Breed Groups

Dogs organized by their original purpose and shared characteristics.

Dogs bred primarily for companionship — or that have evolved into that role regardless of original purpose. This isn't a...

Dogs with strong protective instincts — territorial, watchful, and willing to defend their people or property. Again, no...

Breeds developed to control the movement of other animals. These dogs have an innate ability to manage livestock through...

Breeds developed to hunt by scent or sight. Scent hounds follow their noses with single-minded determination; sight houn...

The catch-all category. Breeds that don't fit neatly into other groups end up here — from French Bulldogs to Standard Po...

Breeds developed to work with hunters to locate and retrieve game birds. These dogs are natural athletes with strong ins...

Breeds developed to hunt vermin — rats, foxes, badgers, and anything else that lives underground. The name comes from 't...

Breeds bred specifically to be companions. These are the lap dogs, the portable pals, the dogs that have been keeping hu...

Breeds developed for jobs like guarding property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues. These are typically large...