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The AKC breed dog registry is the most recognized registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. In 2006, there were over 900,000 dogs registered in the AKC. To be registered as a purebred, the dog must have parents that are registered as the same breed with the American Kennel Club. They also requires that the litter be registered as well.

There are over 400 different dog types world wide, in fact, our canine companion has more variations than any species of mammal ever known.Breeds are divided into seven groups with each group being bred for different purposes. Each breed has their own distinct personality or temperament.

The Herding Group is a designation for dog breeds bred for herding or to serve as livestock guardian dogs. This group was once classified with the Working Group until the AKC made the Herding Group their newest designation. These dogs are super intelligent and have great stamina. They make excellent companions and respond favorably to a variety of training exercises, anything from agility, flyball, search/rescue and obedience training. Dogs that belong to the Herding Group include German Shepherds, Old English Sheepdog, Shetland Sheepdog, Collies, Border Collies and Belgian Malinois.

The Working Group is a designation where dogs are bred to perform jobs like water rescues, sled pulling, and guard duty. These dogs are very strong and large since they were bred for labor. They are happiest when they are well exercised. Due to their physical characteristics, they aren’t always well suited for house pets but they do make great companions with the right training.

Dogs in the Working Group include Akita, Black Russian Terrier, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher, Canadian Eskimo Dog, German Pinscher, Giant/Standard/Miniature Schnauzer, Great Dane, English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler and the Siberian Husky.

The Hound Group is breed that is bred to assist hunters. Sight Hounds and Scent Hounts use their senses to track down their prey. Some members of this group include the Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Greyhound, Beagle and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

The Terrier Group is a feisty and high energy group that includes Miniature Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Bull Terrier, Airedale Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. These dogs are bred primarily to hunt below and above ground vermin. They can make great pets for the right owner but be warned… they are feisty with little tolerance for other small animals, the mailman and other neighborhood dogs.

A dog that possesses incredible instincts, in water or woods, for example, a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel or Pointer Dog belongs to The Sporting Group. These dogs are typically easy going, need frequent regular exercise and can also aid their master in hunting for animals and birds. There is an group called the Non-Sporting Group with a very diverse range of dogs like a Dalmatian, French Bulldog, Bulldog and Keeshond.

If you’ve ever heard the expression, “lap dog”, this describes dogs that make up the Toy Group. These petit dogs make great companions and are fond of staying in their masters’ lap. Dogs like the Chihuahua, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier and Pomeranian are popular with city dwellers confined to small living quarters.

The Miscellaneous Group rounds out the dog types. Dog breeds classified under this group are still awaiting their final breed recognition status from the AKC, however, they can still compete for titles. The Redbone Coonehound, Norwegian Buhund and the Swedish Vallhund are dog breeds belonging to the Miscellaneous Group.