Dog Breed Groups

Companion dogs

Every breed was created for a reason, and the companion dogs are no exception. Their job is to keep people company, perhaps the most important work a dog can do.

Some are miniaturized versions of working dogs, and...

Herding Dogs

The dogs in this category were developed to control large flocks of sheep or herds of cattle. They still retain that ability today, even though most of them never lay eyes on a Merino or Longhorn.

Energetic, smart,...

Hounds

Hounds are perhaps the oldest type of hunting dog. Two types exist: those who hunt by sight, or sight hounds, and those who hunt by scent--scent hounds.

Sight hounds are sleek and speedy, the Maseratis of the dog...

Hybrid dogs

What separates a schnoodle or a goldendoodle from its purebred kin? After all, the Brussels Griffon, the Bullmastiff, and the Silky Terrier are just a few of the many breeds that were created by crossing various other...

Mixed breeds

Meet the real underdog, the one far more likely to end up in a shelter than a purebred. To adopt a mixed breed is to celebrate diversity and root for the little guy. It often means you're also giving a dog who really...

Sporting Dogs

Active and alert, Sporting dogs are the hunters of the dog world: the Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, and Spaniels.

Many of them are multitaskers, but in general, Pointers find and silently point game; Retrievers bring...

Terriers

Terriers are the rascals of the dog world. Their name comes from the Latin word terra, meaning earth, and references their love of digging for such prey as foxes, moles, badgers, and rats.

Terriers come in a wide...

Working dogs

The diverse dogs represented in this group were bred to perform a variety of tasks from guarding people, property, and livestock to pulling carts or sleds. In general, they're strong, smart, and fearless and can be...