Grouped to instincts!

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From Chihuahua to Great Dane, Our pooches indeed have great variations. Besides shapes, colours, sizes and heights, there are many ways to group our canine companions. Read on to know more about the groups.

Every dog breed is characterised by certain special features…which can be easily seen. But they are special in many ways…some are good in sports, some love to hunt, some want to always help their human companions, and some to cuddle with.
The main classification of dog groups include sporting group, hound group, working group, terrier group, non-sporting group, herding group, toy group and miscellaneous class.
Sporting Group
Player pooches are always game!

As the name suggests, dogs under this group are active and alert and they are wonderful human companions. One of the oldest meanings for the word ‘sport’ in English is hunting as an entertainment and these dogs were mainly used for hunting birds and small game. As they were used to hunt birds, so over the years they developed wonderful hunting abilities.
The breeds in this group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. They are full of energy and just hate to be quiet. They love to participate in field activities…or just love to have a playtime in the garden. Their active and alert demeanor always makes them likeable and well-rounded companions.
Hound Group
Let’s go running ‘n’ hunting!

Just have a look at the hound dogs like Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles. Well! They all just love to hunt. Some use their great sense of smell for hunting, while others use their stamina to run for the purpose. They share common ancestral trait of being bred for hunting and chasing. They used to assist the early human hunters and helped them in tracking and spotting prey.
Blessed with great stamina they can run miles to hunt and the ability of baying add to their hound powers. Moreover, great sniffing power makes their job easier to follow the trail. There are two main types of hounds: Sighthounds or Gazehounds and Whippet, Scenthounds.
Working Group
We are there to serve you!

Since time immemorial our four-legged companions are serving as guards to human. Our doggy pals are serving us in many ways than just one. They guard property, pull sleds and perform water rescues. The most common breeds in this group are Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane.
They are fast learners, intelligent and capable animals, but need special training to be a family pet. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone adds to their overall quality to be a pet. Earlier, they used to serve human for several jobs but today they are mainly kept as a pet because they are quick to learn, and these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions.
Terrier Group
We are small but very strong!

The dogs under this group are very fast and feisty… they have a distinctive terrier personality. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Earlier these dogs were designed to go down the holes of the European fox and other agricultural pest animals. This was the reason for their today’s name – Terrier, derived from the Latin word terra, meaning earth. But today, they are as pets and companions. Most Terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. The breeds in this major group are West Highland White Terrier and the grand Airedale Terrier.
Non-Sporting Group
We’re different!

There’s no special characteristic common in these breeds on basis of which they can be grouped together. The varied breeds in this group include Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, Keeshond, Chipperke, Tibetan Spaniel, Poodle and Lhasa Apso. Now, you must know that how different they are…be it size, coat, personality and overall appearance.
Herding Group
Hey! Come on… Let’s get together!

The dogs in this group are of great help to humans for managing livestock especially cattle, sheep, goats and reindeer. And when they are with their human companion they do the same….and herd their pet parent’s family…especially kids. But these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises. Consequently, urban pet parents with no access to livestock can train herding commands through herding games. Some of the breeds under their category include Belgian Sheepdog, Border Collie, German Shepherds, Puli, etc.
Toy Group
Wanna have a hug!

The dogs in this group seem cute in appearance because of their diminutive size and winsome expressions. But as they say, don’t go by mere looks, as at times their tiny stature can fool you. Popular with city dwellers and people without much living space, these dogs make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights.
Dogs in this group are not just a toy breed, they have evolved from several small breeds…like some from ancient lap dogs and some from hunting types – like Spitz or Terrier. The breeds in this group include Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Poodle, German Spitz, Shih Tzu, etc.

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