The Dog Show Groups

The Best of Breed winner from each breed entered at the dog show is now eligible to represent his/her breed by competing in the Group Competition. There are seven AKC groups. Since it is this portion of the dog show that is usually shown on TV, most people are familiar with what happens in these groups. The seven groups are:

1. Sporting- These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. Examples include Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Vizslas.

2. Hounds - Hound breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. Examples include Coonhounds, Beagles, Whippets, Saluki.

3. Working - These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. Examples include Boxers, Newfoundlands, Akita, Bernese Mountain Dogs.

4. Terrier - Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin. Examples include the Skye, Norfolk, Airedale, Welsh, and Fox Terriers.

5. Toy - These small dogs were bred to be household companions. Examples include Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Pekingese.

6. Non-Sporting - This diverse group includes dogs that vary in size and function. Many are considered companion dogs. Examples include the Lhasa Apso, Dalmation, Poodle (Standard and Miniature), Keeshonden, Lowchen, Shiba Inu.

7. Herding - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd and/or guard their livestock. Examples include Briards, Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Corgis, German Shepherds.

The seven group winners are brought into the ring where they compete for Best In Show, the highest award at a dog show. The Best in Show winner receives points for the win, which will go toward national rankings. Therefore, if a show had a total entry of 2000 dogs, the Best in Show winner receives 2000 points. If a show had an entry of 300 dogs, the Best in Show winner receives 300 points




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