It’s hard to say exactly how many, but there are almost 400 defined dog breeds and around 70 cat breeds in the world. Many dogs were specifically developed to assist humans to perform a certain job – hunting, guarding, herding, retrieving, or simply being a sweet companion – and it’s these breed characteristics we need to keep in mind before adopting the breed into our homes.
Similarly, cats’ hunting tendencies motivated their original domestication, but breeds have since been developed more for their looks and personalities.
In an effort to pair pet heroes more successfully with hero pets, it’s our aim to provide pet breed information that will help owners like you to make more informed decisions about which breeds are more appropriately suited to your lifestyle, household and family.
We are in the process of compiling an extensive list of dog breeds, cat breeds and bird species. If you have any suggestions of the breed information you would like to see, please send us your suggestion to info@pethero.co.za.
American hairless terrier
The American hairless terrier’s name tells you a lot about him. He originated in America. …
Affenpinscher
When a dog’s name is literally ‘monkey terrier’, you know to expect cuteness and mischief. …
Afghan hound
The Afghan hound is one of the most eye-catching dog breeds with his long coat …
Airedale terrier
True to his terrier nature, the Airedale terrier is full of energy, strong, confident and …
Akita Inu
The Akita (also Akita Inu) is a large Japanese breed of dog with a thick …
Alaskan klee kai
True to his name, the Alaskan klee kai (Alaskan ‘small dog’) looks like a miniature …
Alaskan Malamute
With his friendly face and playful demeanour, the Alaskan Malamute is a bear of a …
American cocker spaniel
If you think the American cocker spaniel is simply a smaller version of the English …
American English coonhound
The large American English coonhound is energetic, affectionate, very vocal and addicted to his job …
American Eskimo dog
Like a few of the breeds on our list, the name of the American Eskimo …
American foxhound
The American foxhound is a relatively rare American breed of dog (compared to other hounds). …
American leopard hound
The American leopard hound is intelligent, obedient, athletic and an exceptionally talented hunting dog. While …
American pitbull terrier
The American pitbull terrier is, contrary to his reputation, a friendly, affectionate family-oriented dog. He …
American Staffordshire terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier (or AmStaff) is a popular dog in his home country, thanks …
American water spaniel
The American water spaniel is a young breed compared to European and English spaniels, but …
Australian cattle dog
If you want a workaholic dog who is also intensely loyal to his one chosen …
Australian shepherd
While the Australian shepherd does not actually come from Australia, this terrific herding breed won’t …
Australian stumpy tail cattle dog
The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog, or ‘stumpy’ for short, is an Australian dog breed …
Australian terrier
If you want to know what the Australian terrier is like, think of a regular …
Barbet
The woolly coat and athletic body that is so characteristic of waterdogs originally belonged (and …
Basenji
The small yet feisty basenji is an intelligent and independent little hunting dog that emerged …
Basset fauve de Bretagne (Fawn Brittany basset)
Don’t let the basset name fool you – the fawn Brittany basset or basset fauve …
Basset hound
Imagine that one lazy friend who comes over to chill on your couch and eat …
Beagle
The medium-sized tri-colour beagle was originally bred as a scent hound for hares, foxes and …
