6 Types of Dogs You'll See at Official Dog Shows

Originally bred for hunting and retrieving game, dogs in the Sporting Group like the Cocker Spaniel are athletic and love outdoor activities. They tend to be friendly, energetic and thrive in family environments.

Cocker Spaniel

A small-sized companion dog with a luxurious coat, the Cocker Spaniel is both affectionate and athletic. Originally bred as a hunting dog, it has a keen sense of smell and enjoys retrieving. Its friendly nature makes it a favorite among families.

Golden Retriever

This is the poster pup for loyalty and smarts. Originally bred in Scotland for retrieving game from water and land, the Golden Retriever has a water-repellent coat and a natural love for swimming.

With its friendly demeanor and eagerness to please, it shines not just as a hunting companion, but also as a guide dog and therapy animal.

These dogs were developed for physically demanding tasks such as sledding, guarding and rescue. Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd are known for their strength, endurance and intelligence, often serving in police, military or Arctic roles.

Alaskan Malamute

This strong, hardy worker of the spitz family is built for endurance and exertion in harsh Arctic conditions. The Alaskan Malamute has a muscular build and a triple or Arctic coat that protects it from extreme cold, making it a valuable sled dog.

Thought to be among the earliest dog breeds, it continues to demonstrate great strength and resilience today.

German Shepherd

A well-balanced, athletic dog that demonstrates great strength and endurance, the German Shepherd is one of the most versatile working breeds.

Used for police and military work, herding and search-and-rescue missions, this breed excels in any task requiring intelligence and loyalty. It is one of the most widely recognized American Kennel Club dog breeds.

Terriers were bred to hunt and root out vermin, making them feisty, bold and determined. From the strong and versatile Airedale to the lively Westie, these breeds are spirited, independent and often highly energetic.

Airedale Terrier

Known as "The King of Terriers," the Airedale Terrier earned its reputation for strength and an unflagging spirit.

This well-balanced, athletic dog was bred for hunting, guarding and herding, making it one of the most versatile working breeds. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a favorite among dog lovers.

Bull Terrier

This sleek and racy, lean yet muscular breed is known for its distinctive egg-shaped head. The Bull Terrier is playful, intelligent and full of energy, making it a great match for active families. Its loyalty and curiosity make it an entertaining and devoted companion.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular yet affectionate breed known for its loyalty and courage. Despite its tough appearance, this breed is famously amusing.

This dog is fearless yet gentle with its family. It thrives in an environment where it can be active and engaged.

West Highland Terrier

Known as the "Westie," the West Highland Terrier is an inquisitive and playful dog with a lively personality. This terrier group member is fearless and independent, with a thick white coat that makes it stand out. Despite its small size, it has a big personality and a strong hunting instinct.

Hounds were bred for tracking and hunting, either by scent or sight. This group includes the scent-driven Basset Hound and the swift Afghan Hound, each showing strong instincts, endurance, and a distinct sense of independence.

Basset Hound

From canine breeding's beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform specific tasks and serve useful purposes. The Basset hound is a perfect example, being expert at tracking.

This good natured, low-maintenance hound is known for its long ears and keen sense of smell. Basset Hounds are muscular dogs that work from dawn to dusk, using their noses to track scents. Their friendly and easygoing personality makes them excellent family pets.

Afghan Hound

With its lean body and luxurious coat, the Afghan Hound is one of the most elegant dog breeds. Originally bred for hunting in mountainous regions, this breed is known for its long, flowing coat and regal demeanor. Its independent yet affectionate personality makes it a unique companion.

Leopard Hound

The Leopard Hound’s very best attributes are its endurance, intelligence and adaptability. This breed was developed for hunting and tracking, excelling in various terrains. Its sleek build and keen senses make it one of the most capable hunting breeds.

Dogs in this group were bred to control and move livestock. The Border Collie — a standout example — is highly intelligent, focused and excels at tasks requiring agility and obedience.

Border Collie

One of the smartest herding dogs, the Border Collie is famous for its intense focus and work ethic. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs with the intelligence and agility needed to herd sheep efficiently, and the Border Collie shows the splendid results.

This breed excels in obedience training and canine sports.

Australian Cattle Dog

Compact, muscular, and built for stamina, the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd livestock across rugged terrain. This breed thrives on mental and physical challenges, combining intelligence with a strong sense of duty.

With a speckled coat and laser-sharp focus, it’s a true working dog that needs a job — or it’ll invent one.

This diverse group includes breeds that don’t fit into other categories but were often bred for companionship and general utility. Dogs like the French Bulldog and American Eskimo Dog are smart, alert and sociable, making them great for active households.

French Bulldog

This small dog is an energetic and curious breed that thrives as a companion. With its distinctive bat-like ears and compact size, the French Bulldog is a favorite among city dwellers. Its playful and affectionate personality makes it one of the most popular breeds worldwide.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog combines striking good looks with a playful and inquisitive nature. Despite its fluffy white coat, this breed is alert, energetic and curious, thriving in active households. Its intelligence and trainability make it a popular companion dog.

Japanese Akitainu

This breed descends from an ancient Japanese lineage famous for its attractive appearance and spry, limber body.

This breed was actually restored by dedicated breeders in Japan after a severe decline in numbers. In 1997, the Japanese Akitainu Club of America (JACA) was formed to help further the popularity of this breed.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.