Dog Groups
7 Dog groups are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). One is assigned to each breed and are done so based on what the breed is originally bred for. Therefore breeds within a group can have similar characteristics, personalities, as well as needs. Knowing the group also gives an idea of what kind of activities could really make one’s dog happy and satisfy boredom. Knowing and engaging in an activity that a dog was bred to perform is very satisfying for them.
Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
Sporting Dogs include the hunters of the spaniels, retrievers, pointers and setters breeds. They are known for hunting, flushing out, and retrieving birds in particular. These dogs typically have incredible stamina and are very limber and agile which both assist in making them excellent hunters.
Some of the examples of sporting dogs include: The American Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Group 2 - Hounds
Hounds are bred for hunting and typically with an emphasis on sight or smell. There is a lot of variety within in this group in terms of size and personalities. Many hounds are known for not being quiet and having distinct ways of communicating.
Some of the examples of hounds include: The Dachshund, Basenji, Afghan Hound, Greyhound, Beagle, Basset Hound, Harrier, Saluki, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and a Whippet.
Group 3 - Working Dogs
This dog groups breeds were bred to work alongside their humans. What is important with a working dog is their ability to perform a task as opposed to how they appear. Working Dogs can include many different lines of work, some of them including:
Herding - these dogs work on farms and move livestock.
Guarding - these dogs are bred to be strong and powerful because they are used for protection.
Water Rescue – Bred to rescue people who need help in water.
Tracking - these dogs help their owners track a target, mainly using their noses.
Guide Dogs - Guide dogs are used to help visually impaired people around obstacles.
Some examples of working dogs include a Doberman, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Akita, Boxer, and a Cane Corso.
Group 4 - Terriers
Terriers are very active, vivacious, and an interesting breed to say the least! they are full of intense personality and spunk which is massive despite their typically smaller size. They were originally bred for hunting usually smaller animals like rats or rabbits, also taught to kill their game. This means terriers really do enjoy destroying their toys, which means ripping it into as many shreds as they can.
Some of the Terrier breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, American Hairless Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Tibetan Terrier, and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Group 5 - Toy Dogs
The toy group are bred specifically for their small size and wonderful personalities which make them very special companions. They do not require as much exercise and take up less space which makes them convenient for apartment living.
Some toy dogs include Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pomeranian, Papillion, Pugs, English Toy Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Affenpinscher, Italian Greyhound, and the Miniature Pinscher.
Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
Group 6 is basically a catch all for the breeds of dogs which are not easily included in any of the other groups. There is no consistency between size or necessarily what they are bred for.
Some of these breeds include the Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, Dalmation, German Pinscher, and the French Bulldog.
Group 7 – Herding Dogs
Herding dogs are known to be tireless workers who are instinctually bred to move livestock. Like with a flock of sheep, they will move towards the center of the herd when they are being pressured by a dog nipping at their heels. Herding dogs know this tendency and use it their advantage to move the flock in the direction they want.
Some examples of Group 7 breeds are Bouvier Des Flanders, Australian Cattle Dog, Briard, Welsh Corgi, and a Bearded Collie.
Information Source: The Canadian Kennel Club Official Website 2019, The American Kennel Club Official Website 2019
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