Along the way, you'll meet everyone from adorable floofs to stealthy puppers known for their hunting prowess. Even though each species has its own distinct looks and characteristics. Animals are commonly called only one collective name without any clear distinction. There is a long list of why dogs are such a wonderful companion to have, some of the reasons include their loyal nature, their loving disposition, and protective instincts. There are over 300 dog breeds recognized worldwide, with most breeds falling into one of 7 breed groups.