Dog Breed Groups explained by the Kennel Club in the UK
In the UK the Kennel Club (KC) recognises and categorises all the many dog breeds. These breeds are grouped by their original function, appearance and characteristics so you can see what each breed was bred for and how they will fit into your lifestyle. Knowing these groups will help you decide which breed would be the best companion for you, whether you want a family pet, a working dog or an energetic companion.
Here’s a breakdown of the Kennel Club breed groups and what defines them:
1. Gundog Group
The Gundog group includes breeds that were bred to assist hunters in retrieving game, pointing out where the game is or flushing the game out into the open. These dogs were developed for intelligence, versatility and trainability so they can work alongside humans in the great outdoors. They are often seen as friendly and outgoing with a strong desire to please their owners.
Popular Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Weimaraner.
Characteristics: Gundogs are friendly, outgoing, energetic and intelligent. They make great family pets especially for active families. Their trainability makes them good at many tasks from retrieving game to being therapy or service dogs. Gundogs love companionship and interaction so they often enjoy being part of family activities.
Why Choose a Gundog?
Gundogs are for active families and individuals who enjoy the great outdoors. Their natural intelligence and desire to learn makes them highly trainable and they often excel at dog sports like agility or obedience.
2. Hound Group
The Hound group includes breeds that were bred to hunt, either by scent (scent hounds) or by sight (sight hounds). Hounds are known for their strong hunting instinct and stamina, often used for tracking over long distances or at high speed.
Popular Breeds: Greyhound, Beagle, Whippet, Basset Hound, Afghan Hound.
Characteristics: Hounds are independent, intelligent and determined. They are loyal and have a natural ability to track scents or spot game. They may not always be as keen to please as some other breeds but their strong senses make them great hunters. Many hounds like Beagles make great family pets but they do need careful training due to their independent nature.
Why Choose a Hound?
Hounds are for those who have the space and time to cater for their needs. They are independent and can be more difficult to train but their loyalty, stamina and strong instincts make them great companions.
3. Working Group
The Working group includes breeds that were bred to do tasks such as guarding, pulling sleds and rescuing. These breeds are often large, strong and have a protective instinct so are well suited to working roles that require physical strength and intelligence.
Popular Breeds: Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Saint Bernard, Boxer, Alaskan Malamute.
Characteristics: Working dogs are loyal, protective and highly intelligent. They are large breeds with a strong muscular build and many have a natural protective instinct towards their family or territory. Their strength and stamina makes them great for demanding tasks and their intelligence means they are adaptable to many roles from guarding to search and rescue work.
Why Choose a Working Dog?
Working dogs are for active individuals or families looking for a strong protective companion. They are highly trainable and excel in environments where they have a job to do whether it’s protecting the home, assisting with search and rescue or pulling carts.
4. Terrier Group
Terriers are small to medium sized dogs that were bred to hunt vermin and dig out burrowing animals. Known for their feisty personalities and energetic behaviour terriers are often independent, courageous and have a strong prey drive. They are full of character and can be stubborn.
Popular Breeds: Jack Russell Terrier, West Highland Terrier (Westie), Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Scottish Terrier.
Characteristics: Terriers are courageous, energetic and tenacious. They can be independent and strong willed, often have a lot of energy and drive. They can be more difficult to train due to their stubbornness but their loyalty and determination make them great companions.
Why Choose a Terrier?
Terriers are for active individuals or families who can provide a stimulating environment for their dog. These breeds are for people who like a strong willed dog that enjoys a challenge, in training and exercise.
5. Toy Group
The Toy group includes small breeds many of which were bred for companionship rather than work. These dogs are popular as indoor pets due to their small size, affectionate nature and ability to adapt to smaller living spaces.
Popular Breeds: Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu.
Characteristics: Toy breeds are affectionate, alert and friendly. Despite their small size many of these dogs have big personalities and can be high energy. They love to be pampered and are suited to apartment living but still need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Why Choose a Toy Dog?
Toy dogs are for those looking for a small affectionate companion that can adapt to smaller living spaces. They are great pets for individuals or families who can give them plenty of attention and affection.
6. Utility Group
The Utility group is a miscellaneous group that includes breeds that don’t fit into other groups. These dogs were bred for companionship, guarding or as status symbols. This group is known for its versatility and adaptability.
Popular Breeds: Bulldog, Dalmatian, Shiba Inu, Poodle, French Bulldog.
Characteristics: The Utility group is varied in appearance and temperament but these dogs are intelligent, adaptable and loyal. Some of these breeds have very distinctive looks or unusual characteristics that make them stand out whilst others are loved for their affectionate nature and strong bond with their family.
Why Choose a Utility Dog?
Utility breeds are for those who want a dog that is unique in appearance and temperament. Many of these breeds like the Poodle are highly trainable whilst others like the Bulldog are a calm and loving companion for those looking for a more relaxed pet.
7. Pastoral Group
The Pastoral group includes breeds that were originally used for herding livestock. These dogs are highly intelligent, active and often very trainable making them great working dogs as well as family pets. Pastoral dogs thrive when given a job to do and excel in environments where they can use their natural instinct.
Popular Breeds: Border Collie, German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Collie, Australian Shepherd.
Characteristics: Pastoral dogs are intelligent, energetic and love to work. They are often highly trainable and excel at agility, obedience and herding. Many of these dogs are also loyal and protective making them great family pets too.
Why Choose a Pastoral Dog?
Pastoral dogs are for active families or individuals who can give plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want a dog that will learn and take on tasks.
Choosing the Right Dog for You
When it comes to choosing a dog there’s so much to think about, temperament and characteristics, health and exercise needs. In the UK the Kennel Club have created a framework for all the dog breeds, from the energetic sporting dogs like retrievers to the intelligent hard working breeds in the working group like the Dalmatian or the brave terrier. Every dog breed whether pure bred or new breed has its own special traits and history, originally bred for jobs like guarding, herding sheep or pulling sleds across the country.
Knowing the breed standards the Kennel Club sets for each dog helps responsible breeders breed for health, temperament and quality and consider the welfare of the animals involved. These breed standards preserve the dog’s natural abilities and means the puppies you bring into your home are suitable for family life, children and other pets. Health testing is part of the responsible breeding process, so your new dog’s parents didn’t pass on bad traits – genetic or otherwise.
When choosing a dog remember the right breed will depend on your lifestyle and how much exercise and training you can do. A gundog like a retriever would be perfect for an active family with loads of space to run, a laid back pet like a poodle would be great for a family with a more relaxed home life. Whether you want a dog to train for sporting activities, a fearless guard dog or a friend to live in your home the Kennel Club’s guidelines will help you make the right choice.
Every breed from the lean hounds with their hunting skills to the loyal working dogs has been shaped by humans over generations and their original purpose. Knowing the breed’s history, the traits that have been passed down from their ancestors and their suitability for your home will mean you find the right one. With so many breeds to choose from the Kennel Club makes it easier for owners to find a dog that fits not just their family but their lifestyle too.
By choosing a breed that fits you and your home you’ll have a dog that will be a loving member of your family, do tasks, be a companion and join in on family fun for years to come.
