Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just cant decide where to begin? If so, lets break it down and sort through all the options. Over a series of 3 unscientific articles, well begin by looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. Well learn what commonalities bring various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us. How to Use this Guide: Highlight each piece of information that is most important to you and compare the number of highlighted traits when you have finished reading about each Group. Group: Sporting Group Traits: Point; Set; Retrieve; Enjoy Water; Mouthy Likes: People; Other dogs Dislikes: Being left alone; Not having a job Behavior Indoors: Normal to Active Behavior Outdoors: Active Physicality: Moderate to High Territoriality: Low to Moderate Relations with Children: Very good Relations with Strangers: Very good Relations with Dogs: Good Relations with Other Animals: Good to low (prey drive) Guard dog inclinations: Low Vocalization: Low to Medium (vocal whining when lonely) Group: Hound Group Traits: Visually or Scent oriented; Speed; Digger Likes: Working Dislikes: Boredom Behavior Indoors: Low to moderate Behavior Outdoors: Active Physicality: Moderate Territoriality: Low to moderate Relations with Children: Good Relations with Strangers: Good Relations with Dogs: Good Relations with Other Animals: May chase (prey drive) Guard dog inclinations: Low Vocalization: Moderate to High (high when working or excited) Part 2 in this series will discuss the following Groups: Working Dogs, Terriers, and Toy Dogs. *Note: Use this information as a general guide at best. The most we can hope to offer is a stereotypical overview of what you might be able to expect, or what you may want to look for, in dogs in each Group. Breeds and individual dogs in each Group can vary greatly in traits and personalities. |
