The American Kennel Club recognizes seven official groups of dog breeds. These categories help dog lovers decide which breeds are the best fit based on shared characteristics. Understanding the groups simplifies finding your perfect pup.

Sporting

Members of the sporting group are athletic dogs that were bred to help hunters in activities like retrieving prey. That includes golden retrievers, labs, spaniels and setters are in the sporting group.

Terrier

Dogs in the terrier group were bred to hunt and kill vermin, such as rats and mice and to guard their homes. They’re typically fairly high-energy pooches. There are about 30 terrier breeds and while they vary, they’re all generally intelligent and loyal.

Herding

Herding hounds were bred to control livestock, like sheep and cattle. Examples include the border collie and Australian shepherd. These friendly dogs are extremely intelligent and make wonderful companions, though they are known to nip at the heels of children in an attempt to herd them.

Toy

Breeds in the toy group pack a lot of personality into their tiny bodies. Affectionate and sociable, they’re the perfect lap dog for petting and snuggling. Some are high energy, while others are more calm. Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and pugs are among the breeds in the toy group.

Working

Think Doberman, Rottweiler, and St. Bernard, and you’ll know what breeds in this category have in common. They’re muscular, powerful, watchful and alert. These dogs were bred to help humans by pulling sleds or guarding property. Today, many are police and rescue dogs.

Hound

This group is a bit of a mishmash, but most of the members were bred to be used for hunting. In this group, you’ll find beagles, basset hounds, Borzoi and Afghan hounds. Some hound dogs have an incredible sense of smell while others have great stamina.

Non-sporting

Speaking of mishmash, non-sporting is the category where the AKC puts all the breeds that don’t fit into the other six categories. Bulldogs, Dalmatians, and Lhasa Apsos are among the breeds in this group.