Which of the seven groups in the National Dog Show does your dog fit into?

 
which seven groups national dog show

For over 100 years, the American Kennel Club (AKC) hosts a National Dog Show around Thanksgiving. The AKC recognizes 205 dog breeds that are each assigned to one of seven groups representing the characteristics and functions that the breeds were originally bred for. 

With up to 2000 dogs from across the country competing for Best of Breed, First in Group and of course, Best in Show, which group does your precious pup belong to?

 

Terriers. Terriers were bred to hunt and guard their families’ barn or home. Terriers are determined (sometimes even described as stubborn!), energetic and feisty. They make great pets, as long as their owner is determined too! Breeds you may recognize include the cairn terrier, border terrier, miniature bull terrier, Scottish terrier, West Highland white terrier and wire fox terrier.

Toy. Toy dogs have been around for centuries and are bred to be companions for their humans. As companions, toy breeds are very affectionate, sociable and adaptable to different lifestyles, from strolls around the neighborhood and games of fetch to snoozing curled up at their owner’s feet. Toy breeds are smart and are often protective of their owners. Common toy breeds include the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, Havanese, Papillon, Pomeranian or a Yorkshire terrier. 

Working. The specific uses and appearances vary, but most of the Working Group breeds share a few common traits including intelligence, alertness and strength. They were bred to guard homes and livestock. Today they may still serve as livestock guards, police, military and security dogs, guide and service dogs or hunters. Because they’re large, protective and strong, it’s important that they’re well-trained and socialized. Popular working breeds include the Alaskan malamute, Bernese Mountain dog, Doberman pinscher, Portuguese water dog, rottweiler and Siberian husky.

Sporting. Sporting breeds were developed to aid people in hunting game birds or waterfowl. Pointers and setters were bred to point and mark game, while spaniels’ job is to flush game and retrievers’ task is to retrieve dead or wounded game. Breeds from the Sporting Group are active, alert and enjoy hunting and other field activities. Many enjoy swimming and they all need regular, brisk exercise. You may recognize the cocker spaniel, English setter, golden retriever, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, and Weimaraner.

Hound. Breeds in in the Hound Group vary in size, shape and coat. This group consists of scent hounds (hunt by tracking a scent) and sight hounds (spot their game and run it down). Some hounds share the ability to produce a unique sound known as “baying” (a howl-like noise). Dogs in this group have a strong prey drive and include the basset hound, beagle, dachshund, greyhound, Irish wolfhound and whippet.

Non-Sporting. The Non-Sporting Group includes a whole kettle of fish… er dogs! The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group virtually have nothing in common other than a wagging tail and the ability to win their owner’s heart! From the dalmatian and bichon frise to the shiba inu and Boston terrier, the features of this group differ greatly!

Herding. Herding dogs were developed for gathering and moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, reindeer and even their owners! Some herding dogs, such as the Belgian Malinois and the German shepherd dog are commonly used for police work and as guard dogs. These intelligent dogs make great companions and are quite trainable. You may be familiar with the some of the breeds in this group, such as the Australian shepherd, Australian cattle dog, border collie and Shetland sheepdog.

Perhaps a distant relative of your dog will win Best in Show this year! In any case, every dog is a winner in our eyes! 


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