There are approximately 150 breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC assigns each breed to a category depending on the dog’s original use. These categories include sporting, working, hound, toy, non-sporting, terrier, herding and miscellaneous.
Sporting dogs were originally bred for hunting to assist with retrieving the prey. This group includes dogs such as spaniels, retrievers and setters. Most breeds of dog in this group generally have a soft mouth, are quite energetic and have a love for the water. These dogs require regular intensive exercise.
Hound dogs were bred to assist with hunting due to their sense of smell or sight. Breeds of dog in this group include any of the known hounds as well as Beagles, Basenjis, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Whippets and more.
Working dogs were bred to guard people and property, pull sleds and herd livestock. Breeds of dog in this group are generally big muscular dogs and include breeds such as Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Boxer, Bull Mastiff and Rottweiler. Although they make good loyal companions these breeds of dog are generally considered to be too large for the average family where a smaller or more medium sized dog is better suited.
Terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. These breeds of dog are feisty and don’t mind scrapping with other animals and dogs. They generally have a determined streak and require firm handling. Toy dogs are ideal companions for the elderly or anyone who wants a dog who is affectionate and easy to train. These breeds of dog were often bred down to meet the fashion requirements of the nineteenth century.
Toy dogs are ideally suited to apartment living Non-Sporting dogs have diverse breeds of dog in all sizes, colours, personalities and temperament. This group contains breeds like the Poodle, Chow Chow, Lhaso Apso and French Poodle. There is bound to be a breed of dog in this group that will suit lots of families.
Herding dogs are the latest group added to the AKC listings. These breeds of dog have a herding instinct that will come into play when rounding up the children of their family group or other animals. Even those breeds of dog that never come into contact with farm work will use their herding instinct. Just some of the breeds included in this list are the Australian cattle dog, Collie and German Shepherd.
Miscellaneous breeds of dog comprise of purebred breeds that are not recognised in any of the other categories by the AKC. The AKC does provide a pathway to recognition for these breeds of dog and once a breed is shown to have stability and expansion in breeding and sustained interest is shown in the breed can apply for registration in the AKC stud book. Some breeds of dog in this category are the Black Russian Terrier, Neapolitan Mastiff and the Redbone Coonhound.
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