Are there so many great dog breeds that you can’t decide where to start? If so, let’s break it down and go through all the options. Throughout a series of 3 non-scientific papers, we will begin by examining the seven groups of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club. We will learn what points in common unite various races to form a group. Knowing each group will narrow our search for the best Breeds for us.
How to use this guide: Highlight each piece of information that is most important to you and compare the number of traits highlighted when you have finished reading about each Group.
Group: Sports
Group traits: point; Place; Recover; Enjoy the water; Pompous
Likes: people; Other dogs
Dislikes: Staying alone; Have no job
Indoor behavior: normal to active
Outdoor behavior: active
Physical: moderate to high
Territoriality: low to moderate
Relations with children: Very good
Relationships with strangers: very good
Relations with dogs: good
Relationships with other animals: good to low (prey drive)
Watchdog Leanings: Low
Vocalization: low to medium (vocal whining when lonely)
Group: Hound
Group traits: Visually or odor oriented; Velocity; Digger
Likes: Working
Dislikes: boredom
Indoor behavior: low to moderate
Outdoor behavior: active
Physical: moderate
Territoriality: low to moderate
Relations with children: good
Relationships with strangers: good
Relations with dogs: good
Relations with other animals: can chase (prey drive)
Watchdog Leanings: Low
Vocalization: moderate to high (high when working or excited)
Part 2 of this series will discuss the following groups: working dogs, terriers, and toy dogs.
* Note: Use this information as a general guide at best. The most we can hope to provide is a stereotypical overview of what you might expect, or what you might want to look for, in the dogs in each group. The breeds and individual dogs in each group can vary greatly in terms of traits and personalities.
