Dogs are our best friends, loyal companions, snuggle buddies and alarm clocks. But they are more than those things–more than just what they are to us. They’re unique living beings who have a genetic history of their own, just as we do. What kind of breed a dog is can say a lot about their personality, health and overall care needs. Even mixed breed dogs can exhibit certain traits and characteristics similar to their ancestors. 

Dog DNA tests exist so that you can determine your pup’s genetic makeup. In doing so you can learn a lot about what it takes to care for them. It’s also just fun to dive into their history if you rescued them and don’t know much about their background. 

While it’s great to learn about your dog’s breed after they’re a part of the family, it’s also wise to research some prospective breeds when you’re considering adding a new pet to your home. Certain breeds will be better suited to some lifestyles more than others. For example, there are dog breeds that thrive with kids and other pets–while other breeds are better off with adults in single-pet households. And there are breeds that will do just fine in a small apartment, while others require space and many hours of physical activity. 

Here’s an overview of dog breeds and some top questions answered about the different kinds of pups out there: 

When we’re talking about purebreds the list rounds out at about 200 dog breeds. If that seems like alot, it is! Did you know that there are five different types of Spaniels alone? If you imagine all of the different variations that exist per breed, it’s easy to get to that number fast. And when you factor in mixed breeds like Goldendoodles, Chiweenies and Maltipoos–the limit does not exist.

There are seven different breed groups as determined by the AKC. These groups are how competitive dog shows are organized, but the classifications also speak to shared characteristics of the breeds that belong within the same group. The seven breed groups include: 

Shepherds, for example, belong to the working dogs group.They love the mental stimulation of having a job and is why you’ll often see them as K-9 workers, search and rescue, and service dogs.

Dogs come in so many different shapes and sizes, you may be wondering what’s the largest possible dog breed? Great Danes, Cane Corsos, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees and Mastiffs are all considered to be some of the largest dog breeds. These big dogs can weigh up to 260 pounds. There are also Giant variations of breeds including Giant Schnauzers and Poodles. And some traditional breeds like Collies are considered to be large, standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing up to 75 pounds–but this measurement does come close to those dogs that are considered the biggest breeds around.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies, especially Teacup varieties, are considered the smallest breeds. These dogs can weigh as little as two or three pounds and stand less than a foot tall. Other dog breeds on the smaller side include,  Havanese, Shih Tzu and Dachshund dog breeds.

No matter what breed you choose or already have, know that every dog is unique. Ultimately how they are nurtured and raised will play a great role in their personality and overall demeanor.