Dogs have been called "man's best friend," and for good reason. They have been partners of our ancestors and have served a variety of purposes - mostly starting with hunting and survival.
By identifying specific traits and allowing them to mate to keep those traits, we now have a variety of dog "breeds," all under the same species. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, or the World Canine Organization, there are at least 360 official dog breeds, not including experimental breeds awaiting official status.
However, breeding and domestication have changed their physiological traits and appearances. Below are some examples of how centuries of domestication have changed these dog breeds.
Poodles
Nowadays, poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, or toy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes them as "eager, athletic, and wickedly smart 'real dogs' of remarkable versatility." They are often characterized by their thick, curly fur, which are clipped both for maintenance and for aesthetic purposes.
