If you want a specific type of dog, picking a breed can be hard. Looking at each dog in their specific classification group can help determine which breed is for you. These groups look at each dog based on what they were initially bred for, their size, and their activity level. According to the American Kennel Club there are 7 major dog groups. I’ll list them off one at a time with a brief explanation.
Sporting group
The types of dogs included in this group are spaniels, retrievers, pointers, and setters. These dogs were initially bred to help with hunting, so if you’re a person who enjoys hunting then one of these dogs might be for you. These dogs require a lot of regular exercise, hence their group name. So if you’re not an active person, then these dogs aren’t for you.
Hound group
This group is unique and diverse, as the dogs in this group are all different sizes, look very different, and have different abilities. This group was initially bred for hunting as well. To give you an idea how diverse this group is, some of the dogs listed are the Coonhound, the Pharaoh hound, the Dachshund, and the Whippet. This group is similar to the sporting group with their activity level. Some of these dogs may be stubborn as well, such as the Beagle, Dachshund, Bloodhound, and so on, so training from a young age is a must.
Working group
These dogs are going to be your big to really big dogs. This group mostly contains guard dogs, such as the Doberman, and sled pulling dogs, such as the Alaskan Malamute, as well as dogs used for water rescue, such as the Newfoundland. Because most of this group is very protective of their owner(s), they need to receive proper training in their puppy stage, so these dogs may not be for first-time owners.
Herding group
The dogs in this group were bred for herding and protecting livestock. This group includes the Border Collie, the Australian Cattle dog, and the Old English Sheepdog to name a few. Although this group is relatively easy to train, these dogs should receive training from a young age. They also need plenty of exercise to keep them happy.
Non-sporting group
Like the hound group, these dogs are also very unique and diverse. This group has the Dalmatian, the Chow Chow, the Boston Terrier, the Poodle, and so on. These dogs are typically watch dogs and house dogs. Although the group is titled non-sporting, some of these dogs require plenty of exercise, while others don’t need that much. Most of these dogs are very easy to train from a young age, although some may be stubborn.
Terrier group
Terriers were bred to hunt and kill vermin. This group is small in size, but are known for their stubbornness and high energy levels. This group includes the Russell terrier, the Scottish terrier, the bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and so on. These dogs should receive basic obedience training at a young age, as well as have plenty of exercise throughout the day.
Toy group
Out of all the groups, these dogs, such as the Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, & Maltese are the smallest and the most adaptable for any lifestyle. They are smart and energetic for their size, and have very protective instincts. Training is very easy with these dogs, and like any dog, basic training should be done at a young age.
No matter which dog you decide to adopt, whether it’s a Chihuahua or a Siberian Husky, it’s going to be a big change to your lifestyle. You’ll need to take the time to give them basic training, give them a regular amount of exercise, and so much love.