![]() ![]() Hope for Paws is a non-profit animal rescue organization, based in Los Angeles, California. They rescue dogs and all other animals who are suffering on the streets and in shelters, and foster these animals in their home, cage free, until they can find permanent, loving families. Click here for more information, or to adopt a dog, and please consider donating to their cause. What Is A Dog Breed? The term dog breed is used to refer to a group of dogs that are closely-related and visibly similar, possessing a set of inherited and distinguishing characteristics, such as size, coat color, intelligence, temperament, sense of sight and smell, and hearing. An individual dog is identified as a member of a breed through proof of ancestry, using genetic analysis or written records of ancestry. Without such proof, identification of a specific breed is not reliable. Such records, called stud books, may be maintained by individuals, clubs, or other organizations. The dog breeds that are listed on Pup.com are recognized by one or more of three major English-speaking kennel clubs. The descriptive information found on Pup.com for each dog breed is for general information only for dog owners and potential dog owners. For show dog standards, refer to the specific kennel club standards for the breed. Purebred Dog Mixed-Breed Dog A "mixed-breed" dog, often fondly called a "mutt", is a dog of two or more breeds, and generally refers to a dog of unknown descent. Crossbreed or Hybrid Dog A "crossbreed" dog, often called a "hybrid" or "designer" dog is a dog produced by the intentional breeding of two different known purebred dog breeds. Examples of crossbreed dogs are the Labradoodle and the Jack-A-Bee. Some newer hybrid dogs are a cross between an existing hybrid dog with a purebred dog, or a cross between two existing hybrid dogs. |