Although many beasts have served humanity throughout time, only one serves by choice. Only one animal is willing to forsake its own kind and follow us.

Cynologists and archeologists have found evidence of the canine/human relationship existing almost as early as the species of Homo sapiens. Dogs served the hunter, the shepherd and the warrior. They were guardians of the home, beasts of burden and companions on the journey of life.

How did this relationship come to exist between people and dogs? What caused the development of so many diverse breeds?

Each dog breed, each individual dog is valued by someone or by a group of people. It serves a purpose, even if its destination is "only" to stave off loneliness. In our modern world, as communications expand and walls between countries come down, we learn more and more about other nations, the people and their canine companions. Currently, FCI recognizes nearly 400 dog breeds and varieties worldwide. Those that are unknown in the United States are often termed "rare dog breeds," which some are, indeed. Others are common-place in their homeland, but still relatively unheard of in some areas of the world. The popularity of many lesser known dog breeds is increasing, however, in their native lands and the United States.