Dogs were bred for specific jobs, and those instincts are still strong today. Understanding your dog’s breed group helps you choose enrichment activities they’ll love.

What You’ll Learn

 The 7 AKC breed groups and their characteristics
 How breed influences play style and enrichment preferences
 Matching activities to your dog’s genetic heritage
 Why your dog does what they do

Start Here

AKC Dog Breed Groups – Overview of all 7 groups

Explore Each Breed Group

Sporting Group – Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers, Setters

Hound Group – Scent hounds and sight hounds

Working Group – Guard dogs, sled dogs, rescue dogs

Terrier Group – Ratters and earth dogs

Toy Group – Companion dogs

Herding Group – Shepherds and cattle dogs

Non-Sporting Group – Diverse breeds with varied backgrounds

Find Your Dog’s Play Style

Most dogs fall into one of four play styles based on their breed group:

 Chaser – Loves movement, fetch, and chase games (Sporting, Herding)

 Chewer – Loves to gnaw, destroy, and work with their mouth (Terrier, Working)

 Forager – Loves to sniff, search, and hunt (Hound, Sporting)

 Cuddler – Loves gentle activities and close contact (Toy, Non-Sporting)