits.
Papillon (France/Spain): Named for their butterfly-like ears, they were lapdogs for European nobility, often painted into royal portraits.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (UK): A favorite of King Charles II, this breed was developed purely for companionship—and still excels at it.
7. Non-Sporting and Miscellaneous – The Unique Ones
This is the most diverse group—breeds that don’t fit neatly into other categories but have fascinating histories of their own.
Dalmatian (Croatia): Famously used to run alongside horse-drawn carriages as guard dogs. Their high stamina made them perfect for long distances.
Chow Chow (China): Ancient breed used for hunting, herding, pulling, and guarding. Known for their lion-like mane and blue-black tongue.
Shar Pei (China): Originally used for guarding and fighting. Their wrinkled skin and scowling expressions hide a fiercely loyal heart.
From Workers to Companions
While most dogs today no longer herd livestock, pull sleds, or flush foxes from burrows, their instincts haven’t disappeared. A Labrador still loves to retrieve. A
terrier still loves to dig. A husky still wants to run.
That’s why it’s so important to give dogs—no matter their breed—a life that honors their nature. Whether it’s hiking, agility, scent work, lure coursing, or just
playing fetch in the backyard, every dog needs something that taps into their original purpose.
They’ve spent thousands of years working beside us. The least we can do is keep them fulfilled.
