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Sherry Faye Rodarmor - Sporting Dogs & Hounds
North American Dog Groups 101 - Sporting Dogs & Hounds

There are many different breeds of dogs in the world. When it comes to show events and to kennel clubs, experts place the dogs within specific groups. The actual grouping of animals depends upon the country. Each Kennel club may have its own way of dividing the breeds into groups. Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is responsible for providing a set standard of competitive groups. It has 84 member countries. The oldest Kennel Club, the United Kingdom Kennel Club, does not belong to this larger governing group.
In North America, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) are the two most prominent clubs on the continent. They are members of the FCI. The two clubs both divide their dog breeds into 8 different dog groups. The categories may seem arbitrary. They are not. A dog belongs to a specific group based on the past employment or use of ancestors. Below is a brief description of the first 2 groups of the North American system.
Sporting
Sporting Dogs reflect a breed once utilized in various sporting activities. These dogs find birds, flushing them from the brush and bushes. They retrieve shot birds from the water and on land. They go searching for and find all types of fowl. Sporting dogs point and retrieve. In fact, the most recognizable breeds of dogs among the sporting group are the pointers and retrievers.
Sporting dogs are highly active and energetic. They are friendly dogs who really want to please. They enjoy their job. Among the members are small and large dogs. The smallest is the American Cocker Spaniel; the largest are the setters, particularly the English, Irish and Gordon Setters. Other members include the Weimaraner, Irish Water Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer, Brittany Spaniel and the Vizsla. The Sporting group also contains two of the most popular choices for obedience competitions: the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.
Hounds
There are 2 subdivisions to the Hound Group. There are sight hounds and there are scent hounds. The former includes dogs whose eyes focus on and follow the prey. The latter dogs are those who depend upon their nose to locate the desired object.
Hounds are bursts of energy, racing at top speed towards the prey. They can also be dogs who pace themselves, covering large distances at a set speed. Relentless at work, hounds are totally into after hour activities. At the end of a day of exercise, hounds turn into couch potatoes.
While scent hounds require more exercise than sight hounds, both need consistent and intensive exercise. These are not dogs usually content with a small walk around the block. This is certainly true of the larger members, Irish Wolfhounds. The only exception to this rule may be the smallest members. These are dachshunds. Yet, in spite of their small size, a fit doxy is a high energy animal.
Other members of the Hound Group include the Saluki and Whippet (both sight hounds) as well as such scent hounds as the Beagle and the Bassett.
It is always important to keep the characteristics of the different breeds and groups of dogs in mind. This is not merely for entering competitions. If you want to find the right dog for you, you need to know the characteristics, including energy level, of the dogs.

Article written by Calvin Brantley of Oh My  Dog Supplies check out our diverse assortment of dog clothing online.









Sherry Rodarmor, Sherry Faye Rodarmor is Shefaro and Shefaro is the home of Multi International (FCI, UCI), World, American (AKC, UKC, IABCA), Mexican, Costa Rican, Bahamian, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican,  Guatemalan (Best in Show), Peruvian, Venezuelan, Columbian, South American, Champions of the Americas, Caribbean, Bermudian, Canadian conformation, rally, obedience (Specialty HIT), agility, lure coursing, Best in Show, Best Brace in Show, Best Bred By In Show, Best in Field lure coursers, High In Trial Obedience and Agility champions, Top Producers, Top Ten, National Specialty and group winning champions, Breed Specialty winning champions, wonderful companions where temperament comes first and service and therapy dogs . The pride of Shefaro - Service and Therapy dogs - can be seen at www.shefaro.com/serviceandtherapy   My home page which showcases life at Shefaro with Sherry Rodarmor is http://www.shefaro.com