US logo

AmeriDogs.com
"A Dog is for Life, not Just for Christmas"  


Select one:

US logo  Sporting Dogs
US logo  Hounds
US logo  Working Dogs
US logo  Terriers
US logo  Toys
US logo  Non-Sporting DogsUS logo  Herding Dogs
US logo  Miscellaneous
US logo  Not Recognized

 

Choosing a Breed

At AmeriDogs.com, we believe that understanding something about the original purpose for which your dog was bred
 can go a long way towards predicting future behaviour and temperament. The 150+ breeds of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club are divided into seven groups and one miscellaneous class. 
While every dog breed and individual dog has its own unique temperament and personality, each of the breeds
 of dogs grouped together have a similar function.

When choosing a breed, keep in mind that each breed of dog developed certain instinctive characteristics 
to enable them to do the job they were bred to do. Also keep in mind such factors as: how big will the adult dog get, 
the barking factor, digging, shedding and grooming, allergies, exercise requirements, common health problems, 
and the fit with your family (is it good with children, can it spend time alone). 
The better you honestly assess your lifestyle and needs, the better a potential pet will fit into your family 
and the happier people and dog will be! 






Sporting DogsIrish Setter

 




Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
Sporting dogs were originally bred to find, flush out, and retrieve game birds on land and in water. This group is mostly made up of the pointer, setter, spaniel, and retriever families of dogs. They are intelligent hunting companions that are usually willing, trainable, playful, and very energetic. Some have been used as guide dogs.  Sporting dogs vary in size with spaniels being the smallest, and are generally popular with children as pets. Most of these dogs need a lot of exercise and human companionship and may not be suitable in households where the people are gone all day. 

  Brittany
  Epagneul Breton (UKC Gundog Group)
  French Brittany (UKC Gundog Group)
  Griffon (Wire-haired Pointing)
  Pointer
  Pointer (German Short-haired)
  Pointer (German Wire-haired)
  Portuguese Pointer (UKC Gundog Group)
  Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)
  Retriever (Curly-coated)
  Retriever (Flat-coated)
  Retriever (Golden)
  Retriever (Labrador)
  Setter (English)
  Setter (Gordon)
  Setter (Irish)
  Spaniel (American Water)
  Spaniel (Clumber)
  Spaniel (Cocker)
  Spaniel (English Cocker)
  Spaniel (English Springer)
  Spaniel (Field)
  Spaniel (Irish Water)
  Spaniel (Sussex)
  Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
  Spinone Italiano
  Vizsla
  Weimaraner

 



Hounds
Borzoi

 

 

 

Group 2 - Hounds
Hounds were bred for hunting/tracking people or game ranging from badgers, foxes, and rabbits to wolves and lions using their eyesight or sense of smell. They are independent characters used to working alone. Easily distracted by movement or interesting scents, they may be a training challenge as they are keen hunters. Sighthounds follow their prey by sight and can run like the wind. Scenthounds use their noses to track their prey. Hounds range in size from the tiny Dachshund to the massive Irish Wolfhound.  Some of these dogs require minimal exercise while others need a large, enclosed running space. 

  Afghan Hound
  Basenji
  Basset Hound
  Beagle
  Black & Tan Coonhound
  Bloodhound
  Borzoi
  Dachshund (Miniature Long-haired)
  Dachshund (Miniature Smooth)
  Dachshund (Miniature Wire-haired)
  Dachshund (Standard Long-haired)
  Dachshund (Standard Smooth)
  Dachshund (Standard Wire-haired)
  Foxhound (American)
  Foxhound (English)
  Greyhound
  Harrier
  Ibizan Hound
  Irish Wolfhound
  Norwegian Elkhound
  Otterhound
  Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
  Pharaoh Hound
  Rhodesian Ridgeback
  Saluki
  Scottish Deerhound
  Whippet

 



Working Dogs
Siberian Husky
 

 

 

Group 3 - Working Dogs
Working dogs are the guard and draft workers, originally bred to work alongside their humans. They have been used as sled dogs, guarding and protection dogs for livestock and people, and guiding and rescuing dogs. These dogs are territorial, strong, and confident and require a similarly strong-willed master.  The dogs in this group were bred to work and they are happiest when they've got a job to do. This group of dogs includes many of the large and giant breeds. Many make excellent pets, being fiercely loyal and intelligent. However, for some, the demands of their size and protective instincts require careful consideration. 

  Akita
  Alaskan Malamute
  Anatolian Shepherd Dog
  Bernese Mountain Dog
  Boxer
  Bullmastiff
  Doberman Pinscher
  Great Dane
  Great Pyrenees
  Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
  Komondor
  Kuvasz
  Leonberger (UKC Guardian Dogs)
  Mastiff
  Newfoundland
  Portuguese Water Dog
  Rottweiler
  Saint Bernard
  Samoyed
  Schnauzer (Giant)
  Schnauzer (Standard)
  Siberian Husky

 



Terriers
West Highland White Terrier




Group 4 - Terriers
Independent, spunky, tough, and determined, the terriers were bred to hunt rats and other vermin by going into their burrows after them. Tenacious terriers have also been used for guarding, pit fighting, and especially hunting small predators such as badgers, foxes, and rabbits. They are relentless and know no fear or pain when on the job. Terriers have been described as having "a big dog personality in a small dog body". They are a high-activity dog and are therefore not for everyone.  Terriers can be a boon for those with allergies as many of these dogs have wiry but non-shedding coats.  Properly trained and socialized, they can make good house pets, but remember, they love to dig!

  Airedale Terrier
  American Staffordshire Terrier
  Australian Terrier
  Bedlington Terrier
  Border Terrier
  Bull Terrier
  Bull Terrier (Miniature)
  Cairn Terrier
  Dandy Dinmont Terrier
  Fox Terrier (Smooth)
  Fox Terrier (Wire)
  Irish Terrier
  Jack Russell Terrier (UKC)
  Kerry Blue Terrier
  Lakeland Terrier
  Manchester Terrier (Standard)
  Norfolk Terrier
  Norwich Terrier
  Parson Russell Terrier (AKC)
  Schnauzer (Miniature)
  Scottish Terrier
  Sealyham Terrier
  Skye Terrier
  Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
  Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  Welsh Terrier
  West Highland White Terrier

 



Toys
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel




Group 5 - Toys
Miniature dogs did not evolve naturally. They were bred by people as pets, to be companions and lap dogs. Due to their small size, they are sensitive to extremes of heat and cold and rely on human care to survive. Toys require minimal exercise and are long lived, affectionate and adaptable. They make an ideal pet in situations where keeping any other dog would seem impossible. Toys range in size from approximately one pound to eighteen pounds.  They can be very highly strung and may not be suitable in households with boisterous young children. 

  Affenpinscher
  Brussels Griffon 
  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  Chihuahua (Long-Haired)
  Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
  Chinese Crested Dog
  English Toy Spaniel
  Havanese
  Italian Greyhound
  Japanese Chin
  Maltese
  Manchester Terrier (Toy)
  Miniature Pinscher
  Papillon
  Pekingese
  Pomeranian
  Poodle (Toy)
  Pug
  Shih Tzu
  Silky Terrier
  Toy Fox Terrier
  Yorkshire Terrier

 



Non-Sporting Dogs
Bichon Frise




Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
This group has the largest variety of dogs as it functions as a collection of breeds that are hard to classify in one of the other groups. They may be dogs that used to perform vital tasks that are no longer required such as the Dalmatian. They may be sporting dogs like the Bulldog used years ago in the now-illegal game of bull-baiting. Many of these dogs were companions or watch dogs. With such a variety of animals, this group has likely got something for everyone. 

  American Eskimo Dog (Miniature)
  American Eskimo Dog (Standard)
  American Eskimo Dog (Toy)
  Bichon Frise
  Boston Terrier
  Bulldog
  Chinese Shar-Pei
  Chow Chow
  Dalmatian
  Finnish Spitz
  French Bulldog
  Keeshond
  Lhasa Apso
  Lowchen
  Poodle (Miniature)
  Poodle (Standard)
  Schipperke
  Shiba Inu
  Tibetan Spaniel
  Tibetan Terrier

 



Herding Dogs
Rough Collie




Group 7 - Herding Dogs
Developed mainly as sheep and cattle herders (who keep the flock together) or drovers (who drive them to market), the dogs in this group have worked alongside their humans for centuries. They are very intelligent and make natural watchdogs. They vary in size from small to large and many have thick, double coats that protect them in all sorts of weather. These breeds are popular as pets because of their obedience and willingness to work. These animals are active dogs who love to work and are eager to please. Owners must be prepared to find channels for their abundant energy. Remember, these dogs will herd anything - even the kids - if they have nothing else to do.

  Australian Cattle Dog
  Australian Shepherd
  Bearded Collie
  Belgian Malinois
  Belgian Sheepdog
  Belgian Tervuren
  Border Collie
  Bouvier des Flandres
  Briard
  Canaan Dog

  Collie (Rough)
  Collie (Smooth)
  German Shepherd Dog
  Old English Sheepdog
  Polish Owczarek Nizinny 
      (Polish Lowland Sheepdog)
  Puli
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
  Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)



Miscellaneous
Jack Russell Terrier




Miscellaneous Class
This class consists of many different breeds of dog that are recognized in other countries but are still awaiting full American Kennel Club recognition. They are all different shapes and sizes, and have various breed purposes. Many are from other countries such as Italy, Brazil, Germany, and the former Yugoslavia. 

 

  Beauceron
  Black Russian Terrier
  Coonhound (Redbone)
  German Pinscher
  Glen of Imaal Terrier
 Neapolitan Mastiff
  Plott Hound
  Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)

 



Not Recognized
Catahoula Leopard Dog





Not Recognized Breeds
This group consists of many different and rare breeds of dog that are not sufficiently well known to have gained recognition by the American Kennel Club. Like the dogs in the Miscellaneous Class, they are all different shapes and sizes, and have various breed purposes. Many are from other countries such as France, Argentina,  and the Canary Islands. These breeds are largely unfamiliar to North Americans but have a devoted and loyal following of breed fanciers and clubs.

 

  Akbash Dog
  Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
  American Bulldog
  American Indian Dog
  American Pit Bull Terrier
  Argentine Dogo
  Bolognese
  Canadian Eskimo Dog
  Cane Corso
  Caucasian Ovtcharka
  Cesky Terrier
 Chinook
  Coton de Tulear
  Dogue de Bordeaux
  Dutch Shepherd
  English Shepherd
  Entlebucher Sennenhund
  Fila Brasileiro
  Finnish Lapphund
  Greenland Dog
  Hovawart
  Lagotto Romagnolo
  Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
  Maremma Sheepdog
  Mexican Hairless
  Miniature Australian Shepherd
  Norrbottenspets
  North American Miniature Australian
      Shepherd
  Olde English Bulldogge
  Perro de Presa Canario
  Pyrenean Shepherd (Rough)
  Pyrenean Shepherd (Smooth)
  Rat Terrier
  Setter (Irish Red & White)
  Shiloh Shepherd
  Sloughi
  Spaniel (French)
  Swiss Hound
  Tibetan Mastiff
  Tosa Inu
  Xoloitzcuintle (Standard)
  Xoloitzcuintle (Miniature)

 

 


[Breeds A-Z]  [Breeders in Your Area]  [Bulletin Board]  [Just For Laughs]  [Rescue]
[Need a Handler?]  [Need a Trainer?]  [Need a Boarding Kennel?]  [Need a Groomer?] 
 
[Getting Listed]  [Contact Us]

 

Top of Page  

 

       Go Home