Introduction to Dog Breeds

Hound Group

Assist with hunting and tracking using sight and scent

Sporting Group

Assist with hunting. "Forerunners" find and indicate the location of game, "flushers" expose game and "retrievers" retrieve the game and bring it to the hunter.

Herding Group

Assist with livestock. Guard and control movement of livestock.

Terrier Group

Hunt ground animals and vermin

Mixed Breeds

Mixed breed dogs do not fall under the auspices of the AKC, but much may be learned from looking at the traits of the purebred dog breeds that make up a mixed breed dog. While not all of the qualities of the purebred dog will be apparent in a mixed breed, the basis for understanding the dog's makeup are still in the traits of the breeds that makeup "the mix".

Non-Sporting Group

Mixed group with various purposes. Do not fit in any other group.

AKC

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the main registry of purebred dogs in the United States. Purebred dogs are split into seven different groups based on the "job" that the dogs were bred for. The seven groups and the basic function of each group are listed below:

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

not born with tail

Not Recognized Dog Breeds

There are many other breeds of dogs not recognized by the AKC. Some are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). There are also breed specific clubs which support the welfare of a certain breed. These clubs usually supply information on behavior and health, as well as a breeder referral list.

Intro

Thousands of years ago, humans and dogs joined in a partnership of mutual benefit. Dogs provided protection and assistance to the humans who repaid the dogs with shelter and food. Over the years, humans have manipulated the appearance and function of dogs through the process of selective breeding. By choosing breeding stock with the qualities they needed for a specific job, humans developed breeds of dogs with specific traits. While many of the dog breeds no longer perform the function they were bred for, the traits of the breed remain. It is important when studying dogs to know the traits of the breed or group that the dog belongs to. This will help in understanding the dog's mental and physical attributes.

Within Groups

While most dog breeds belong to a specific group, many can perform multiple jobs. For example, many toy breeds make wonderful guard dogs by providing an early warning system for intruders. While generalizations about the breeds and the groups they belong to can be made, each dog is an individual and is a product of not only genetics, but environment, The breed and group it belongs to should only be a starting place for gaining understanding of individual dogs.

Working Group

Work in various jobs including guarding, sledding, and rescue.

Toy Group

companion dog breeds for pure enjoyment. Often have luxurious coats.