7 Different Groups of Basic Dog Breeds

If you're thinking about adding a furry friend to your household, it's important to understand the different types of dogs and the 7 different groups of dog breeds. Each dog breed has unique characteristics, behaviours, and requirements, so it's essential to choose the right one that fits your family's lifestyle and personality.

There are different categories of dogs based on their purpose, which include working dogs, companion dogs and hunting dogs. Each group is classified according to the dog's historical purpose, physical characteristics and temperament.

Toy breeds often resemble the size of a toy stuffed animal and have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their adorable appearance and portability.

They make great pets for those living in small spaces such as apartments or for those who cannot handle large dogs due to physical limitations. Despite their small size, they have a big personality, easily excitable and can be quite feisty.

It is important to note that toy breeds are not just cute accessories, they still require a lot of attention and care. They should not be left alone for extended periods of time and need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

Terriers were bred to hunt vermin and rodents. Their job was to locate a burrow or a hole in the ground and sometimes dig to catch prey. Their name comes from the Latin word 'terra' which means earth. Terriers are energetic, tenacious, and courageous. They are highly trainable and need daily exercise to keep them stimulated. If you’re training a dog, check out our range of training treats to reinforce positive behaviour and forge a bond between you and your pet.

One of the most popular terriers is the Jack Russell. They are small and have a lot of energy, which makes them a great companion for active families. They are loyal, intelligence, affectionate, and enjoy playing games.

Scottish Terriers, also known as Scotties, are a medium-sized terrier breed known for their independent and stubborn nature. They are loyal dogs and can be protective of their families. Scotties are also known for their distinctive appearance, with their long eyebrows and beard. Like most terriers, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation, and they respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Also, as many dogs are curious by nature you will need to make certain they don't stray too far, so to keep them safe and contained, check out our range of electric dog fences and containment systems - we have prices and types to suit all dog breeds and sizes.

Working dogs were bred for specific tasks, such as pulling sleds, guarding, or search and rescue. Examples of working dogs include German Shepherds and Border Collies. These dogs are intelligent, require training and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive. Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs and are often considered the smartest of all dog breeds. They were originally bred for herding sheep, and they excel in obedience and agility trials.

They are not typically recommended for apartment living since they require lots of space to run and play. They can also become anxious or bored if left alone for long periods, which can lead to destructive behaviours like digging or chewing. Proper training and socialisation can help prevent these issues and make Border Collies excellent pets for active and dedicated owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to meet their needs.

Hounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell and were bred for hunting. They come in different sizes and are classified into scent hounds and sight hounds. Examples of hounds include Beagles, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds. These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Scent hounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell, which allows them to follow a scent trail over long distances. They have a powerful nose and are used for tracking game animals, such as deer and wild boar. Examples of scent hounds include Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds.

These dogs have a strong instinct to follow their nose, so they need a secure area to play and regular exercise to keep them stimulated. Sight hounds, on the other hand, are known for their incredible speed and agility. They are used for hunting game animals that are difficult to catch, such as rabbits. Examples of sight hounds include Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis.

These dogs have a keen sense of vision and are able to spot prey from a distance. Sight hounds need regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy, and they also need a secure area to run around in. We recommend our range of electric dog fences & containment systems to train and contain sighthounds.

Herding dogs were bred for controlling and moving livestock, such as sheep and cattle. They are highly intelligent, trainable and energetic.

Examples of herding dogs include Border Collies and Corgis, which are not just a cute toy dog but a ‘real’ working dog that is still used to herd cattle and sheep in Wales. These dogs need regular exercise, training and mental stimulation.

Australian Shepherds are another popular herding breed. They are energetic, loyal, and highly trainable. They have a strong work ethic and are often used for search and rescue missions.

Sporting dogs were bred for hunting and retrieving game birds. They have excellent hunting instincts, are highly trainable, and need regular exercise. Examples of sporting dogs include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of sporting dogs.

They are known for their friendly disposition, loyalty and intelligence. They have a natural instinct for retrieving game and are excellent swimmers. They make great family pets, but they require regular stimulation.

Labrador Retrievers are also popular sporting dogs. They are highly trainable and are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. They require need of exercise and they love to retrieve and swim.

Non-sporting dogs are a diverse group that doesn't fit into any other category. They vary in size, shape, and temperament. Examples of non-sporting dogs include Bulldogs, Poodles, and Dalmatians. These dogs need regular exercise, training and mental stimulation.

Bulldogs are a breed known for their wrinkly faces and stocky build. They have a calm and friendly nature which makes them great companion dogs.

However, they are prone to obesity, and regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy. Bulldogs also need training to prevent them from developing nuisance behaviour.