Non-Sporting Group:
Many of these dogs were originally bred for specific work, but because dog work is hard to come by these days, they’ve become companions. Unlike other breed groups, there is little consistency in their doggy personalities because they were all originally bred for different tasks. Before considering any of these breeds, consult breed-specific books and speak to a veterinarian to get a truer sense of what they are like.
- American Eskimo Dog
- Bichon Frise
- Boston Terrier
- Bulldog
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Chow Chow
- Dalmatian
- Finnish Spitz
- French Bulldog
- Keeshond
- Lhasa Apso
- Poodle (Standard and Miniature)
- Shiba Inu
- Schipperke
- Standard Schnauzer
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
The Finnish-Spitz
Toy Group:
Many of these breeds are miniaturized versions of working or hunting dogs. Too small to work, they have perfected the art of being adorable. Needing little exercise (though they definitely need the exercise), they are perfect for apartment dwellers and older people.
Playful and devoted, they demand constant affection and attention. It’s easy to neglect training for these little guys, but it’s a big mistake. Although small, they can become quite tyrannical, ruling the house with constant barking and snapping. To get the most from these precious companions, train them!
- Affenpinscher
- Brussels Griffon
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested
- English Toy Spaniel
- Italian Greyhound
- Japanese Chin
- Maltese
- Miniature Pinscher
- Papillon
- Pekingese
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Silky Terrier
- Toy Manchester Terrier
- Toy Poodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
A commonly seen member of the Toy group is the Toy Poodle.
The Toy Poodle
Mixed Breeds:
Many people contend that mixed breed dogs are better than purebred dogs. I’ve owned both and have loved them equally. Love and loyalty know no pedigree. The biggest difference between a mixed breed and a purebred is predictability.
When you throw a ball into the water for a retriever, you can predict what’s going to happen next. If you know or can guess something about a puppy’s background, you may be able to gain some insight into his personality. Like any other dog, a mixed breed needs attention, exercise, and training.
The Least You Need To Know:
- Now it’s time to find a breed best suited for your function, which is your lifestyle. Owning any dog will demand a commitment of time; all require that you feed them, pet them, and take them out—even on rainy days. Certain breeds, however, will need more of your time and attention for specific activities.
- Breeders have created well over the 142 different breeds currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. The AKC has organized the breeds into seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Herding, Terrier, Non-Sporting, and Toy.
- Dogs have the same gene pool, so theoretically a Chihuahua could mate with a Great Dane. Though that isn’t too realistic, many dogs of different breeds mate to create mixed-breed puppies.
