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Please remember:
A DOG IS NOT A TROPHY.
Dogs are flesh and blood just like we are. They just have more hair.
Dogs have feelings and love their families probably more than we love our own.

Talk to breeders, dog families and friends about breeds that you are interested in. This will help get a hands-on view on what to really expect before you act.

• There are 7 different Breed Groups and 1 Miscellaneous Group according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• Below I have listed the description of all 8 groups with the breeds that fall under each one.
• Each group is showing 7 examples of dogs (bold font) in order as they are listed.
• For more information select the Group you are interested from the Table of Contents.
• Selecting the Group link after the Table of Contents will take you to the Group list on the AKC website.

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Herding Group The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group.  All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals.  A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels.  The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal.  Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family.  In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.

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Hound Group Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it's your cup of tea.

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Miscellaneous Group Authorities acknowledge that throughout the world there are several hundred distinct breeds of purebred dogs, not all of which are AKC recognized breeds.  Those officially recognized for AKC registration appear in the Stud Book of the American Kennel Club.  The AKC provides for a regular path of development for a new breed, which may result in that breed's full recognition and appearance in the official Stud Book as an AKC recognized breed.

Briefly stated, the requirement for admission to the Stud Book is clear and categorical proof that a substantial, sustained nationwide interest and activity in the breed exists.  This includes an active parent club, with serious and expanding breeding activity over a wide geographic area.

When in the judgment of the Board of Directors such interest and activity exists, a breed is admitted to the Miscellaneous Class.  Breeds in the Miscellaneous Class may compete and earn titles in Companion Events and also select Performance Events.  Miscellaneous breeds are also eligible to compete in Junior Showmanship.  They may also compete at conformation shows, but here are limited to competition in the Miscellaneous Class and are not eligible for championship points.

When the Board of Directors is satisfied that a breed is continuing a healthy, dynamic growth in the Miscellaneous Class, it may be admitted to registration in the Stud Book and the opportunity to compete in regular classes.

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Non Sporting Group Non-sporting dogs are a diverse group. Here are sturdy animals with as different personalities and appearances as the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and Keeshond. Talk about differences in size, coat, and visage!  Some, like the Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel are uncommon sights in the average neighborhood. Others, however, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso, have quite a large following. The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance

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Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions.  Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.

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Terrier Group People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small to the grand. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.

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Toy Group The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody sheer delight. Don't let their tiny stature fool you, though - - many Toys are tough as nails. If you haven't yet experienced the barking of an angry Chihuahua, for example, well, just wait. Toy dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights. (Incidentally, small breeds may be found in every Group, not just the Toy Group. We advise everyone to seriously consider getting a small breed, when appropriate, if for no other reason than to minimize some of the problems inherent in canines such as shedding, creating messes and cost of care. And training aside, it's still easier to control a ten-pound dog than it is one ten times that size.)

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Working Group Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages.  Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.

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