North American Dog Groups 101


Toys and Non-Sporting Dogs

There are many different ways to classify dogs. The official organizations tend to group them first into breeds and then into groups. The different Kennel Clubs around the world have their own system. The one in North America differs from those utilized by clubs in the United Kingdom and in Australia-New Zealand.

To ensure everyone is able to compete internationally, an international organization has created and instituted a specific system. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is responsible for the harmonization of its 84 or so member countries. Of the major Kennel Clubs, only the United Kingdom's Kennel Club is not a member. This article does not look at all the systems. It focuses solely on the North American system of grouping breeds. This consists of 8 different groups. It is common to both Canada and the United States. Below, you will find information on the Toy Group and Non-Sporting Dogs, Groups 5 and 6 in this system.

Toys

The member dogs of the Toy Group came about through a specific need. While the Brussels Griffon exists for curtailing the rodent population, many of the other toy dogs came into being as lap dogs. These, as their name implies, are small animals. They are often very tiny. They can and do sit on your lap.

Toys are precocious. They are perky, playful, cuddly and lively. They are as Paris Hilton attests, portable. Toy dogs are often close to their owners. They usually are eager to please. At their best, they are charming and sweet. If treated in a manner not befitting a dog, they can become tyrannical, mouthy, snippy and nippy.

Toys are companionable. They are perfect for urban living. They can easily fit into an apartment. They are adaptable and adoptable. Most people recognize the names and breeds in the toy category. They include such common pets as the Poodle, the Chihuahua, the Pug, the Pekinese, the Miniature Pinscher, the Italian Greyhound, the Maltese, the Shih Tzu, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pomeranian. Less well- known members are the English Toy Spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Chinese Crested, the Brussels Griffon, the Papillon and the Havanese.

Non-Sporting Dogs

The members of the Non-sporting dog Group are a very diverse lot. Members include 3 Bull breeds, the Spitz breeds, 3 Tibetan breeds and 2 poodle varieties plus more. Some are short hair and stocky. Other Non-sporting Dogs are fluffy haired elegant creations. You cannot make a sweeping statement about this particular group of dogs.

The wide range of natures and characteristics makes this a group of true individuals. You need to access the pros and cons of each and very breed. There are no generalizations within this group except one - you cannot generalize. Simply consider the members. You have the spotty Dalmatian, known by children around the world as a firedog and famed by Disney in a movie. There is also the hairy Chow Chow and the wrinkly Chinese Shar-Pei. You have the tough and sturdy English bull Dog and the French Bull dog as well as the lap dog Lhasa Apso. The Poodle and the Boston Terrier are members of this group as are lesser-known stars. These include the American Eskimo Dog, the Keeshond, the Shiba Inu, the Schipperke and the Lowchen.

While Toys may have a rather uniform presentation, allowing you to mix and match, Non-Sporting Dogs are more diverse. Yet, only a fool believes all dogs in specific category are identical. When choosing a dog, always meet the parents as well as the owners. Realize that the dog will have characteristics of its breed, but training and the dog's individual nature play a role in their final nature.

Article written by Christine Hill of Oh My Dog Supplies , the top ranked place to find small dog toys online.
______________________________________________________________________________
Link back to home page.