Dogs are assigned to a specific group based on the purpose for which the dog was originally bred or has been used for historically. For example, dogs in the herding group are well suited to herding animals such as cows or sheep.

Working Group

The Working Group includes 25 large breeds that are bred for the purpose of labor. Jobs like guarding property or livestock and pulling carts.

Hound Group

The Hound Group has 26 breeds that are instinctual hunters like sight hounds and scent hounds.

Sporting Group

The Sporting Group has 28 dog breeds that include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels that are known for tracking down and catching birds.

Non-sporting Group

The different purebred dog breeds in the non-sporting group are a wide collection of dogs in all different types of shapes, sizes, coat types, jobs types, personalities and overall appearances. Many people call this the AKC “catch-all” dog group. The diverse membership of the non-sporting group contains a little bit of everything - big dogs, little dogs, hairy dogs, bald dog breeds and some of the finest companion dogs you might possibly ever own.

Miscellaneous Dog Group

The many different dog breeds included in the AKC Miscellaneous Group are awaiting final breed recognition by the AKC. All dog breeds that are in this group can compete and earn titles in AKC Obedience, Tracking and Agility events.

The Terrier Group is a feisty and high energy group that includes Miniature Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Bull Terrier, Airedale Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. These dogs are bred primarily to hunt below and above ground vermin. They can make great pets for the right owner but be warned… they are feisty with little tolerance for other small animals, the mailman and other neighborhood dogs.

Toy Group

Bred for their small size, these breeds are good for people with little living space. Don’t let their size fool you. Some dogs can be feisty and protective, big dogs in little bodies. They prove the old adage, ‘It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.’ But that doesn’t mean they can’t be loving companion dogs. Some breeds in the group are: Maltese, Chihuahua, Papillion, Pomeranian, Pekinese, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier.

Exercise and playful outside and calm indoors, the Golden Retriever is considered to be one of the best large dog breeds to have as a family pet. They are great with children and other dogs. Early socialization is recommended for birds and small non-canine pets because of their hunting history but they tend to get along with other animals as well. They are extremely easy to train, even for the dog novice. They love to learn and they are fast learners. They are best for active families as they need daily time to run and roam outdoors. If you are looking for an excellent hunting companion, the Golden Retriever is an awesome hunting dog.

Crate training a dog is a very rewarding experience for both the pet owner and the dog. Most large dog breeds love their crates, so there is no reason to worry that crate training a dog will have negative side effects. With a crate that is big enough and water provided, your dog will find its crate a great place to be.

The Short-haired Vizsla is a popular (#44) medium- to large-sized hunting dog breed with an elegant bearing and strong and muscular appearance. The Vizsla is lively, sweet, affectionate and somewhat sensitive. This athletic, sporty and agile breed needs lots of exercise and lots of human companionship. Vizlas must be socialized and trained early to build confidence and prevent neurotic behaviour. This is not a city dog and it needs to live with a very active family.

In France, Beauceron is one of the best-known sheepdogs. They are a large French herding dog that is noble, tall and strong. The Beauceron was then originally used as a hunting dog, but it has already been used as a herding dog for centuries. Being a police dog and a military dog as well is another use that the Beauceron is known of. They are also known as Berger de Beauce and Bas Rouge.

As the name suggests the German Pointer dog, also known as the German Shorthaired Pointer comes from Germany. Even though researchers do not have many details about the origin of this breed, the all concluded that the German Pointer breed is a mixed breed that developed in time from mixing breeds like the Spanish Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound and other hunting dogs and later the English Pointer.

The English Setter dog breed originated initially in France with the crossing of the Spanish and French pointers nearly 500 years ago. Brought to England in the 1600s, the English Setter was further modified with the addition of the Water Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. The dog has been used successfully as a hunting dog, primarily for game birds, for several hundred years since and is one of the oldest gun dog breeds. The name “Setter” derives from the unique position the dog assumes when it has found its prey as the dog crouches low to the ground, setting his quarry.

One of the most common heart defects found in large breed dogs is congenital aortic stenosis. With aortic stenosis the heart must work harder to pump an adequate blood supply because of an obstruction to the flow of blood. Just as in humans, dogs can have mild to severe aortic stenosis. With mild stenosis a dog will most likely show no signs of the disease and have a normal life expectancy. If the dog suffers from moderate to severe stenosis, their activity level will be greatly reduced due to the heart not pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. Over time the disease leads to the thickening of the heart muscle and this can eventually lead to an early death.

The Poodle standard originates  from Central Europe and Asia, but is commonly associated with France. It’s skills cover a whole range of functions including hunting water animals, military dog, guide dog, guard dog and performer. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1500’s. The Poodle is used as a working hunter and duck retriever. The distinctive and stylish hair cut that has a real function. Whilst the Poodle’s body coat protects and buoys the dog in the water the hindquarters are shaved in order that the dog can swim more easily. The Poodle is also known by the other names of Barbone and Caniche.

The original poodles were the larger ones, but their intelligence and cheery disposition led to breeding down to miniature and toy sizes for companion dogs for the ladies of the court. Today the poodle comes in four sizes: standard, 15 inches and over; miniature, 10-15 inches; toy, less than 10 inches, and teacup. (All measurements are taken at the withers, the high point of the shoulder. The only difference between the three AKC recognized poodles is size; theoretically, small standards and large miniatures or small miniatures and large toys could come from the same litter.)

Identical to the Standard and Miniature Poodle except in height, he is a decedent of the Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle is a dainty, sensitive little dog who is a perfect pet for a less active person who has time to pamper this natural little clown and be amused by his quaint antics. He a bright, perky little dog who is easy to train and eager to please. The Toy Poodle is the smallest version of the Poodle. Originally used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl, he was later favored by circus performers for his comic appearance and the ease to train him.

There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever. No matter the size, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. When it comes to training, this is an “A” student, and the Poodle excels at performance sports such as obedience, agility, and hunt tests.

Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, working dogs. The Siberian Husky comes in all colors from black to pure white are allowed. A variety of markings on the head is common, including many striking patterns not found in other breeds. Color choices include Black and White, which ranges from light (dilute) to dark (jet), Red and White, which ranges from light (peach or orange) to dark (chocolate or brown), Gray and White, which ranges from light (silver) to dark (wolf-gray), Sable and White (which is red-orange with black tips)

Many centuries ago, this breed was developed by an inland, semi-nomadic tribe, the Chukchi, living in the Siberian arctic, North Eastern Russia. The women did selective breeding using only the best specimens. Because of natural isolation, the breed bred true. They needed to be family dogs, friendly with people, especially children, but capable of pulling a moderately loaded sled over incredible distances to ocean hunting grounds and back on little food.

The Siberian Husky’s ancestor was developed by the Chukchi, a tribe of native people in the eastern Siberian Arctic, a continent away from the Samoyed people who created their own working breed for the cold, harsh climate in which they lived. The Siberian’s thick, luxurious double coat, pleasant personality, and love of action make him well-suited for the climate of deep, penetrating cold and perpetual night of Arctic winters and for his labor as draft dog, guardian, and family companion.

The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is by nature fastidiously clean and is typically free from body odor and parasites. Siberian s clean themselves like cats. In fact, a Siberian that becomes soiled with mud will clean himself up. Therefore, bathing requirements are minimal. In fact, most owners bathe their dogs once per year or less. Twice a year, Siberians “blow” their undercoats, that is, they shed their undercoats completely. It is a very intense shedding period that can last three weeks or more from start to finish.

They are a medium size dog ranging from 20 to 24 inches tall. Huskies weigh from 35 to 60 pounds. Female huskies are a lot smaller than their male counterparts. Siberian huskies are quite wolf like, with striking blue or brown almond shaped eyes. They have prick ears and a wolf-like face. Huskies have athletic bodies, and a high maintenance coat that needs regular brushing as it sheds a lot. Siberian husky coats are made from two layers. Coats are very thick, and the dense undercoat provides them with a lot of insulation against the cold.

The bichon havanais is an elegant breed with distinctive fur.  Round and covered in soft fur is their small happy faces.  Bright almond shaped eyes appear perky and a black nose ends their square muzzle. This is very important to the breed as it reflects a lot of character and soul in their expression.  Their long ears are never seen because of long flowing hair.  A wide neck leads to their broad shoulders and square body.  Short chubby legs lead to long round feet.  Covering their body is long flowing fur which is particularly abundant on top of their head which is usually held up with a bow or ribbon.

Head and Skull

Nose to stop and stop to occiput to be equal in length, skull broad, slightly rounded, moderate stop. Muzzle not snipey or blunt, cheeks flat. Nose and lips solid black, although for brown shades the pigment may be brown.

The expression is soft and intelligent, mischievous rather than cute. The eyes are dark brown, large, almond-shaped, and set rather widely apart. Dark eyes are preferred irrespective of coat color, although the chocolate colored dog may have somewhat lighter eyes. The pigment on the eyerims is complete, solid black for all colors except for the chocolate dog which has complete solid, dark chocolate brown pigment No other dilution of pigment is acceptable.

The expression is soft and intelligent, mischievous rather than cute. The eyes are dark brown, large, almond-shaped, and set rather widely apart. Dark eyes are preferred irrespective of coat color, although the chocolate colored dog may have somewhat lighter eyes. The pigment on the eyerims is complete, solid black for all colors except for the chocolate dog which has complete solid, dark chocolate brown pigment No other dilution of pigment is acceptable.

The bichon havanais ls a sturdy little dog, low on his legs, lively and quick; with long abundant hair, soft and preferably wavy.  Important Proportions: The length of the muzzle (tip of nose to stop) is equal to the distance between the stop and the occipital protuberance. The relation between the length of the trunk (measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock), and the height at the withers is of 4/3.

The Silky Terrier who is also known as the Australian Silky Terrier has been bred as a lively, energetic companion. They are confident, entertaining little dogs who have a charm all their own. They are a terrier true to form. A one-family dog, they are very obedient and very adept pupils. Easily trained and scrupulously clean, Silky Terriers’ loyalty will make them enjoyable and entertaining companions. They will hunt vermin if given the chance, but are very affectionate toward their owners. They are very keen, intelligent and somewhat yippy.

The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the early 1900s and is a blend of the Autralian and Yorkshire Terriers. Originally, the breed was known as the Sydney Silky Terrier and, in 1955, the official name became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed is known in North America as the Silky Terrier. The Silky, known as a “toy terrier”, was bred to be a family companion and he is generally good with children and likes being with other pets. The Silky is alert, friendly, inquisitive and responsive. He is neither as active as a Terrier nor as needing of care as many of the Toy breeds.

Appearance

Australian Silkies are compact and moderately low set to the ground. They have a keen and alert appearance, further conveyed by their upright ears and watchful expression. The single coat is long, soft and as the name implies, silky. Puppies are born black and tan, changing to a silver and tan with blue evident along the spine as the dog ages. Some dogs will not change colour. Silkies stand around 9 inches (about 22.5 cms) at the wither.

Extremely brave and assertive

Full of energy, the Australian Silky Terrier isn’t your typical lap dog and doesn’t like to be fussed over. Rather, they prefer to be treated as an equal. If exercised daily, this breed is suitable for unit living but is also ideally suited to suburban family life, usually devoting itself to one particular family member (usually the person who feeds it). Their small size makes them great companions for children, they are the perfect size for any backyard and are just right for those family outings in the car.

The English Springer Spaniel sprang from the original Norfolk Spaniel. the Duke of Norfolk kept a kennel of these fine hunting dogs with liver and white coloring who were noted as “Springers” because of their usefulness in “springing” game for the hawk or the gun. Of all of the land Spaniels, the Springer was longer on leg and a taller dog. It has always a popular hunting dog in England and widely used in the field as a dog to roust up the birds and also to retrieve.

Spaniels came from Spain to England, probably with the Romans, and there diverged into two types — land and water spaniels — and several different breeds. Pups in a litter of land spaniels were often divided by size; the small ones became the cockers or woodcock dogs and the medium-sized ones became the springers, which hunted by flushing or “springing” birds for the hunters, and the larger ones eventually became the setters, .

Size: The English Springer Spaniel has a shoulder height of approximately 51 cm (20 in) and weighs 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs). It has large lips, long ears, oval eyes, and a moderate stop (depression where the muzzle meets the forehead). English Springer Spaniels have sloped shoulders and a tail which is normally docked. Working English Springer Spaniels and show English Springer Spaniels can vary significantly in appearance, as most work and show lines diverged over 50 years ago.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is happy and willing. He is less outgoing than the English Springer. Somewhat independent, but also sensitive and reserved with strangers. Socialize this dog well to avoid timidity. Some may be protective. The Welsh Springer needs to be included in family activities. He must be trained early to hunt so he learns not to wander.

English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally born in the same litters; the smaller “Cockers” hunted woodcock while their larger littermates were utilized to flush, or “spring,” game. In 1902 the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed (separate from English Cockers). The Springer Spaniel became even better known in North America after 1924, when the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed and field trials were started for the first time.

The Wheaten terrier is a balanced, well-muscled, square dog with a distinctive coat and color and a docked tail. Males are 18-19 inches tall and weigh 35-40 pounds, and females are a bit smaller. The breed has the typical rectangular terrier head, small-to-medium ears that drop over at the skull, a large black nose, and brown, almond-shaped eyes.

Regularly information on the breed will be sent abroad to those in charge of events or otherwise involved with Softcoated Wheaten Terriers to prevent the loss of the original terrier type i.e. of the native Irish Softcoated Wheaten Terrier. Due to incorrect selection and breeding programmes combined with a large influx of alienated specimen from abroad that are called Wheatens but have no resemblance with the dogs described in the Irish Standard the appearance of the Irish Softcoated Wheaten terrier is threatened .

If you are looking for a dog that will respond instantly to your every command, then maybe a terrier isn’t for you. Terriers do have minds of their own! If you want a dog that develops strong owner loyalty, maybe a Wheaten terrier isn’t for you. This breed tends to be an ‘everybody dog’, relating well to the family but also enjoying making new acquaintances. If you prefer a dog that lies quietly in his basket waiting to be invited to do something, then perhaps a Wheaten isn’t the dog for you.

The Wheaten terrier was originally bred in Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting. This is probably why they are not as aggressive as other terriers, who were primarily vermin hunters. They are believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Expect your Wheaten terrier to greet you by bounding straight up to give you a kiss or even jumping into your arms. He’ll twirl when he’s happy, rest his head on your lap when he wants something, frolic in the snow just for the fun of it, and frown at being expected to go out in the rain. (Ironically, this Irish import doesn’t like to get wet.)

The Wheaten terrier is a balanced, well-muscled, square dog with a distinctive coat and color and a docked tail. Males are 18-19 inches tall and weigh 35-40 pounds, and females are a bit smaller. The breed has the typical rectangular terrier head, small-to-medium ears that drop over at the skull, a large black nose, and brown, almond-shaped eyes.

Regularly information on the breed will be sent abroad to those in charge of events or otherwise involved with Softcoated Wheaten Terriers to prevent the loss of the original terrier type i.e. of the native Irish Softcoated Wheaten Terrier. Due to incorrect selection and breeding programmes combined with a large influx of alienated specimen from abroad that are called Wheatens but have no resemblance with the dogs described in the Irish Standard the appearance of the Irish Softcoated Wheaten terrier is threatened .

If you are looking for a dog that will respond instantly to your every command, then maybe a terrier isn’t for you. Terriers do have minds of their own! If you want a dog that develops strong owner loyalty, maybe a Wheaten terrier isn’t for you. This breed tends to be an ‘everybody dog’, relating well to the family but also enjoying making new acquaintances. If you prefer a dog that lies quietly in his basket waiting to be invited to do something, then perhaps a Wheaten isn’t the dog for you.

The Wheaten terrier was originally bred in Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting. This is probably why they are not as aggressive as other terriers, who were primarily vermin hunters. They are believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Expect your Wheaten terrier to greet you by bounding straight up to give you a kiss or even jumping into your arms. He’ll twirl when he’s happy, rest his head on your lap when he wants something, frolic in the snow just for the fun of it, and frown at being expected to go out in the rain. (Ironically, this Irish import doesn’t like to get wet.)

The Kerry Blue Terrier embodies the very nature of the word ‘terrier.’ Originating in picturesque County Kerry in southwestern Ireland, the Kerry is a rugged, all-purpose farm and hunting dog. This long-legged terrier has a distinctive soft, wavy, non-shedding coat that is spectacular in show trim. Born black then turning any shade of beautiful blue grey, the Kerry has become highly competitive in the conformation ring as well as in agility and obedience.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is gentle, lovable and intelligent. They are an all-around working and utility terrier. They are successful in herding sheep and cattle. They also excel in guarding, trailing, police work and just being playful. Kerry Blues, like their name, are a rich bluish gray color, but they don’t start out that way. Kerry Blue Terriers carry what is known as the “fading gene”, apparent in some breeds such as the Briard.

The head of the Kerry Blue is long but in proportion with the rest of the body. The skull is flat with a very slight drop off (stop) between the skull and muzzle. The ears are v-shaped, set high on the skull and folded over slightly above the level of the skull. They are carried close to the cheek. The eyes are dark and small with a keen terrier expression. The jaws are deep, strong and muscular. The bite is level or scissors.

The Terrier dogs are small to medium size and are often described as fiery or feisty. The smallest terriers are ready to take on any opponents - a necessary attribute when hunting and killing vermin but not so good for a family pet! Some terriers are yappy and are known to nip boisterous children. They can also be quite independent and difficult to train. On the positive side Terriers can be friendly, stable and loyal pets.

Color is important.  The correct mature color is any shade of blue gray or gray blue from the deep slate to light blue gray, of a fairly uniform color throughout except that distinctly darker to black parts may appear on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet. Kerry color, in its process of “clearing,” changes from an apparent black at birth to the mature gray blue or blue gray.

Good breeding, combined with proper socialization (the process by which puppies or adults dogs learn how to be friendly and get along with other dogs and people) and training, helps prevent dog aggression, but watch out. This is not a dog to back down from a fight.