What Are The 10 Groups of Dog Breeds?
Among all animal species, the dog is the one that has accompanied humans for the longest time. Thanks to this, humans have been able to adapt the different dog breeds to our needs.
The result is the 355 breeds that the Federation Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I.) has found. This federation groups almost all the canine groups in the world. Therefore, to systematize their canine study, they separated all types of dogs into 10 groups.
F.C.I. selected these by gathering the breeds with similar morphological characteristics. As well as breeds that were developed to perform the same work.
These are the 10 groups of dog breeds selected by the F.C.I.:
Group #1
Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
This multi-racial group of dogs includes breeds used to protect herds of cattle and sheep.
Despite the differences, these dogs are characterized by an alert temperament. They are intelligent, adaptable, and easy to train. They can also travel long distances because of their mission to protect the herd. In addition, generally, they are medium and large. For this reason, their territorial and protective instinct is very advanced. They usually have very long coats.
Some breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Collie, English Shepherd, and Belgian Shepherd, stand out.
If you want to know all the specimens of this breed, we leave you the FCI list.
We also made a selection of our favorite specimens. Enter this post if you want to know which ones they are:
Top 10 Sheepdog Breeds Worldwide.
Group #2
Molossoid, Pinscher, Schnauzer and Swiss Cattle Dogs.
FCI selected this group from the morphology of the dogs, which falls into the category of molossoids.
Within the concept of molossoid, dogs are gathered to give a massive and voluminous aspect. Also, with a type of head of cubic appearance, the width of the head is very like its length.
They are generally large dogs with a passive character. But in contrast, they have a developed sense of territory protection. Much more so when they feel threatened.
We can find Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Spanish Mastiff within this group. As well as the Pinscher and Schnauzer, which are excellent guardians. They are always alert to any change in their environment.
If you want to know all the specimens of the Molossoids, we leave you the FCI list to consult it.
We also selected our favorite specimens from this group. Enter this post if you want to know which ones they are:
We also made a selection of our favorite specimens. Enter this post if you want to know which ones they are:
Molosser Dogs: The 5 Most Popular Breeds.
Group #3
Terriers
They are essentially hunting dogs. Their main mission is to chase prey in subway burrows. This is the origin of their name.
In addition, the terrier’s body is genetically designed for its task. For example, their size is relatively small. Their heads are elongated. Also, their jaws are powerful and powerfully armed.
Their coat is usually hard and stiff, and they are strong-willed and highly courageous.
In this link, we leave you the list of all the terriers recognized by the FCI.
We’ve also made a short categorization of these dog breeds. Check it out here:
Terriers: The 5 Types of Breeds.
Group #4
Dachshunds
This group gathers only nine breeds of the same type: the well-known ‘Dachshund.’
What makes this breed of dog different is the length of its body, with very short legs. The nine breeds are divided into two categories: coat and size. Their character is independent and reckless, and they are excellent hunters.
Discover here the different varieties of Dachshund.
Group #5
Spitz and primitive types
These dogs show excellent uniformity among themselves. They are wolf-like dogs. With small and well-erect ears and a triangular-shaped head with a pointed muzzle. Their body is square in shape, with the tail curled over the back and provided with an abundant coat of medium length.
One of the ancient jobs of these dogs was to pull sleds in the Nordic regions of Europe. They are not very territorial, and in fact, they like to roam. They are active, so if they are kept at home, the dog’s owner must take them out very often. Otherwise, they can become destructive.
Find here the different varieties of Spitz, selected by the FCI.
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MY DOG NEEDS A BATH RIGHT NOWGroup #6
Scent hounds and related breeds
This group brings together the most significant number of breeds, as there are 72 in total. They are primarily pack-hunting dogs.
In general, they are medium or small-sized dogs with short hair, elongated head, and long, droopy ears. Due to their condition of hunting dogs in wide spaces, they are prone to long walks. Keeping an eye on them is essential, so they do not get lost.
Some of the most outstanding are:
Basset Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Foxhound (foxhound), and Dalmatian.
Check the hound’s list if you are interested in this dog group.
Group #7
Pointing Dogs
Their fundamental function is to be hunters on foot. Their name comes from the action they perform when they detect a prey since they indicate with their nose the point where it is located. Almost always, their prey is birds, so their indication is very useful for their masters.
They are usually medium-sized, friendly, and excellent companions.
The most outstanding are the Pointer and Setter in their varieties: Irish, mahogany color; English, white with colored spots. And Setter Gordon, black with golden markings.
Find here the list of FCI Pointers.
Group #8
Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
This group of dogs is quite diverse. They are gathered in this type because of their work in hunting. We can distinguish these two types:
Hunters originally bred the Lifters to scare and make prey fly. So that the hunter can bring them down, they are exclusive of the Spaniel type. The main characteristic of this dog breeds are:
They are small, have soft, long coats, and usually docked tails.
While the other type is Retriever dogs. Their mission is to pick up the prey shot by the hunter and take it to his hands. This dog is of medium size, with a robust structure and a coat resistant to water and low temperatures.
Therefore, both retrievers and retrievers are very sociable dogs. They are brilliant and can be used as guide dogs for the blind.
Some notable members are:
Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, English, American Cocker Spaniels, and Springer Spaniels.
See the list of retrievers and spaniels here.
Group #9
Companion and Toy Dogs
Of all the canine groups, this is the most diverse of all. There are dogs of all sizes and coats. The reason is that this group selects dogs whose primary function is as companion animals.
Some of the most outstanding specimens are the Chihuahua, which we talked about in more detail in our post:
4 Dogs From Mexico.
Likewise, there are the Poodle and Bichon Frisé. And others more exotic, like the Maltese, Lhasa Apso, and the Shih Tzu, of which you can learn more in our post called:
6 Dogs From Tibet.
The dogs of the companion group are generally cheerful and loving to their masters. But, unfortunately, in some rare cases, the selection prefers a particular physical characteristic. For example, a beautiful coat. For this reason, has been made neglecting temperament conditions. Thus, it is possible to find some nervous and barking specimens. Which, despite being very beautiful, are not very pleasant companion animals.
Find here the great list of FCI companion dogs.
Group #10
Sighthounds
This last grouping brings together the speed specialists of the canine species. They are dogs of slender structure and thin and long limbs. Also, wedge-shaped heads and small ears. Their whole body is intended to produce maximum thrust and reduce wind resistance.
The character of sighthounds can be pretty calm, despite being furious lovers of racing in open spaces. When treated as companion animals, they like comfort and can show affection to their masters.
Some notable members of this group are:
Greyhound English Greyhound, Whippet, Afghan Greyhound, Russian Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound.
Here is the FCI list. Enjoy it!
The 10 Groups of Dog Breeds Conclusion
These are the 10 different groups of dog breeds selected by the FCI. All this information was possible to reach, thanks to the excellent job of Eduardo Montoya Olivares. His paper: “Dog breeds: their characteristics and aptitudes,” published by the magazine TecnoVet in spanish, was essential for this article. Our professional team selected the information from our Chicago Pet Grooming Salon.
If you have a dog and want to give it a good look, call us and ask for our dog grooming services Chicago. We will happily provide you with the best pet grooming services near me. Thanks for reading.
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