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| Apr 6 2007, 1:49 PM EDT (current) | Anonymous | 101 words added, 50 words deleted, 1 widget deleted |
| Feb 13 2007, 6:15 PM EST | DoggyGal | 7 photos added, 7 photos deleted |
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the premier authority on pure breed dogs in the United States, and has been the leading authority on dogs in the United States since it was founded in 1884. The AKC catagorizes all recognized dog breeds into eight official groups:
The Sporting class is composed of 26 breeds, including the top two most popular dogs in the United States, the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Sporting dogs typically have high energy levels and an affinity for water and hunting.
There are 22 dog breeds in the hound class, with Beagles and Dachshunds being the most popular. Historically used for hunting, hounds have a keen sense of smell and a distinctive bark known as “baying.”
Working dogs include the popular Rottweiler and Boxer breeds, as well as 22 other breeds. Working dogs are suited for guarding, pulling sleds, and rescues. Most working dogs are large, solid, strong dogs with an independent temperament.
With 27 breeds in this category, the Terrier class is the largest official AKC group. The American Staffordshire Terrier (aka "Pit Bulls") and Schnauzers are the more popular dogs in this class. Recognized by their wiry coats, terriers are energetic, playful dogs with a strong hunting instinct.
The Toy class includes 21 breeds, many of which are extremely popular pets, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus. As their name suggests, toy dogs are usually quite small and are very companionable.
There are 17 dogs in the Non-Sporting class, and these dogs vary in size, appearance, and temperament. Non-Sporting dogs include such diverse breeds as Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Dalmatians, and Bichon Frises.
The popular German Shepherd is part of this class of 18 breeds. The dogs in this class were formerly part of the Working group of dogs, but due to their uncanny ability to move livestock and other animals, the Herding group was established by the AKC in 1983.
Non-AKC Breed Types
The AKC also recognizes 52 breeds in a special category, called the FieldFoundation Stock Service®. These dogs can’t be registered with the AKC, but some breeds can participate in certain AKC competitions.
See also:
Sporting
The Sporting class is composed of 26 breeds, including the top two most popular dogs in the United States, the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Sporting dogs typically have high energy levels and an affinity for water and hunting. 
Hound
There are 22 dog breeds in the hound class, with Beagles and Dachshunds being the most popular. Historically used for hunting, hounds have a keen sense of smell and a distinctive bark known as “baying.” 
Working
Working dogs include the popular Rottweiler and Boxer breeds, as well as 22 other breeds. Working dogs are suited for guarding, pulling sleds, and rescues. Most working dogs are large, solid, strong dogs with an independent temperament. 
Terrier
With 27 breeds in this category, the Terrier class is the largest official AKC group. The American Staffordshire Terrier (aka "Pit Bulls") and Schnauzers are the more popular dogs in this class. Recognized by their wiry coats, terriers are energetic, playful dogs with a strong hunting instinct. 
Toy
The Toy class includes 21 breeds, many of which are extremely popular pets, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus. As their name suggests, toy dogs are usually quite small and are very companionable. 
Non-Sporting
There are 17 dogs in the Non-Sporting class, and these dogs vary in size, appearance, and temperament. Non-Sporting dogs include such diverse breeds as Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Dalmatians, and Bichon Frises. 
Herding
The popular German Shepherd is part of this class of 18 breeds. The dogs in this class were formerly part of the Working group of dogs, but due to their uncanny ability to move livestock and other animals, the Herding group was established by the AKC in 1983. Miscellaneous
DogThe breedsmiscellaneous class is for dogs that don’tare fitworking easilytowards intoAKC anyrecogntion. otherA classbreed arefirst must groupedbe enrolled in the MiscellaneousFoundation class.Stock TheseService, dogsmust have a parent club, don’tand have mucha signigant number of registerable dogs. While in commonthe miscellaneous orclass(typical havea similarperiod distinguishingof characteristics,1-5 butyears) the owners/ breeders of the breed prove that they are justready for differentfull enoughAKC torecognition. meritAfter nota beingperiod includedof intime athe AKC evalutes particularthe breed class.and discusses with the parent club wether they want full recognition. When a breed Thisis fully recognized it is moved to its appropriate group (see those above).This class is composed of nine specialty breeds, including the ToyDogue Foxde TerrierBordeaux , theNorewegian PlottBuhund, Hound,Pyrenean andShepherd, theand NeapolitanRedbone Mastiff. Coonhound.Non-AKC Breed Types
The AKC also recognizes 52 breeds in a special category, called the FieldFoundation Stock Service®. These dogs can’t be registered with the AKC, but some breeds can participate in certain AKC competitions.
See also:
