What is Your Dog’s Breed Group?

Do you know your dog’s breed? Well sure, that’s easy. Take one look at them and 90% of the time, you can make out what they are. But do you know your dog’s breed group?

Well, what’s a breed group you may ask? Breed Groups are groupings of Dog Breeds mostly depending on history and the original purpose of the breed, to help dog owners understand the natural instincts, training and exercise needs of their dog.

What does your dog’s breed group say about him?

What a dog was bred for often corresponds with certain hardwired behaviours and behavioural requirements. For a happy (and peaceful!) life together, it is essential that you know of the specific traits of your dog’s breed. Just remember, every dog has its individual personality, which may not always correlate 100% with breed standards!

Main Dog Breed Groups

The Petmania Pet Lifestyle Survey 2023, almost 20% of respondents were unsure as to what breed group their dog belonged to. Of those that did know their dog’s breed group, the majority were unable to correctly identify the best type of exercise and play for their dog’s group.

In this blog post we take a look at the main dog breed groups. Click in the breed group links below to find out more about your dog’s breed group, and what kind of exercise and play they need to stay happy and healthy.

The Sporting or Gun Dog Group

The Sporting Group (Also know as Hunting or Gun Dog) includes breeds that assist in hunting, either by locating game (pointers and setters), moving/flushing game (spaniels), or retrieving downed game (retrievers). Many of these breeds require a lot of physical exercise and may retrieve not only game, but also newspapers, shoes, and other household items.

In the Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023, of the pet owners who identified their dogs in this group, only 20% could correctly identify the best type of exercise and mental stimulation most suited to Sporting / Hunting / Gun dogs.

The Herding Group

The Herding or Pastoral Breed Group includes dogs that assist humans in controlling the movement of other animals. Depending on what kind of livestock they are bred to work with, these dogs may achieve their goal by stalking, staring, nipping, or barking. Not only do they respond to human commands, they are also skilled in using their own judgment. Members of these breeds are highly intelligent and therefore need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

In the Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023, of the pet owners who identified their dogs in this group, only 28% could correctly identify the best type of exercise and mental stimulation most suited to Herding / Pastoral dogs.

The Hound Group

The Hound Group contains some of the oldest breeds known to man. In general, hounds were bred to help humans pursue and catch quarry, either by using their exceptional sight and great speed (Sight Hounds) or by tracking scents (Scent Hounds) or both. This group is very diverse, making it hard to list general traits, but breeds within this group can be as short as the Dachshund and as tall as the Irish Wolfhound. Many hounds produce a distinct bark (baying) and don’t hesitate to use it. Also, be prepared that your hound may not wait for your cue. They are bred to be trailblazers!

In the Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023, of the pet owners who identified their dogs in this group, only 18% could correctly identify the best type of exercise and mental stimulation most suited to Scent Hounds, while 39% could identify the needs of their Sight Hounds.

The Terrier Group

Dogs in the Terrier Group were originally bred to hunt vermin and rodents (above and below ground level), as well as to chase small game. The group is roughly divided into long-legged, short-legged, and stocky/muscular dogs. Terriers are determined, brave and clever, and have a high prey drive. Make sure to provide a digging pit/sandbox and train your terrier to dig in it rather than your flowerbeds.

In the Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023, of the pet owners who identified their dogs in this group, 65% could correctly identify the best type of exercise and mental stimulation most suited to Terriers.

The Working Group

Breeds in the Working Group were developed to assist humans with specific tasks, such as guarding, sledding/carting, and rescue. Many members of this group are fast learners and grow into dogs of considerable size. Due to their strength and independent spirit, they require proper handling and training.

Guard dogs tend to be wary of strangers and may not fit into a home where lots of people come and go. Many of the northern breeds used for sledding can be aloof; they like to roam and are excellent escape artists. If you own a member of the working group, make sure to research the breed well. Breed Clubs are recommended for excellent first-hand information and tips.

In the Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023, of the pet owners who identified their dogs in this group, only 16% could correctly identify the best type of exercise and mental stimulation most suited to Working Dogs dogs.

Toy Group and the Non-Sporting Group, is a diverse group of dog breeds and cross breeds that have been bred largely for companionship. Members of the toy group are often smaller versions of other breeds, while the Non-Sporting Group contains breeds that don’t fit into any other category. Typically companion breeds require less daily exercise that other breed groups, but lots of one-to-one training and interaction.

In the Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023, of the pet owners who identified their dogs in this group, 54% could correctly identify the best type of exercise and mental stimulation most suited to Toy dogs.

*Petmania Lifestyle Survey 2023 took place between 27th December 2022 and the 7th January 2023 with 1193 respondents. Of all respondents, 80% cited that they owned a dog.