What makes your dog tick? And how do you know if a dog has the potential to be a good fit with your family? A great place to start is thinking about the job the dog was bred to do. Based on the physical and personality traits of the 195 breeds recognized by the AKC, most fall under one of the major dog groups. These seven major dog groups are working, herding, hound, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, and toy. Many of the dogs we adopt are mixed breeds. There is usually a dominant one that can be found by talking with your vet or by doing a DNA test such as Embark.
Whether your dog is a single breed or a mixture of many breeds across different groups, getting to know the traits the dogs were bred for can provide a lot of insight into their energy levels along with their drive (prey & defense) and what piques their interest. Knowing this can help you create a great life for your four-legged friend.
Working Group Dogs
They are known for their intelligence, strength, loyalty and versatility. They are bred to help humans and excel at a variety of specialized tasks such as:
Pulling sleds
Performing water rescues
Search & Rescue
Police or military operations
Breeds that belong to the working group:
Akita
Boxer
Bull mastiff
Great Dane
Rottweiler
St. Bernard
Herding Group Dogs
Like the working dog, herding dogs are stacked with brains and athleticism that make them excellent companions for an active lifestyle. They are energetic, fast and agile. They need daily exercise to keep them healthy. Breeds that belong to the herding group:
Border Collie
Australian Shepherd
Australian cattle Dog
German Shepherd
Collie
Hound Group Dogs
The nose knows when it comes to dogs in the hound group. Though there may be some overlap with sporting dogs, their strength lies in their impressive scent-tracking abilities to chase and sometimes catch prey. Be sure to encourage their gift with games and activities around scent work. If you live with or near smaller pets and children, be mindful of situations that might trigger their prey drive, so you can keep everyone safe. Breeds that belong to the hound group:
Basset Hound
Greyhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dachshund
Sporting Group Dogs
These dogs are known for being energetic, athletic, intelligent, and social dogs with good temperaments. Sporting dogs are also known for their instincts in water and woods, and they tend to be very focused on the task at hand. Eager to please their owners and make excellent companions. Breeds that belong to the sporting group:
Cocker Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Pointer
Irish Setter
Non-Sporting Group Dogs
There is no way to describe this broad category of dogs. Some are dedicated couch potatoes while others are happiest when they have space to run and explore. They are known as the “Companion Group''. A diverse group of breeds with different sizes, coats, personalities, etc. Intelligent, alert, reserved with strangers, and confident. Breeds that belong to the non-sporting group:
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Dalmatian
Terrier Group Dogs
Determined, high-spirited dogs with an independent streak are what you get in a terrier. Without proper training and direction, terriers can develop- unwanted habits like nuisance, barking, digging and destruction of shoes and other things around the house. The key to a happy life with a terrier is plenty of training, exercise, and enrichment. Breeds that belong to the terrier group:
Cairn Terrier
Bull Terrier
Russell Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Toy Group Dogs
Toy group dogs are known for being affectionate, social, and adaptable to many lifestyles. They are intelligent, learn quickly, and can have the demeanor of larger dogs. They are also known for being loyal, entertaining, and protective. Breeds that belong to the toy group:
Yorkshire Terrier
Chihuahua
Pomeranian
Shih Tzu
Pug
Before you adopt a dog please take time to look at your lifestyle, age and where you live. Try to make sure that the dog you are wanting to adopt is one that can be part of your family for years to come.
Gail Moscato
Founder
Positive Paws BHC
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