The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest breed. Second is the Miniature Dachund. There have been smaller dogs of other breeds’ but these are anomalies. The smallest dog in the Guinnes Book Of World Records is Whitney a Yorkshire Terrier in the UK who is 7.0 cm (3 in) to the shoulder.

Both terms refer to hunting breeds, and mean exactly what they suggest. Sighthounds (also know as gazehounds) rely on their keen eyesight to spot prey, and on their speed to chase it and bring it down or within range of the handlers’ guns. Scenthounds use their highly developed sense of smell to track and seek out prey, and then either hold it at bay for their handlers to deal with or catch it themselves.

Over short distances, the Greyhound reigns supreme. One of the breed has been clocked at 72 kmph (45 mph) on a recetrack, making it the second-fastest animal in the world next to the cheetah. Other speedy sighthounds include the Whippet, Saluki and Afghan Hound, and any other canines with a similar light, athletic build. The Border Collie is the fastest dog in the agility field, at which this breed excels, while the Siberian Husky is the fastest load-pulling endurance breed over great distances.

According to the UK’s Kennel Club, there are over 450 known breeds of dog worldwide. Some of these are unknown outside their country of origin, and not all breeds are recognized by the official organizations that oversee breeding and showing. Being unrecognized by an organization means that those breeds cannot be shown under its rules. At the time of writing, the three main canine organizations are the British Kennel Club (KC) which recognizes 202 breeds of dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognizes 150, and the Federation Cynologique International (FCI), based in belgium, which recognizes 311.

While the awesome Lion Trim – complete with long ‘mane’ and pompoms on legs and tail – looks superd, it is not necessary to have your Poodle trimmed like this. In fact, there are a variety of coat style for poodles and, just like choosing a hair style for yourself, you can ask a canine beautician to show you various styles suitable for the Poodle’s shape, conformation and woolly coat. Some people choose not to have pompoms (except on the tail tip) – which is called the Puppy Trim – while others like the coat short all over.

Some breeds are known to have a limited lifespan due to their sheer size (such as the Irish Wolfhound and St Bernard), hereditary defects, susceptibility to certain ailments and/or confirmation.

While all these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a pet, into consideration when choosing a pet, it is important to bear in mind that how you care for, handle, train and interact with your chosen breed has a huge influence in determining how well your dog behaves and relates to you, other people and animals.