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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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 Kelpie
  Australian Shepherd
  Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
  Bearded Collie
  Belgian Shepherd Dog
      (Belgian Sheepdog)
  Berger des Pyrenees
  Berger Picard
  Border Collie
  Bouvier des Flandres
  Briard
  Collie (Rough)
  Collie (Smooth)
  Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes)