You may find it fascinating to rate pictures of all dog breeds, but did you know there are over four hundred different dog breeds? In the canine world, there is everything from the giant Great Dane to the tiny Yorkshire terrier.

All the breeds look different from one another, but they are all of one species. And they were bred for specific tasks, whether that was being a hunter, a herder, or a companion. Some breeds were developed for very special jobs such as retrieving lines from fishing boats or to herd sheep. Although most dogs today live with us as pets, we continue to breed them for both their looks and their personality. So before you judge the pictures of all dog breeds, please take into consideration the reasons they look the way they do.

Northern breeds are very distinct from other breeds. They may originate from different continents, but they were all born in the north, in the harsh cold climate. Many of these dogs served as hunters, herders, and sled dogs. Almost any northern breed will love participating in winter sports such as sledding and skijoring. While rating the pictures of all dog breeds please keep in mind that they are usually wolf like in both behavior and appearance.

Herding dogs are particularly very intelligent and lively; however they require an owner who has the time and energy to keep up with them. Although they are rarely aggressive, they are hard dogs that may have a tendency to nip and herd. They are also excellent at dog sports such as agility and flyball, which also serves as keeping the dog physically and mentally satisfied. While rating the pictures of all dog breeds keep in mind that because of their special needs, the herding breeds do best in a home with a dog-experienced owner.

Gun dogs or sporting dogs are the family pet. As a rule, they are usually loyal, friendly and affectionate. The golden retriever and Labrador retriever are two very popular dogs. Most love children and the outdoors. They are usually gentle and easygoing. Many gun dogs were bred to work far away from the hunter and may be independent. When you rate the pictures of all dog breeds please remember that the majority of this breed love to be with their family and play.

Guardian dogs are those dogs that were bred to watch over persons, property or livestock. Because of their size, some live shortened lives and are burdened with hip and joint disorders. And most have low exercise needs and are fairly sedentary. Although most dogs of this breed are devoted to their families, they can be worried of strangers. When you rate the pictures of all dog breeds, place aside their tough look and their big size, and watch how friendly and social they can be.

Scent hounds are the notorious hunting dogs. Once they catch scent they will pursue it with no bounds, even if that means crossing busy roads or traveling tens of miles. Scent hounds were developed in Europe and North America to track prey, specifically developed to trail injured prey. They usually hunted in packs, so they get very well with other dogs, and because they worked so close with people, they are universally friendly. The pictures of all dog breeds will show you how committed they are to be a part of the family. Many of them are black, white and tan tricolors.

Terriers, there are two types of terriers, the traditional terriers and the bull and terrier type. The name terrier comes from the Latin word which means earth, and stems from their traditional work of entering tunnels or dens to chase after small prey. They were bred to catch and kill fast-moving prey; they are unreliable with small animals. When you rate the pictures of all dog breeds keep in mind that they are in fact extremely friendly towards people, friendlier than most other breeds.

Companion Dogs were originally bred to serve as companions. Usually small, these dogs served us for thousands of years. Many of these dogs are excellent house pets and they will almost get along with anyone, including children, strangers and other animals. Despite their small size, most companion dogs are quite tough; the Yorkshire terrier for example was a tenacious ratter in the mills and mines of northern England. After looking at the pictures of all dog breeds you should consider that most companion dogs are usually overly cuddled.