The American Kennel Club has been around for lots of years. They offer registration for dogs and can grant a certified electronic or printed document that displays the roots of a dog and all the other imperative facts of the origin of the dog. The American Kennel Club has been the advocate for dog owners and dogs in this country for many years.

Right now the AKC recognizes more than 160 purebred breeds of dogs. These range from the more little known like the Borzoi or the Petit Basset Griffon Venden to the more prevalent like the Labrador Retriever, the Cocker Spaniel or the German Shepherd.

The accepted breeds are further broken down into groups, which connote a group that fits the characteristics of the breed. These groups often signify the reason of the dog and what it was bred for in the past, whether it was for hunting, herding or even just for enjoyment.

The sporting group includes breeds that have inherent instincts for water and woods. Many of these dogs are good with hunting and other field activities. Breeds from the sporting groups need regular, revitalizing exercise. Sporting dog breeds comprise pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels.

The breeds from the hound group were bred for hunting. These breeds more often than not have great endurance and an keen sense of smell in order to trail quarry. Basset hounds, Beagles and Bloodhounds are part of the hound group.

The working group of dogs was initially bred to labor at pulling sleds or performing water rescues. The Terrier Group includes dogs that were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. Terriers tend to have very spunky and feisty personalities.

The toy group was largely bred as a pet and as true to their name they tend to be small but energetic. There are little dogs in every group however, so all diminutive dogs are not categorized into the toy group. Some of the toy breeds include the spunky Chihuahua and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The next group is the non-sporting group and it includes such breeds as the Chow-chow and Dalmatian. The Poodle is also part of the non-sporting group.

The herding group is the latest classification that just came about in 1983. These breeds were previously part of the working group. These dogs were bred to herd other animals such as cattle or sheep. These include the Corgi and the Shetland Sheepdog. Each group of breeds has their own particular distinctiveness and you need to check them out to see which one appeals to you.

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