Information on AKC Dog Breeds

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was cobbled together from 12 other dog clubs in September 1884. It became official in October 1884 when it elected a president at a meeting held in Madison Square Garden in New York City. It established an official stud book to track the lineage of various championship breeds. In 1923, the club established five separate breed groups from which Best of Breed winners are chosen. More groups were added as the club developed. The club embraces the use of DNA to qualify the kennel club's registry. The organization sanctions more than 15,000 events annually.

  1. Sporting

    • Golden Retrievers are in the Sporting group.

      Sporting dogs are hunting dogs. They are active, energetic and eager to please. They take naturally to water events and require regular and challenging exercise. The AKC recognizes retrievers, setters, pointers ad spaniels in this breed group. Well-known breeds include Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Cocker and English Springer Spaniels, and German Shorthaired and Irish Setters.

    Hounds

    • Beagles are members of the Hound group.

      Hounds, once part of the original Sporting Dogs Breed Group, earned their own designation at AKC- sponsored events. They hunt by scent and an outstanding ability to run quarry down with relentless stamina. Most hounds exhibit a vocalization called baying, which often startles quarry and humans alike. This diverse breed includes Afghan Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Dachshunds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Whippets.

    Non-Sporting

    • The Non-sporting group includes the Chow Chow..

      The non-sporting group is a diverse collection of dogs of varying sizes, coat textures, appearances and personalities. Though not always common household pets, these breeds have developed large followings of admirers. The group includes the Bichon Frise, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Keeshond, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Shiba Inu and the Tibetan Terrier.

    Terrier

    • Terriers are bred to hunt vermin.

      Terriers are frenetic, feisty dogs ranging from small to large. Bred to hunt vermin, the breed displays little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Characterized by wiry coats and energetic personalities, this breed includes the Airedale Terrier, Bull, Cairn and Scottish Terriers, the Miniature Schnauzer and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    Toy

    • A show-ready Maltese represents the Toy group.

      The Toy Group breed of dog may be no bigger than a lot of children's toys, but they are tough, durable and protective. These tiny pooches are popular with city people as they fit comfortably into small living spaces. They often have clownish expressions and are entertaining to watch. Breeds include the Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, the Maltese, Papillon, Pomeranian, Pug, and Yorkshire Terrier.

    Working

    • The Saint Bernard breed shows in the Working group.

      The Working Group breed of dogs have proven themselves assets in a variety of jobs such as performing rescues, hauling goods by sled across frozen tundra, guarding life and property and serving in police and military units. Of considerable size and strength, these dogs are intelligent learners and should be trained to harness their qualities. This group includes the Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxer, Great Pyrenees, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and the Siberian Husky.

    Herding

    • Collies are well-recognized herders.

      Formerly part of the Working Group, herders received their own classification by the AKC in 1983. Many were bred to control large herds and flocks of much larger animals. Even as household pets, this breed will often herd, or guide, family members, especially small children. The group includes the Australian Shepherd, Belgian Sheepdog, the Briard, Collie, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Puli and the Shetland Sheepdog.