Groups of Dogs in Dog Shows Explained

Dog shows can be intimidating if you've never been to one before, but understanding the different groups of dogs can make it more enjoyable and easier to follow. There are seven groups in total, each with its own unique characteristics and breed standards.

The Herding group is one of the most popular, featuring breeds like the German Shepherd and Border Collie. These dogs are bred to work with livestock, using their intelligence and agility to herd them.

The Sporting group is another large group, comprising breeds like the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel. These dogs are bred for their love of water and their ability to retrieve game, making them natural athletes.

The Terrier group is known for its feisty and energetic breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier and Cairn Terrier. These dogs are bred to hunt small game, using their bravery and tenacity to chase down their prey.

There are seven groups in the dog show, and each breed is separated into one of them. These groups are essential to understanding the diversity of dog breeds.

The seven groups are: Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Toy, Working, Sporting, and Terrier. This classification helps us appreciate the unique characteristics and purposes of each breed.

Here are the groups and a brief description of each:

The Westminster Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog competitions in the world. There are seven groups into which different breeds are separated.

These groups are: Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Toy, Working, Sporting, and Terrier. Each group has its own unique characteristics and breeds.

Here are the groups in the Westminster Dog Show:

The breeds in each group are then judged against each other to determine the best in breed. The breeds that have won Best in Show multiple times in the past 20 years include the Poodle, Scottish Deerhound, and Wire Fox Terrier.

Check this out: When Is Best Time to Breed Dog

The Hound Group is a diverse bunch, consisting of breeds that were originally classified as sporting dogs due to their hunting abilities. These dogs were developed to hunt independently, with their humans following on foot or on horseback.

Most Hound Group breeds were designed to track scents, making them scent hounds. They use their keen sense of smell to chase down prey.

Sight hounds, on the other hand, spot their game and give chase. They often rely on their speed and agility to catch their quarry.

These breeds come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and coat types, reflecting their diverse origins and purposes.

Judgements at the Westminster Dog Show unfold over two days. Breed judgings occur in morning sessions from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, while group judgings take place in evening sessions from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Some breed judgings happen on the same day, such as Toy, Terrier, and Non-Sporting breeds, which are judged from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. You can watch these judgings live on westminsterkennelclub.org.

Group judgings for Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding breeds occur in the evening, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, and can be seen on FS1 or Fox Sports Go.

Expand your knowledge: Non Sporting Group Westminster 2023

The Westminster Dog Show is a prestigious event that showcases different breeds of dogs. It's divided into seven groups.

The seven groups are: Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Toy, Working, Sporting, and Terrier.

Each group has its own unique characteristics and features. The Herding group, for example, includes breeds that were originally bred to herd livestock.

Here's a list of the seven groups:

The Mudi breed will be joining the Herding group this year, and the Russian Toy will be joining the Toy group.

Explore further: Toy Group Dogs

The 2022 National Dog Show is just around the corner, and it's going to be a thrilling event! There are 212 breeds competing, and some breeds have been selected as Best in Show multiple times in the past 20 years.

The breeds that have claimed the title include the Poodle, Scottish Deerhound, and Wire Fox Terrier, with the Poodle being a standout winner with both its standard and miniature varieties.

If this caught your attention, see: Standard Poodle Show Dog

Judges have a knack for choosing from the Terrier and Hound groups, which is no surprise given the skills and instincts of these breeds. The Terrier group is home to feisty dogs like the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier, bred for hunting vermin.

This year, three new breeds will be making their debut: the Russian Toy, Mudi, and Bracco Italiano. These new additions will bring fresh excitement to the competition.

The National Dog Show is divided into seven groups: Terrier, Toy, Working, Sporting, Hound, Herding, and Non-Sporting. Each group has its own unique characteristics and purposes.

The Terrier group is all about hunting vermin, while the Toy group is all about being adorable companions. The Working group is home to intelligent dogs like the German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees, bred for specific jobs.

For another approach, see: Hound