14 Sep Different Grouping of Dog Breeds and Their Uses

Each of us has one or more favourite dog breeds, and we like to keep them as pets. But have you ever wondered which group of dog breeds these dogs belong to? Organizations and institutions of dog breeds have divided them into different groups and classifications to check, and better monitor their reproduction. This grouping is based on their appearance, central origin, and behavioural characteristics. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the types of dog groups and tell you what kind of environment and work each dog is best suited for. So stay tuned.

Dog grouping definition

Humans have bred dogs for thousands of years to help people in various matters. Currently, there are more than 450 dog breeds worldwide. Multiple organizations, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the International Canine Federation (FCI), divide dogs based on appearance, behavioural characteristics, and ability to perform tasks. This work is so that they can better monitor the breeding and reproduction of dog breeds and help maintain and improve the quality of their life.

Grouping of dog breeds according to the International Canine Federation (FCI)

The World Dog Organization has divided all dog breeds into ten main groups. In this classification, they have considered the primary origin, the use and ability of dogs. The ten groups of dogs, according to the World Dog Organization, are:

• Shepherd dogs
• Swiss mountain, pinscher and Schneider dogs
• Terrier dogs
• Dachshund dogs
• Spitz dogs and early types
• Tracker hounds
• Pointer dog
• Retriever, gun, Flushing and Water dogs
• Companion or teacup dogs
• Watch and hunt dogs

 Dog breeds are divided into groups (7 or 10) based on size, appearance, abilities and uses. This grouping is done to monitor their breeding and reproduction better. According to the group of each dog, it’s possible to learn a lot about his moral and behavioural characteristics.

Classification of dogs according to the American Kennel Club (AKC)

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a more general type for dog breeds and places all dogs in 7 groups. These groups are:

• Working dogs
• Herding and shepherd dogs
• Toy dogs
• Terrier dogs
• Sports dogs
• Non-sporting dogs
• Hounds

On many websites and sources, most of the Kennel Club of America classification is used as the standard and basis, and this grouping is more common. So, we also talk more about the group of AKC dog breeds.

Working dogs

As their name suggests, working dogs were created to work and help people in various fields. These dogs are among the oldest dog breeds and have existed since humans decided to domesticate dogs. Guard, sledge and cart dogs are among working dogs. These dogs are still used in farms and rural areas for various tasks such as guarding and Sled dogs. However, many of these breeds are kept as pets. Many of the famous dog breeds that we know are classified as working dogs:

• Alaskan Malamute
• Siberian Husky
• Great Dane
• Doberman Pinscher
• Rottweiler
• Akita
• Husky
• St. Bernard
• Samoyed dog

Herding Groups

Shepherd breeds were initially bred for herding and caring for sheep, cattle and even reindeer. These dogs are brilliant and energetic. Due to being herding dogs, they instinctively tend to take care of and collect other animals.

Shepherd dogs are very trainable because of their high intelligence. Some of them, like German Shepherd, are trained to serve in the police and rescue forces. Because of their sense of care and protection, these dogs instinctively take care of the family, especially children, and they are generally intelligent, kind and reliable pets.

Shepherd dogs have high energy and need a lot of physical activity and entertainment; Otherwise, they will get bored quickly. Some of the most popular types of shepherd dogs are:

• Border Collie
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi
• Belgian Malinois
• And the famous German shepherd dog! (Perhaps we all know German as a guard and working dog. But this dog was created as a shepherd dog)

Hound Dogs

The dogs of this group were initially created for hunting. One of the essential features of these dogs is their strong sense of smell, which helps them track and find prey.

These dogs helped people in natural hunting (not hunting games), and because of their long legs and high speed, they could follow fast-legged prey such as rabbits and antelopes. Hunting hounds have a powerful sense of smell and smell, which helps them quickly find and follow the trail of a game or anything else. Hounds are very intelligent, loving and strong-willed and include these dog breeds:

• Basset Hound
• Beagle dog
• Dachshund
• Greyhound
• Afghan Hound
• Basenji

Sporting Groups

Sporting dog breeds were created to help hunters in hunting games. In this game of recreational hunting, which was once (perhaps still) common among European aristocrats and rich people, the hunters were divided into several groups. Then started shooting at birds such as pheasants or other animals. Each of these groups was accompanied by a few sports dogs, which, as soon as the arrow hits the hunt, run after it and brings the prey to his owner. These dogs usually have high swimming ability and can even jump into the water and swim to find a game.

These dogs are very energetic, and because of their history, they love to run and jump outdoors. Most sporting dogs have a thick, water-resistant coat that helps them withstand hunting weather conditions. Some of the most famous sporting dogs are:

• English Cocker Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden retriever
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• English Springer Spaniel

Non-Sporting Group

There’s an interesting point about this group; these dogs aren’t classified based on size, use, or ability. Every dog ​​that didn’t fit into other groups was organised under a new group called non-sporting dogs! So, non-sporting dogs may be very different in terms of size, moral and behavioural characteristics; But almost all of them are excellent and suitable as pet dogs. We can say that the ability and skill of these dogs are to be kind and lovable pets and to live with people. Some of these dogs include:

• Dalmatian
• Chow Chow
• Finnish Spitz dog
• American Bulldog
• Poodle 
• Boston Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Shiba Inu
• French Bulldog

Toy Group

Many dogs of other groups can indeed be kept as purebred dogs, But toy dogs were specially created as domestic dogs and pets to live inside the house, and they are very cuddly. Teacup dogs are also one of the most popular pet dogs. They are tiny, but they have big hearts and are very emotional. Most toy dogs are very huggable and like lovely and cute dolls. Some of the most famous toy dogs are:

• Chihuahua
• Pomeranian
• Maltese
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Bichon Frise
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzu
• Pug

If you’re looking for a small apartment dog that can live at home most of the time and doesn’t need a lot of activity, toy dogs are a perfect option.

Terrier Group

Contrary to what many think, the terrier isn’t the name of a dog breed but refers to a group of dog breeds. Terriers are one of the popular breeds, and many apartments and house dogs belong to this large group. Terrier dogs were created to kill vermin like rats and still have this skill and characteristic. But now, these bold and energetic dogs are mainly used as pets or watchdogs. Some of the most famous terrier dogs are:

• Jack Russell Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Fox Terrier
• Australian Terrier
• Scottish terrier

Guard dogs

Some breeds instinctively have a stronger sense of protection and guarding than all dog breeds. They can take care of you, your family, your home, and your property. Most guard dogs belong to the herding dog group, but dogs from other groups can also be good guard dogs.

Guard dogs are loyal to their owners and are brave, strong and alert. If you are looking for a dog that will notify you of the presence of a stranger and protect you and your home if necessary, a guard dog is the best option for you. Among the best breeds for security and personal guard dogs, we can mention certain species such as:

• Akita
• Australian Shepard
• Boxer dog
• Doberman pinscher
• German Shepherd
• Giant Schneider
• Rottweiler
• Tibetan dog
• Great Dane

The critical thing about guard dogs is that you should train these dogs in the right and moral way from a young age. Likewise, socialization is vital for them. Otherwise, guard dogs may become very stubborn in adulthood and instead of guarding, they become aggressive and even dangerous dogs.

To wrap up

Grouping all kinds of dog breeds helps to do the work of breeding, reproduction and training these dogs in a better and more moral way. Likewise, knowing the characteristics of each dog group will help you choose the best type of dog according to your interest and lifestyle. To have a healthy and lively dog, you must pay attention to nutrition, activity, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs so they count the moments for the next session.