The Seven Dog Groups Explained
The are seven different dog groups and each breed is assigned to a group based on the purpose they were originally bred for and their characteristics.
By the end of this post you will know the seven dog groups, a description of each group, and give different breeds that have been assigned to each group.
The herding group was first created/founded in the year 1983. The breeds in this group all have the ability to control the movement of other animals, also known as herding. When one of these breeds are household pets it is rare that they actually see or herd farm animals and because of this, their natural instinct tends to have them lightly herd their owners or the kids of the family. Though they tend to try and herd their owners, these intelligent dogs are fantastic companions and can be easily trained.
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
Originally Hound dog breeds are classified and members of the Sporting group, until the year 1930, when the American Kennel Club created the hound group. Breeds that are assigned to this group all share the trait of being used for hunting. Some hound were used more intensely than others. Some use acute smelling power to track a trail while others use extraordinary stamina that they use to chase and catch quarry. Other hounds have the ability to make a very unique hunting noise called baying. Some day before getting a hound, it is better to hear the noise first.
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
American English Coonhound
The petite and delightful style of Toy dogs represents one main duty this group has, which is to exemplify a large amount of joy. But Toy dog breeds are tough and have always been very popular when it comes to those who live in apartments or in the city.
(There are small dog breeds in each group – just because the breed is small doesn’t always mean they belong to the toy group)
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
There really isn’t much to say about the non-sporting group except for all the breeds assigned to this group have a high variety of size, coats, personality, and their overall appearance.
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
The Sporting Group includes pointers, retrievers, setters, and spaniel breeds which all are extremely active and are always on high alert. They have outstanding instinct when it comes to hunting and other field activities that still to this day, they participate in such activities.
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
German-Shorthaired Pointer
Terrier’s vary in size – from target smash breeds to large breeds. Most people already know how the Terrier personality is: courageous with a high energy level. The Terrier was originally need to hunt and kill vermin so they normally have a very low tolerance when it come to other animals, including other dogs. In order to make sure they keep one of the Terriers characteristic looks, they need a special type of grooming technique known as stripping.
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
American Staffordshire Terrier
The breeds that are in this group are highly intelligent and are extremely quick learners. They perform duties like pulling sleds, water rescues, and guarding homes/ property. Throughout the many years, the breed in this group have provided great value to humans. These dogs make wonderful companions but their size and strength makes it difficult for families to have them as pets, die to the amount of exercise they must have and the fact that they must be properly trained.
Breeds in this group include but are not limited to:
And there you have it, the seven different dog groups explained. If you would like to learn more about the different dog breeds in each group, check out our series: The Different Dog Breeds.
