Dog breeds -
let's narrow it down
So, you want to buy a purebred puppy - that's great! But with all the different dog breeds to choose from, now you're wondering exactly which one is right for you. It can definitely be a challenge to make the right choice (you've maybe seen that little old lady being dragged across the park by her exuberant boxer) and picking the wrong puppy can make life difficult to say the least. So, to help you out we've put together tons of information that will make your decision a little easier. On this page you'll find an overview of each breed category (as defined by the AKC -American Kennel Club), and a list of some of the most popular dog breeds included in that category. We are compiling a detailed guide to each breed and when you find a breed you're interested in click on it's link (at the bottom of this page) to find out more.
Sporting Group
Dogs in this breed group usually love to be active. They are the ones that love to go hunting with their owners, they're often very comfortable in water and require a lot of exercise on a daily basis.
Intelligent and responsive they're usually fairly easy to train and are usually friendly and affectionate. Usually happy and likeable, but these dog breeds can occasionally be a bit over-energetic and highly strung.Popular dogs in this group include - Labrador Retriever; Golden Retriever; German Shorthaired Pointer; German Wirehaired Pointer; Cocker Spaniel; English Springer Spaniel; English Cocker Spaniel; Weimaraner; Vizla; Chesapeake Bay Retriever; Irish Setter.
Hound Group
This group is made up of mainly hunting dogs. It can even be divided into 2 sub-groups - Scenthounds (dog breeds that use their keen sense of smell to follow their prey) and Sighthounds (dog breeds that hunt by sight).This group covers a pretty diverse set of dogs, quite different in looks as well as temperament and behavior. Sighthounds are usually
quiet, elegant dogs who are fairly easy-going when not working. Scenthounds are energetic and can be pretty vocal. Both sub-groups can be strong willed, stubborn and independent. Popular dogs in this group include - Beagle; Basset Hound; Greyhound; Dachshund; Afghan Hound; Ibizan Hound; Bloodhound.
Working
The dog breeds in this group were all originally bred to work for, and with, humans. Often they were used as guardians and protectors of people, livestock and possessions.
Although there's a variety of different appearances and personalities, most dogs in this group are large and muscular. Loyal and intelligent dogs, they can make wonderful companions but due to their size, strength and natural tendency to guard, they definitely require early and consistent training and socialization if they are to fit into your family.Popular dogs in this group include - Akita; Bernese Mountain Dog; Rottweiler; Boxer; Great Dane; Great Pyrenees; St. Bernard; Giant Schnauzer.
Terrier
A group of dog breeds that were originally designed to hunt and kill vermin. They can vary in size and looks but overall the terrier breeds have fairly similar personalities and characteristics.
They are all bold, feisty, high energy dogs - even the smallest of terriers thinks he's the size of a Great Dane and is eager to prove it! They can make good companions and are friendly and outgoing but tend towards being snappy with other dogs, small children and strangers. Regular training and grooming are essential.Popular dogs in this group include - Miniature Schnauzer; West Highland White Terrier; Parson Russel Terrier (also known as Jack Russell Terrier); Bull Terrier; Staffordshire Bull Terrier; Norfolk Terrier.
Herding
This group consists of dog breeds that were originally bred to herd livestock of all kinds. Most of these dogs are of the medium to large size (with a couple of exceptions)and have full coats.
Very quick, smart dogs they make lively, energetic companions who do great in obedience and agility. The herding instinct is very strong and if there are no sheep or cows close by they will have a tendency to herd children and other pets. Some can be nippy and stubborn at times.Popular dogs in this group include - Australian Cattle Dog; Australian Shepherd; German Shepherd; Border Collie; Pembroke Welsh Corgi; Cardigan Welsh Corgi; Old English Sheepdog; Shetland Sheepdog.
Toy
As their name suggests these dog breeds are all on the smaller end of the scale in terms of size. Their personalities however are LARGE! Bred mainly as companion dogs these breeds make great pets but can sometimes be nippy, yappy and anxious. Proper socialization and training is important even if they only weigh 2lbs. Usually happy, friendly dogs but can have a stubborn streak.
Obviously these dog breeds should be considered if you have space, money or exercise limitations. Popular dogs in this group include - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Chihuahua; Italian Greyhound; Maltese; Miniature Pinscher; Toy Poodle; Pomeranian; Yorkshire Terrier.
Non-Sporting
There are quite a different range of dog breeds within this group. A wide variety of choices in terms of size, personality and looks.
Generally hardy and outgoing this group contains some very popular breeds as well as some that are not so well known. Not many generalizations here, look more closely at the individual dog breeds for more information.Popular dogs in this group include - Bulldog; Boston Terrier; Poodle; Shipperke; Chow Chow; Chinese Shar-Pei; Dalmation; Lhasa Apso; Finnish Spitz
Miscellaneous
This is a very small group of dog breeds that are not yet fully recognized by the AKC. At the moment the breeds included are -Dogue de Bordeaux; Norwegian Buhund; Pyrenean Shepherd; Redbone Coonhound.
In addition to the above recognized breeds, there are also Designer Dog Breeds. These are new breeds, created by mating two dogs of different breeds together - some fairly well known examples are the Labradoodle and the Puggle.
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