Groups of Dogs

The following is a partial list designed to familiarize you with some of the inherent traits that were bred into dogs for specific purposes.  You should be aware of the genetic makeup of breeds that will help you better understand the dogs you may deal with.  The AKC website is a great resource for learning more about breeds, drive and classifications of dogs.

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Herding Dogs is the group that was previously listed within the working dogs but has spun off.  They are generally dogs that are used to control movement of other animals such as sheep, cows and more.  Members of this group include most Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, Briards, Corgis, Collies, Sheepdogs.  These dogs will generally show a higher degree of prey drive than other dogs.  Because of this, they will have a higher likelihood to chase people, children, cats, bikes, skateboards and more.

Hounds share the common ancestry of hunting dogs.  They generally have an acute sense of smell and generally have high stamina.  Members of this group include Afghans, Coonhounds, Basenjis, Beagles, Dachshunds, Ridgebacks, Salukis.  These dogs will often be very active and will need an outlet for their physical energy, or they may become destructive. 

Non-Sporting Dogs are a diverse group since they don’t share a common personality or overall appearance.  Members of this group include everything from Eskimos, Bichons, Terriers, Bulldogs, Sharpei Chows, Dalmations, Poodles and some Terriers.  Most of these dogs will be lower in energy than the hounds or herding dogs and will be better choices for less active people and situations.

Sporting Dogs are naturally active and alert.  They are great companions and have nice overall personalities.  Dogs in this group require regular exercise and stimulation.  Some Sporting Dogs are:  Spaniels, Retrievers, Setters, Vizslas, and Weimaraners.  Much like the herding and hounds, Sporting Dogs will require more exercise and work to keep them occupied—if bored, they can also become destructive either to themselves or to their surroundings.

Terriers are feisty, energetic dogs that may range in most every size from small to very large.  Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin.  They can make great pets but are known to have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs.  Members of the terrier group include Bull Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Fox Terriers, Rat Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Airedale Terriers.  As stated, these dogs have a tenacity to hunt things out, they are very stubborn and require someone with good dog handling skills to prevent problems.

Toy Group Dogs are generally smaller dogs.  Although there are small dogs in other groups the toy group’s sole functionality is nothing more than to be delightful pets.  They include Chihuahuas, Havanese, Brussels Griffon, Maltese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Yorkies.  These dogs are often lap-dogs with little need for exercise, yet they still do need walks and some interaction.  

Working Dogs were bred to perform jobs such as guarding, sled pulling, water rescues and more.  They are hearty dogs that require training (as do all dogs) because of their size and drives.   They include Akitas, Anatolian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boerbels, Bullmastiffs, Cane Corsos, Dobermans, Schnauzers, Great Danes, Portuguese Water Dogs, Rottweilers, Samoyeds, Huskies.  Dogs in the working dog category should go with skilled handlers.  Some of the characteristics may be diluted if they are mixed with other breeds, yet some characteristics may also be increased.  As with all of the dogs, judge each dog as an individual and not as a generalization.  

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Video: Groups of Dogs