What’s Your Dog’s Group? A Guide to Dog Show Divisions

Dog shows are a fascinating way to showcase the best qualities of purebred dogs, but if you’ve ever watched one, you might have wondered what all those groups are about. Let’s break it down and explore the major dog groups that make up these competitions. Not sure what group your dog belongs in? Check out a list of breeds by group on the AKC website!

Sporting Group

The Sporting Group is one of the most popular and beloved categories in the dog show world—and for good reason. These dogs were originally bred to assist hunters in the field by locating, flushing, and retrieving game birds. Whether working on land or in water, Sporting dogs excel thanks to their keen instincts, high energy levels, and exceptional trainability. While many still thrive in fieldwork today, most have transitioned into active, affectionate family companions who love being part of the action.

A defining trait of this group is their love of water. Many Sporting dogs are natural swimmers and rarely pass up the opportunity to dive into a lake, stream, or even a backyard kiddie pool. They are intelligent, eager to please, and generally easygoing, making them a great fit for families with children or other pets. These breeds thrive when they have a purpose and need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Among the most well-known members of this group is the Labrador Retriever, a breed that has consistently ranked as one of America’s favorites thanks to its affectionate nature, versatility, and strong retrieving drive. The Golden Retriever is another iconic Sporting dog, beloved for its gentle temperament, reliability, and ability to serve as both a devoted family pet and an excellent therapy or service dog. Cocker Spaniels, the smallest of the group, are known for their expressive eyes and merry personalities. Then there’s the Irish Setter, a true showstopper with a flowing red coat and a playful, outgoing demeanor.

Sporting dogs are ideal for active individuals or families who enjoy hiking, swimming, running, or even hunting. They do best in homes where they receive consistent training, regular exercise, and lots of social interaction. If you're looking for a cheerful, loyal, and energetic partner, the Sporting Group might just have your perfect match.

Hound Group

The Hound Group includes some of the oldest dog breeds known to humans, and their origins trace back to early hunters and nomadic societies. These dogs were bred with one primary goal in mind: tracking and pursuing prey. Over time, they developed into two main types—scent hounds and sight hounds—each equipped with specialized skills that made them invaluable partners in the field.

Scent hounds have extraordinary noses. Their sense of smell is so powerful that they can follow a scent trail that’s days old, over long distances, and through challenging terrain. Breeds like the Beagle and Bloodhound are perfect examples. Bloodhounds, in particular, are renowned for their unmatched tracking ability and are often used in search and rescue missions. Beagles, while smaller, are energetic and tenacious hunters, commonly used for rabbit and small game hunting.

Sight hounds, on the other hand, rely on their exceptional vision and incredible speed to chase down fast-moving prey. Breeds like the Greyhound and Whippet are sleek, graceful, and built for speed. Greyhounds have long been associated with racing, but they are also calm, affectionate companions off the track. Whippets, their smaller cousins, share similar traits and make wonderful, low-maintenance pets for those with room to let them run.

While hounds make loyal and fascinating companions, they aren’t always the easiest for first-time dog owners. Their strong prey drive can make off-leash play a challenge, and some breeds are prone to “selective hearing” when a good scent or chase is involved.

Ideal for active individuals or families, especially those with secure yards or access to open spaces, hounds are happiest when their natural instincts are satisfied through exercise, scent work, or coursing games.

Working Group

Dogs in the Working Group were originally bred to perform practical and often physically demanding tasks. Whether it was guarding property, pulling carts or sleds, or assisting in water rescues, these dogs were developed for strength, intelligence, and a sense of purpose. They are the powerhouses of the dog world—loyal, alert, and often protective by nature.

What makes the Working Group so special is their versatility. They’re not just brawn; they bring brains too. Many of these breeds are quick learners and eager to work alongside humans, which makes them great candidates for service work, protection, or competitive obedience. However, with great strength comes great responsibility: these dogs thrive with structure and consistent training. Without proper outlets for their energy and instincts, they can become bored or even destructive.

Popular breeds in this group include the Boxer, a playful and protective family dog that excels as a watchdog; the Saint Bernard, known for its gentle temperament and legendary alpine rescue work; the Rottweiler, a bold and confident guardian with a strong work ethic; and the Siberian Husky, a spirited sled dog with endurance to spare and a love for adventure.

Ideal for experienced dog owners or active families, Working Group breeds need more than just affection—they need jobs. Whether it’s agility training, hiking, carting, or advanced obedience, they love having a purpose. Socialization is also key, especially for the more guardian-oriented breeds, to ensure they grow into well-balanced companions.

If you're looking for a devoted, intelligent dog who thrives on partnership and purpose, the Working Group might just have your perfect match.

Terrier Group

Terriers are the firecrackers of the dog world—feisty, bold, and brimming with personality. Originally bred to hunt vermin and burrow underground after prey, these dogs were designed to be fearless and independent. That legacy remains strong today. Whether it’s chasing a squirrel across the yard or barking at mysterious rustlings in the bushes, terriers are always on alert and ready for action. They may be small in size, but they make up for it with big energy and even bigger attitudes.

These dogs are known for their tenacity—often referred to as “terrier tenacity”—along with a strong prey drive and keen instincts. Many terriers have a natural love of digging, so don’t be surprised if your backyard starts to resemble a construction zone. While they are loyal and affectionate with their families, they’re also famously stubborn and independent-minded, which can make training both a challenge and a necessity.

Among the most well-known terriers is the Jack Russell Terrier, a small but mighty athlete with boundless energy and a need for stimulation. The Scottish Terrier, or “Scottie,” carries itself with dignity and determination, known for its distinctive appearance and self-assured demeanor. Bull Terriers are full of character, instantly recognizable with their unique egg-shaped heads and playful, mischievous nature. At the larger end of the spectrum is the Airedale Terrier, often referred to as “The King of Terriers,” admired for its intelligence, courage, and versatility.

Terriers are ideal for individuals or families who enjoy an active lifestyle and appreciate a dog with a strong will and lively spirit. With consistent training, early socialization, and a sense of humor, terriers can be incredibly rewarding companions—just be prepared to match their energy and keep up with their antics.

Toy Group

The Toy Group may be the smallest in stature, but it’s certainly not short on charm, charisma, or character. These petite pups were bred with one primary purpose: to be loving, loyal companions. Don’t let their tiny frames fool you—many Toy breeds are full of confidence, spunk, and personality that can rival even the largest of dogs. In fact, their affectionate nature and strong bond with their humans are what have made them beloved pets for centuries, particularly among royals and city dwellers alike.

Take the Chihuahua, for example. Fiercely loyal and often feisty, this pocket-sized pup has a heart much bigger than its body. Then there's the Pomeranian, a fluffy little firecracker known for its bold personality and fox-like features. The Shih Tzu, originally bred to warm the laps of Chinese emperors, brings a calm and gentle demeanor along with a luxuriously long coat. And the Pekingese, another breed with royal roots, exudes dignity and charm while carrying itself with a lion-like confidence.

Toy Group dogs are ideal for individuals or families living in apartments or smaller homes, thanks to their compact size and lower exercise needs. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playtime or brisk walks. Many are surprisingly agile and playful, thriving on interaction and affection. Their small size also means they are more sensitive to rough handling, making them best suited for homes where children understand how to treat them gently.

These dogs often thrive when they can be close to their humans, sometimes earning reputations as "velcro dogs." Whether you're curled up on the couch or out running errands (in a carrier, of course), a Toy breed will gladly be your tiny, loyal shadow.

Non-Sporting Group

The Non-Sporting Group boasts dogs of many shapes and sizes that were bred to perform a multitude of different duties throughout time. This group is home to a fascinating mix of breeds that don’t quite fit into the other established groups, like Sporting or Working dogs. Each breed in the Non-Sporting Group has a distinct history, purpose, and personality, which makes this category one of the most diverse and intriguing in the ring.

What unites these breeds isn’t their original function or appearance, but rather their individuality and charm. Take the Bulldog, for example. With its iconic wrinkled face and gentle demeanor, it’s a beloved companion known for its laid-back attitude. On the other end of the spectrum, the Dalmatian boasts a sleek, spotted coat and a high-energy personality that thrives in active homes. Then there’s the Poodle, one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there, renowned not only for its stylish coat but also for its trainability and sharp mind. And let’s not forget the Chow Chow—a breed with a lion-like mane and a dignified, aloof personality that adds a touch of mystery to the group.

Because the Non-Sporting Group includes such a wide range of body types, coat styles, energy levels, and temperaments, there truly is a breed in this category for nearly everyone. Whether you live in a small apartment or a sprawling farmhouse, prefer leisurely walks or high-energy games, you can likely find a Non-Sporting dog that suits your lifestyle. These dogs may not be easily categorized, but their uniqueness is exactly what makes them stand out—in the show ring and in the hearts of their families.

Herding Group

Herding dogs are some of the most intelligent and driven members of the canine world. Originally bred to control and move livestock, these dogs possess a unique combination of instinct, agility, and focus. Their sharp minds, coupled with their boundless energy, make them highly responsive and eager to please. In modern times, while not all herding dogs are put to work on farms, their heritage is evident in everything from their quick learning abilities to their impressive performance in competitive obedience, agility, and herding trials.

Breeds like the Border Collie are widely recognized for their unmatched intelligence and laser-sharp focus. These dogs thrive when given a job to do, whether it's herding sheep or solving complex tasks in training exercises. The Australian Shepherd is another standout, known for its athleticism and loyal nature, often forming strong attachments with its people and excelling in canine sports. The Shetland Sheepdog, often called a "Sheltie," is a smaller herding breed that brings just as much energy and enthusiasm to the table, all wrapped in a sweet, eager-to-please personality. Then there’s the Belgian Malinois, a powerhouse of drive and intensity, frequently used in police and military work due to its unmatched work ethic and obedience.

Because of their high intelligence and need for stimulation, herding dogs do best with active individuals or families who can keep them physically and mentally engaged. They’re not the kind of dog that’s content to lounge all day—they crave interaction, challenges, and purpose. Without sufficient exercise and training, these breeds can easily become bored and may develop unwanted behaviors. However, for the right person or household, a herding dog can be a deeply rewarding companion, always ready to work, play, and connect on an intelligent and emotional level.

Miscellaneous Group

The Miscellaneous Group at dog shows is a category for breeds that are still undergoing evaluation by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for full recognition. These breeds have often gained attention and popularity but have not yet officially entered the AKC's primary groups. While they may be newer to the dog show scene, they bring with them unique characteristics, histories, and purposes that make them stand out in the world of purebred dogs. The breeds in this group are typically in the process of being assessed for their suitability and conformity to AKC breed standards, a process that can take several years.

As the name suggests, the Miscellaneous Group serves as a holding area for these up-and-coming breeds before they are either fully accepted into the AKC or placed into a more specific group, such as Sporting, Working, or Herding. The inclusion of a breed in the Miscellaneous Group reflects its growing recognition and the interest it has garnered within the dog-owning community.

Among the breeds currently in this group, you’ll find the Dogo Argentino, a powerful and athletic dog originally bred for big-game hunting. The Belgian Laekenois, a herding dog with a strong work ethic and a protective nature, is another breed gaining popularity, especially in homes that appreciate a highly trainable and intelligent dog. Then there’s the American Staghound, a sight hound known for its speed, agility, and ability to hunt large game, making it a favored breed for hunting enthusiasts.

For those looking for a unique and relatively new breed in the world of dog shows, the Miscellaneous Group offers an opportunity to explore breeds that aren’t as widely known but bring a distinct personality and capability to the table. These dogs are perfect for individuals or families seeking something a bit different from the more mainstream show dogs, and for those who are enthusiastic about supporting the next wave of recognized breeds.dog show scene.

Final Thoughts

Dog shows offer a unique opportunity to witness the diversity of purebred dogs, each with distinct traits, histories, and specialized roles. These events showcase not only the beauty of these animals but also their functional capabilities, which have been honed over centuries. From the high-energy, eager-to-please sporting breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, to the more low-key yet affectionate toy dogs like the Shih Tzu or Chihuahua, there’s truly a breed for every personality and lifestyle.

If you're someone who enjoys outdoor activities and needs a dog with a lot of stamina, the sporting group might be the perfect match, offering breeds that excel in physical tasks and require a lot of exercise. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more laid-back companion, toy dogs make excellent pets due to their manageable size and adaptability, perfect for apartment living or those who prefer a lower-maintenance pet.

For those who prioritize protection and a strong work ethic, working dogs such as the Rottweiler or the Boxer are ideal. They are not only loyal and protective but are often trained to assist in various tasks like search-and-rescue missions or guarding properties. Whatever your preference, dog shows provide an exciting way to discover the perfect companion suited to your lifestyle.