The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes seven distinct dog groups, each with its own unique characteristics and breeds. These groups are a great way to narrow down your search for the perfect furry companion.
The Sporting Group is one of the largest and most popular groups, with breeds like the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever known for their intelligence and love of water.
Within the Sporting Group, you'll find breeds that were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game, such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel.
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Dog Breeds
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 22 distinct dog breeds groups, each with its own unique characteristics and traits. These groups include Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding breeds.
The Sporting group includes breeds like the Labrador Retriever, which excels in retrieving game and is often used as a family pet due to its friendly and outgoing nature.
The Hound group is comprised of breeds like the Beagle, which has a strong instinct to follow its nose and track scents.
See what others are reading: Akc Hound Group
American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog is a total package - it combines striking good looks with a quick and clever mind.
This breed is known for its intelligence, which makes it a great candidate for dog owners who want a pet that's easy to train.
American Eskimo Dogs are generally small to medium-sized dogs, weighing between 18 and 35 pounds.
Their striking appearance is one of their most notable features, with a thick, white coat and a wedge-shaped head that's sure to turn heads.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a rugged, imposing flock guardian of ancient lineage. Protective and fiercely loyal, this breed has been guarding livestock for thousands of years.
They're known for their large size, which makes them a formidable presence.
Terrier Group
The Terrier Group is a fascinating category of dog breeds. There are several breeds that fall under this group.
The Terrier Group includes breeds that are known for their feisty and energetic personalities. These dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill small game, such as rodents and rabbits.
Some popular breeds in the Terrier Group include the Cairn Terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier, and the West Highland White Terrier.
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American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a great addition to any family, especially with kids. They get on well with kids, dogs, and even other pets in the household.
One of their best qualities is being low-maintenance, which makes them a perfect fit for busy families or first-time dog owners.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is an immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type.
This breed is known for its affectionate nature, which makes it a great companion for active families.
The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog with a thick coat, perfect for withstanding the harsh Arctic climate.
Its size and strength make it a great worker, but it also requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
This breed is not suited for apartment living due to its high energy level and need for space to run around.
Related reading: Northern Breed Group
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is known as "The King" due to its impressive size, strength, and unflagging spirit. This nickname is well-deserved, considering the breed's regal reputation.
The Airedale Terrier is a large dog breed, and its size is one of its defining characteristics.
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Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a gentle soul, less excitable than most terriers. They're still bold and spirited, making them a wonderful companion for active families.
This breed has a double-coated coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a breed that's often overlooked, but it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a loyal companion.
This Italian breed is known for its intelligence, making it a smart and trainable dog.
Group
The Terrier Group is part of a larger classification system for dogs. There are nine groups in total.
The nine groups are: Sporting Group, Hound Group, Working Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, Non-Sporting Group, Herding Group, Miscellaneous Class, and Foundation Stock Service.
Each group has its own unique characteristics and breeds. The Sporting Group, for example, includes breeds that are bred for hunting and retrieving.
Here are the nine groups:
- Sporting Group
- Hound Group
- Working Group
- Terrier Group
- Toy Group
- Non-Sporting Group
- Herding Group
- Miscellaneous Class
- Foundation Stock Service
General Information
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes seven distinct dog groups, each with its own unique characteristics and characteristics. These groups are divided into Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding.
Consider reading: Dog Show Groups
The Sporting group includes breeds that were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. These dogs are known for their love of water and their strong instinct to chase and retrieve.
The Hound group is comprised of breeds that were bred for their keen sense of smell and their ability to track and chase small game, such as the Beagle and the Bloodhound. Hounds are often independent and can be stubborn at times.
The Working group includes breeds that were originally bred for their strength and endurance, such as the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. These dogs are often used as police and guard dogs.
The Terrier group is made up of breeds that were bred to hunt and kill small game, such as rodents and rabbits. Terriers are known for their feisty and energetic personalities.
The Toy group includes small breeds that were bred as companions and lap dogs, such as the Chihuahua and the Poodle. These dogs are often gentle and affectionate.
The Non-Sporting group is a catch-all category that includes breeds that don't fit into any other group, such as the Bulldog and the Pug. These dogs often have unique and quirky characteristics.
The Herding group is comprised of breeds that were originally bred to herd livestock, such as the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd. These dogs are often intelligent and active.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 major dog groups?
The American Kennel Club categorizes dog breeds into 7 main groups: Working, Herding, Toy, Hound, Sporting, Non-Sporting, and Terrier. Each group is based on a dog's original purpose and characteristics.
How many AKC classes are there?
There are 8 AKC classes: All-Breed and 7 Group Shows, each limited to a specific breed group. These groups include Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding.
What are the different types of AKC clubs?
The AKC recognizes 15 different types of clubs, including Parent Specialty, All-Breed, and Specialty clubs, each with its own unique focus and activities. These clubs cater to a wide range of dog enthusiasts and activities, from obedience and agility to hunting and herding.
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- American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Breeds Alphabetical (petplace.com)
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