Breed Groups
Dogs organized by their original purpose and shared characteristics.
Companion Group
Dogs bred primarily for companionship — or that have evolved into that role regardless of original purpose. This isn't an AKC category, and that's the...
Guardian Group
Dogs with strong protective instincts — territorial, watchful, and willing to defend their people or property. Again, not an AKC category. The AKC lum...
Herding Group
Breeds developed to control the movement of other animals. These dogs have an innate ability to manage livestock through a combination of stalking, ga...
Hound Group
Breeds developed to hunt by scent or sight. Scent hounds follow their noses with single-minded determination; sight hounds chase down prey with explos...
Non-Sporting Group
The catch-all category. Breeds that don't fit neatly into other groups end up here — from French Bulldogs to Standard Poodles to Dalmatians. They shar...
Sporting Group
Breeds developed to work with hunters to locate and retrieve game birds. These dogs are natural athletes with strong instincts to point, flush, or ret...
Terrier Group
Breeds developed to hunt vermin — rats, foxes, badgers, and anything else that lives underground. The name comes from 'terra' (earth) because these do...
Toy Group
Breeds bred specifically to be companions. These are the lap dogs, the portable pals, the dogs that have been keeping humans company in small spaces f...
Working Group
Breeds developed for jobs like guarding property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues. These are typically large, powerful dogs with strong pr...