[/caption]Dogs are assigned to a specific group based on the purpose for which the dog was originally bred or has been used for historically. From large and powerful working dogs meant to serve as guards, to tiny toy breeds for companionship, dogs span a wide range of sizes and attributes. If a miscellaneous dog breed demonstrates enough interest and growth, it will be entered in the AKC stud book and eventually admitted to a regular group.
Once this full membership has been granted, the dog breed is allowed to compete in all AKC events such as Obedience, Lure Coursing, Agility, etc. In a conformation dog show, dogs are judged by experts against a specific dog breed standard for such characteristics as size, color, gait and temperament. Interested in learning more about any particular dog breed group, or specific dog breed? Want to learn even more about the dog breeds of the AKC?
For the uninitiated, the words "AKC Dog Breed" might be confusing. This club holds obedience competitions and dog shows, maintains dog standards and registers puppies of AKC-recognized breeds. There are over 100 different dog breeds registered with the AKC.
There are eight different types of AKC dog breeds, including the Hound Group, the Sporting Group, the Working Group, the Non-Working Group, the Toy Group and the Terrier Group. Each dog competes within their group and within its breed during competitions.
Next, the Sporting Group is active, hard-working dogs. The Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are dogs belonging to the Sporting Group.
Although AKC is the most well-known club in USA, there are other clubs like the United Kennel Club, the American Canine Association, the Canine Kennel Club and the North American Purebred Dog Registry.
British dogs, for example, go through the Kennel Club, while Australian dogs are registered in the Victorian Canine Association and Canadian dogs apply to the Canadian Kennel Club.
