AKC and FCI Classification of Dog Breeds

These are Group Level Classifications.
Dalzell/Russell  |  FCI Classification  |  AKC Classification  |  Alphabetic Index to Breeds

FCI Dog Breed Groups

The FCI grouping is strongly based on geographic distribution as well as behavior and the tasks for which dogs are used.
There are a few strange things, such as placing the Pharaoh Hound, an obvious podengo (primitive hunting dog) in with the primitive types rather than with the podengos.

  1. Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (other than Swiss cattledogs)
    1. Sheepdogs
    2. Cattledogs
  2. Pinschers, Schnauzers, Mastiffs (Molossians) and Swiss mountain & cattledogs
    1. Pinscher & Schnauzer
    2. Mastiffs (Molossians)
    3. Swiss Mountian & Cattle Dogs
  3. Terriers
    1. Large Terries
    2. Small Terriers
    3. Bull Terriers
    4. Toy Terriers
  4. Dachshunds (Teckels)
    1. Miniature
    2. Standard
  5. Primitive type dogs and Spitzes
    1. Nordic Sled Dogs
    2. Nordic Hunting Dogs
    3. Nordic Watchdogs and Herders
    4. European Spitz
    5. Asian Spitz & Related Breeds
    6. Primitive types (Caanan dog, Basenji, hairless breeds)
    7. Primitive type hunting dogs (podengos)
    8. Primitive type hunting dogs with ridged backs (Thai Ridgeback)
  6. Scent hounds and related breeds
    1. Scent Hounds
    2. Scent Hounds hunted on leash
    3. Related Breeds (Dalmatian, Rhodesian Ridgeback)
  7. Pointers
    1. Continental Pointing Dogs
    2. United Kingdom Pointing Dogs
  8. Retrievers, Water Dogs and Flushing Dogs
    1. Retrievers
    2. Flushing Dogs
    3. Water Dogs
  9. Companions and Toys
    1. Bichons & Related breeds
    2. Poodles
    3. Small Belgian Dogs
    4. Small Hairless Dogs
    5. Tibetan Breeds
    6. Chihuahua
    7. English Toy Spaniels
    8. Japanese Chin & Pekinese
    9. Continential Toy Spaniels
    10. Kromfohrländer
    11. Toy Bull breeds
  10. Sighthounds (Windhounds)
    1. Longhaired and Fringed Windhounds
    2. Wire Coated Windhounds
    3. Short Haired Windhounds

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The AKC Grouping of Dog breeds

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Choosing the Right Dog Essay by Dalzell/Russell