Dog Breed Groups
There are many dog breed registration organizations throughout the world. Each of these recognizes a different combination of dog breeds, dog breed groups and which breeds belong in each breed group. Find Your Best Dog uses the seven primary dog breed groups and the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Click on any of the dog breed group toggles below to list the dog breeds in that group. Each breed name is a link to more information about that breed.
SPORTING GROUP breeds were created to work closely with man when hunting birds and other small prey. This reliance on each other in the field has produced some of the most popular breeds seen as family pets. These include both the Labrador and Golden Retrievers together with the Cocker Spaniel. There are also several overlooked gems to consider, especially if you are looking for a child’s dog. These include the Brittany together with several others.
Click to see the breeds in the SPORTING GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
Breeds in the HOUND GROUP were created to help man hunt. As a result, most of these breeds enjoy human companionship. This group can be subdivided into sight hounds and scent hounds. Sight hounds can identify prey at a considerable distance then use their great speed to run down their quarry. Scent hounds use their highly developed sense of smell to track prey. Several scent hounds are exceptional with children but are frequently difficult to train.
Click to see the breeds in the HOUND GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
TOY GROUP members all have a single physical characteristic – they are all small dogs. With size being their distinguishing characteristic, breeds in this group have many personality types. But because of their small size, most are easily injured and need to be protected from the cold.
Click to see the breeds in the TOY GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
NON-SPORTING GROUP breeds are sometimes thought of as in the “Miscellaneous Group”. They have a broad assortment of personalities, sizes, coat characteristics, and vary significantly in appearance. In some cases, it is easy to think some of these breeds should be in other groups.
Click to see the breeds in the NON-SPORTING GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
WORKING GROUP dogs are generally large, powerful breeds that were created to pull heavy loads. As a result, training is especially important for these breeds in order to maintain control of the dog as it grows from a puppy to its adult size.
Click to see the breeds in the WORKING GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
TERRIERS were bred to hunt vermin from the size of a mouse to the size of a badger. As a result, most are not safe around other small mammals (hamsters, rabbitts, etc) kept as pets. Most also love to dig so are a poor choice for a yard proud owner.
Click to see the breeds in the TERRIER GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
HERDING GROUP breeds were created to herd livestock and were sometimes on their own for days at a time. As a result, these are the among the smartest, most active dogs in existence. Many in this group require a great deal of exercise so are good for very active families where the dog will get several hours of exercise every single day. As a result of their flock protector heritage, some of these breeds also make good guard dogs.
Click to see the breeds in the HERDING GROUP
Click any breed name for a description of that breed.
Click the minus sign in the upper right to close.
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