Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can’t decide where to begin? If so, let’s break it down and sort through all the options. Over a series of 3 unscientific articles, we’ll begin by looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We’ll learn what commonalities bring various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us.
How to Use this Guide: Highlight each piece of information that is most important to you and compare the number of highlighted traits when you have finished reading about each Group.
Group: Sporting
Group Traits: Point; Set; Retrieve; Enjoy Water; Mouthy
Likes: People; Other dogs
Dislikes: Being left alone; Not having a job
Behavior Indoors: Normal to Active
Behavior Outdoors: Active
Physicality: Moderate to High
Territoriality: Low to Moderate
Relations with Children: Very good
Relations with Strangers: Very good
Relations with Dogs: Good
Relations with Other Animals: Good to low (prey drive)
Guard dog inclinations: Low
Vocalization: Low to Medium (vocal whining when lonely)
Group: Hound
Group Traits: Visually or Scent oriented; Speed; Digger
Likes: Working
Dislikes: Boredom
Behavior Indoors: Low to moderate
Behavior Outdoors: Active
Physicality: Moderate
Territoriality: Low to moderate
Relations with Children: Good
Relations with Strangers: Good
Relations with Dogs: Good
Relations with Other Animals: May chase (prey drive)
Guard dog inclinations: Low
Vocalization: Moderate to High (high when working or excited)
Part 2 in 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 offer is a stereotypical overview of what you might be able to expect, or what you may want to look for, in dogs in each Group. Breeds and individual dogs in each Group can vary greatly in traits and personalities.
The author has worked with dogs and dog people for two decades, advocating for smart selections before a new dog is brought into a home and always stressing responsible selection and ownership for the good of the dog, the family and the community. She also makes dog and cat art available to the companion animal industry and to animal lovers at http://www.GreatandSmallGallery.com
