Cross Breeds

Why are breeds of dogs not considered as different species of dogs amidst their wide array of differences?

Why are breeds of dogs not considered as different species when all dog breeds have a wide array of differences from each other and from other species of dogs such as wolves, foxes, hyenas, etc. If it is genetic makeup, then what sort of genetic make up separates breeds of dogs from all other specie? How about dog breeds bred with other species like Dingos, surely they'll have different genetic makeup from those that descended from wolves. As a wolf has a different genetic makeup from a Dingo. It follows that a dog bred with a Dingo will have a different genetic makeup from a dog bred with a wolf. If genetic makeup is the basis, wouldn't that lead to specie differentiation.

Public Comments

1. same as people, so mant different kinds shapes and sizes, and yet we are all still people.
2. They are all genetically compatable as mates, and the're all ancestors of the wolf.
3. Why should they be? A bird is a bird whether it's a sparrow or a hawk. A fish is a fish whether it's a guppy or a shark. A dog is a dog whether it's a beagle or a newfoundland. A human is a human whether he's American or Australian. Why would it be considered a different species?
4. Once dogs are domesticated they change rapidly. I saw a documentary once, of 6 foxes that had been caught and kept as pets within 2 generation they had totally changed colour and grew larger as they had been living the good life. The colour change was amazing and the only explanation for it was they didn't need their colour for camouflage or protection so they lost it. Also breeding different dogs together or putting them in different climates can cause huge differences, but they are all still classed as canines ass they all still have the same genetic make up. Humans are still humans whether they are short or tall black or white, it's the same thing.
5. Dogs r already classified as a species of the canine family of which u mention. Breeds r given to distinguish between the different types of dogs, much the same as the difference between birds, fish and yes, even humans. We`re all of the same species, but different "breeds."
6. Genetics. Biology 101. As a previous poster mentioned, humans are all of the same species, although different sizes, shapes, colors, etc., and we as humans can produce fertile offspring together due to our genetic similiaries. Check this out, "The ABC's of Animal Taxonomy": http://home.pcisys.net/~dlblanc/articles/taxonomy.php This webcage can get you up to speed in 3-5 minutes.
7. Different breeds of dog are not considered a different species from each other simply because of what a species is. Something is in the same species if it can breed and produce viable offspring (is fertile babies which in turn can have babies) "Species: a group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed with one another to produce fertile offspring." A poodle and a pit bull can breed and produce babies which in turn can have more babies.A pit bull and a wolf cannot breed and produce babies. Thus a pit bull and poodle are of the same species (as well as any other breed of dog!) while a dog and wolf are not of the same species. Nor are foxes, hyenas etc. Another example is Lions and tigers. They can mate and produce offspring, but the offspring are infertile. So Lions and Tigers are not the same species. Same with Horses and Donkeys, which produce Mules. Mules are infertile. However, different breeds of horses can mate and produce fertile offspring. What do you know, HSC Biology is good for something after all ;) Hope this helped!