Since its founding in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has been the premier authority on recognizing and registering purebred dog breeds. Today, the AKC recognizes 192 distinct breeds of dogs, which can be divided into seven distinct categories. These categories are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-sporting, and Herding. In this article, we will examine the different dog breeds that fall into each of these seven categories.
Sporting Group
The Sporting Group includes breeds that have been bred to assist hunters in finding and flushing out game. These breeds are typically characterized by their athleticism, intelligence, and natural hunting instincts. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Irish Setter. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for hunting and field trials.
Hound Group
The Hound Group includes a variety of breeds that have been bred to hunt by scent. These breeds are typically characterized by their strong sense of smell, keen eyesight, and remarkable endurance. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Beagle, Bloodhound, Greyhound, and Foxhound. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for hunting and field trials.
Working Group
The Working Group includes a variety of breeds that have been bred to assist humans in performing tasks. These breeds are typically characterized by their strength, intelligence, and protective nature. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Great Dane, and Boxer. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for protection and guard work.
Terrier Group
The Terrier Group includes a variety of breeds that have been bred to hunt and kill small prey. These breeds are typically characterized by their agility, tenacity, and fearlessness. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Bull Terrier, Irish Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for hunting and showmanship.
Toy Group
The Toy Group includes a variety of small breeds that have been bred for companionship. These breeds are typically characterized by their small size, affectionate nature, and intelligence. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for showmanship and agility competitions.
Non-sporting Group
The Non-sporting Group includes a variety of breeds that do not fit into any other group. These breeds are typically characterized by their versatility and adaptability. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Dalmatian, Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Poodle. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for showmanship and agility competitions.
Herding Group
The Herding Group includes a variety of breeds that have been bred to herd livestock. These breeds are typically characterized by their intelligence, agility, and strong herding instinct. Some of the most popular breeds in this group include the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Corgi. These breeds are often used as family pets, as well as for herding and showmanship.
Conclusion
The American Kennel Club recognizes 192 distinct breeds of dogs, which are divided into seven distinct categories. Each of these categories includes a variety of breeds that have been bred to perform different tasks or to possess different traits. No matter what type of dog you are looking for, you are sure to find a breed that is perfect for you in the American Kennel Club's list of recognized breeds.
