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The dogs in the herding group were bred to herd livestock. Herding dogs are intelligent, energetic and often independent, but they can be prone to barking. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.
The hounds were originally bred to hunt by scent or sight. Scenthounds, including the Beagle, Dachshund and Basset Hound enjoying following there noses. Sighthounds, including the Greyhound and Whippet, enjoy a good run. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it's your cup of tea.
The Non-Sporting group is made up of dogs that do not fit into any other group. Here are sturdy animals with as different personalities and appearances as the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and Keeshond. Talk about differences in size, coat, and visage! Some, like the Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel are uncommon sights in the average neighborhood. Others, however, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso, have quite a large following. This group contains a wide variety of dogs that differ greatly in appearance and personality.
Terriers were originally bred to hunt small animals. Their lively, self-confident personalities make Terriers good watchdogs, but chasing, barking and digging can be a problem for these dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument.
The toy group includes small, long-lived dogs thar were originally bred to be companions for people. Many dogs in the Toy group require only minimal exercise and are ideal for people limited living space.The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody sheer delight. Don't let their tiny stature fool you, though - - many Toys are tough as nails.
The Sporting group includes dogs originally bred to work with hunters. This group includes retrievers, spaniels, pointers, and setters. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise. Sporting dogs are generally intelligent and friendly.
Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.
- Never poke a dog in the eyes or ears, pull its ears or tail, sit on it, jump on it, or do anything else that will hurt it.