| Of the approximately four hundred breeds of dog in | | | | active with remarkable instincts in the woods or |
| the world, there are only 146 breeds recognized by | | | | water. Many sporting dogs still participate in field |
| the American Kennel Club. Divided into sub groups, | | | | activities and hunting. These loyal, intelligent dogs |
| these groups are: | | | | require a lot of exercise. Some sporting dogs are the |
| · Terriers | | | | American water spaniel, Chesapeake Bay retriever, |
| · Non-sporting | | | | pointer, Irish water spaniel and Labrador retriever. |
| · Toys | | | | Working dogs do just that. They breed these dogs |
| · Sporting | | | | to do jobs such as water rescues, pulling dog sleds, |
| · Working | | | | avalanche rescue, smell out illegal drugs and guarding |
| · Hounds | | | | people or property. Saint Bernard dogs, Dobermans, |
| · Herding | | | | boxers are just a few of many working dogs. |
| In the terrier group, some of the breeds of dog are | | | | Dogs in the hound group are great hunters. Some |
| American Staffordshire terrier, border terriers, bull | | | | use their intense sense of smell to trail their prey. |
| terriers, fox terriers, and jack Russel terriers. These | | | | Other hounds have tremendous stamina which shows |
| breeds of dogs are usually competitive and | | | | when they run down their quarry. Some dogs in the |
| determined. The fighting breeds, such as bull terriers | | | | hound group are beagles, black and tan coonhounds, |
| and pit bulls, are assertive and fearless but they are | | | | American foxhound, and the bloodhound. Hounds |
| trying to breed down their aggression. The vermin | | | | have a very distinct howl that is not for everyone. |
| hunters such as jack Russel terriers are extremely | | | | Dogs in the herding group have an uncanny ability to |
| fast. | | | | control sheep and other livestock by controlling their |
| In the non-sporting group, there is a huge diversity in | | | | movements. Although most herding dogs are |
| origin, size and type of dogs. They bred many in the | | | | fabulous family pets, their herding instincts are still |
| non-sporting groups to do specific jobs but because | | | | apparent when they try herding their owners, |
| it is obsolete, they became companion dogs. The | | | | especially children. Along with herding, these dogs |
| most popular are miniature and standard poodles. | | | | love playing, working, exercise, and easy to train. |
| Some of the other dogs in the non-sporting group | | | | Herding dogs make fabulous companions and are |
| are chow chow, Dalmatian, American Eskimo, French | | | | quick at training exercises. Some herding dogs are |
| bulldog, and Boston terrier. | | | | the Australian cattle dog, Border collie, Belgian |
| The toy group consists of very small dogs that are | | | | sheepdog, collie, Pembroke Welsh corgi, German |
| wonderful companions. They are usually very | | | | shepherd and Shetland sheepdogs. |
| affectionate pets and great for smaller homes and | | | | The advantage of getting a purebred dog is their |
| apartments. Some of the many dogs in the toy | | | | predictable behavior but there are many wonderful |
| group are Boston terrier, cavalier King Charles spaniel, | | | | mixed breeds dogs also. No matter which group of |
| Chihuahua, Papillon, toy poodle and pug. | | | | dog you consider for a pet always become |
| Dogs in the sporting group are alert and naturally | | | | knowledgeable before selecting a breed. |