AKC Dog Breeds Essay, Research Paper

We humans classify everything that we have come to know in this world, from elements to all God?s creatures. Man likes to know he has control and the classification and selective processes man takes are all for control. Even mans? best friend has been narrowed down into Groups which man created. In each group are dogs that have been breed for a specific use to help man do a job faster, easier, and more efficiently. ?Every breed is assigned to one of seven groups, based on the uses for which the breeds were originally developed? (AKC.org). Mans? best friend has been categorized into the: Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, and Sporting Groups.

The Hound Group contains such popular dogs as the Basset Hound, Bloodhound, and Greyhound. There are 22 separate breeds in the Hound Group alone. This group can be further separated into the scent hounds and the sight hounds. Scent hounds have been bred to find their prey by their overdeveloped sense of smell. Sight hounds were bred to spot targets at great distances and let their handlers know where the prey is located.

The Working Groups is a group of 21 different breeds of dogs. These dogs ?were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues? (AKC.org). Some common breeds in this group are the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, and Boxer. These dogs were bred for specific tasks but all needed to be intelligent, quick at learning, and good companions. Most of these dogs are strong and all are designed for getting the job done.

The Terrier Group is a group of ?feisty, energetic dogs?. This group contains the Skye Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Fox Terrier (Smooth and Wire) but there are a total of 25 different breeds recognized. In the old days they were used for hunting and killing vermin in many different situations. These dogs are very determined and are often described as thinking they?re larger than they really are. They ?require owners with the determination to match their dogs? lively characteristics? (AKC.org).

With 20 separate breeds in it, the Toy Group is full of energy. These dogs may look little and fragile but ?many Toys are tough as nails? (AKC.org). This group is popular for people who don?t have a lot of space for a larger dog. This group contains the ever lovable Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, and Poodle. The main function of this group?s is described to be ?to embody sheer delight? (AKC.org). They truly are big dogs in little packages.

The Poodle, Dalmatian, and Bulldog are examples of the 17 breeds you will find in the Non-Sporting Group. This is an extremely diverse group of dog breeds. Some are extremely rare to find while other are seen all the time and everywhere. ?The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance? (AKC.org).

My personal favorite Group in the world of dogs is the Herding Group. Consisting of the Collie, Border Collie, and German Shepherd Dog (my all time favorite). This is an astounding group of smart dogs. Formerly members of the Working Group, they were separated into their own group in 1983. ?All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movements of other animals? (AKC.org). These dogs can make wonderful, obedient pets if given the time for training and exercises.

Last, but not least, is the Sporting Group. This group contains many popular breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. All of which are very common sights around households today. ?Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions? (AKC.org). Their great personalities and size have made some of these dogs, like the golden retriever and labs, ideal for working with disabled and sick people.

As you can see, man has quite nicely and neatly organized his best friend into these seven practical groups. The classification is based upon the function the dogs were bred for doing. People can find a dog to fit their life style and personality by narrowing down these groups. Mans control over these things is for security and function.

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