Classification Essay

                                    It's funny how people look at different breeds of dogs and immediately see the sterotypical view of the animal. Apparently, this is how most people choose their pets. But I have had three types of dogs throughout my life that had been technically looked at as being so different and catagorized. I had a poodle,  a rich person's dog?  Not in my case. I also had a golden retriever, the loving family dog and an American Staffordshire Terrier, one of the most feared dogs. Yet some people do not see that these three different dogs all share common traits. If they would look past the obvious, they would see that they are all used for hunting, protection and as a valued family member.
                                 My little black poodle Onyx was the cutest little dog. But he was a great sniffer dog, too. I couldn't hide anywhere that he couldn't find me. Some poodles would be trained to find valuable truffles. Now that's a nose worth money! I should have thought of that!  I guess the name retriever speaks for itself. Bruiser, my golden retriever loved to chase after birds. It didn't matter what type. He just loved to watch them fly and when they landed off he went! Of course, it was very much in his blood. And then, there would be my American Staffordshire Terrier, Piper. Also known as a pittbull. She is always very alert and likes to track down "her prey", as we like to call it. Her breed were also called 'catch dogs'. They would track down and corner their prey, then they would alert their owners. Imagine having to corner a wild boar. No wonder they are so tough!
                                  Onyx was a smaller dog, and he had what they call "little man syndrome". He didn't care how big or mean anything else was, he was in front of it. He wasn't big enough to look out the window either, but he would always tell us when there was something or someone outside. Active and alert, yes he was! Now, with Bruiser, he was not an ordinary retriever. Retrievers are more laid back and they usually shy away from strangers. However,  Bruiser, hence the name, was an bigger than normal retriever, with a deep low bark. So, even  with his warm fuzzy appearance, people would stop in their tracks. Now Piper's appearance just says 'you're not getting in the house'.  And that is actually the truth. She is always aware of her surroundings and if they got too close for her comfort, there would be a face plastered at the window that says, "Stay away!"  Apparently, she would always get her point across.
                                For the most part, people generally just want a loving dog, regardless of the breed. Onyx was very active and playful, great for kids to run around the backyard with. He was also smart as a whip, as poodles are and we'd get him to do some funny little tricks. But I loved how he would keep my feet warm. Bruiser was just so warm and fuzzy and oh so friendly. He could brighten your day with a snuggle or a big sloppy kiss. Retrievers are truly a loving dog, always trying to make you happy. Though he would take up most of the bed! Piper has been through alot with me. The ups and downs and she would always stay at my side, a true best friend . She is more human to me than most people are, but that is because she knows me. She is just like one of my children.
                                So, there you have it. I have had the priveledge to own three differnt types of dogs. Even though physically and stereotypically different, they were all very similar. Each of them shared the same traits and qualites, regardless of the breed, but just showed it in different ways. People need to know that poodles were not to be considered a type of accessory, retrievers are not just a Christmas card portrait and pittbulls are not all vicious attackers. They need to stop looking at these dogs this way. They were all smart, loving dogs and played a huge part of the family. They did not just serve a purpose as a pet, but they also served a purpose to their breed.