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The Non-Sporting Dog Group

Of all the breed groups identified by the American Kennel Club, the non-sporting group is the one that defies definition. The diverse breeds included in this group share no ties in terms of ancestry, size, personality, or appearance. Their one link is that they were all bred originally for the hunt, but are now largely used as companion animals.

Some feel the group should be named "Specialty" rather than "Non-Sporting" because these animals do not fit into any of the well-defined other six groups. Others point to the group's popularity as companion animals and suggest the group should be named the Companion Group. Opponents of this idea point out that most, if not all, properly socialized dogs make wonderful companions.

Breeds of the Non-Sporting Group

There are seventeen dogs included in this group: American Eskimo, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmation, Finnish Spitz, French Bulldog, Keeshond, Lhasa Apso, Lowchen, Poodle, Schipperke, Shar Pei, Shiba Inu, Tibetan Spaniel, and Tibetan Terrier.

These breeds generally make wonderful companions and may excel at obedience competitions.

Purpose of the Non-Sporting Dogs

The one unifying theme for this group is that they were all originally bred for work such as hunting, circus performing, and guarding. It is only rarely that these dogs perform any of these functions in the present day, but their skills remain. However, some of these dogs were bred originally as lap dogs and companions to nobility, and their role has not changed substantially although they are now available to the common family.

Because of the diversity of the group, probably the best way to review the group is to review the individual breeds. They are listed here in order of popularity according to the number of purebred registrations received by the American Kennel Club in 2008.

Bulldog

As the name implies, this dog was once used to bait bulls for bull fights. As a companion, the bulldog is very friendly and playful. As adults, they can be expected to be calm, although they do love attention. Due to their brachycephalic (pushed in) faces, bulldogs snore very loudly and often swallow air, which leads to flatulence. The major things to watch out for with bulldogs are food aggression and health problems which can limit the Bulldog's lifespan to about eight to ten years.

Poodle

Both the standard and miniature poodles are included in the non-sporting group. Although the Standard Poodle is one of the smartest dogs in the world, the Miniature Poodle is notoriously hard to train. Both varieties are friendly and affectionate, although the miniature is not as trustworthy around small children. These dogs are vocal when they see strangers, making them good watchdogs. However, they are generally not aggressive enough to be considered guard dogs. Their low-shed fur makes Poodles a good choice for those with dog allergies. However, they can still shed allergens through their saliva and dead skin cells which slough off periodically.

Boston Terrier

Despite the name, this breed is not part of the terrier group. Bostons were originally bred to fight in the dog pits in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the few truly American breeds. Although they were first bred for their fierceness in fighting, selective breeding after dog fighting was outlawed has resulted in a friendly and affectionate companion animal. Bostons are easy to train and love to entertain their families with fun performances. They make good watchdogs and are low-shedding, which may be helpful to people with dog allergies.

French Bulldog

This dog is ideal for people who live in apartments. They are easy to groom and keep themselves very clean. They don't need a ton of exercise, and they are relatively easy to train. They do well when left alone all day, as long as you interact with them in a big way when you get home. This breed likes to be the only youngster in the home so he or she can be the center of attention. Like the Boston, the Frenchie loves to give a good performance to entertain those around him.

Bichon Frise

This little white ball of fluff is playful and lovable. Small children may be too rough for a Bichon's taste, but the dog will do well with older children and other pets. Notoriously hard to housebreak, the Bichon is fairly easy to train for obedience. They are low-shed dogs which may be helpful to those with allergies. The average lifespan of a Bichon Frise is about 15 years.

Shar Pei

Originally bred in China, this wrinkly breed with too much skin for his body has a tendency toward aggression if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. They pick up housebreaking relatively easily, but resist obedience training, preferring instead to follow their own schedule and rules. Shar Pei's do well with children, but often do not get along with other household pets. A fence and a sturdy leash are requirements for this breed, as they love to give chase to other animals.

Lhasa Apso

One of the breeds originating in the mountains of Tibet, the Lhasa's long fur coat can present a grooming challenge if kept in a natural cut. Lhasas are nicknamed the "Lion Dog of Tibet" and often behave as if they are masters of all they survey. Training and socialization are vital to assert the dominance of the human in the relationship. Lhasa Apsos aren't wild about kids, other animals, or strangers.

Shiba Inu

This bold and charming breed likes to live indoors, but should not be thought of as a lap dog. With a high prey drive, the Shiba requires a high fence and on-lead walks. Care should be taken to make the fence high enough and without footholds to keep the dog from climbing out. Although very intelligent, this breed is stubborn, independent, and manipulative, often resisting attempts at obedience training. The Shiba may be aloof until he or she learns to trust a person, making the breed good at alerting his or her humans to the presence of strangers on the property.

Chow Chow

This large dog can be very difficult to train, although he is loyal to a fault. The no-nonsense breed is not especially playful and not usually very good with children or other animals. Early socialization can help your Chow overcome his or her aggressive tendencies. These dogs can both watch your property, alerting you to visitors, and guard your person and possessions by scaring off those who appear to pose a threat.

Dalmation

Often known as a firehouse dog, this very active dog is smart and loves both exercise and interaction with others. They love children and other animals, however, their large size makes them somewhat overwhelming for those who are on the small side. Early socialization and obedience training will help your dog learn to control his rambunctious nature. The Dalmation craves human interaction and may become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

Schipperke

This.breed is fearless and protective of the family, bonding with them closely. Schipperkes love children and will play with anything or anyone. They love the water, making ideal boating companions. They make excellent watch dogs and have a distinctive howl that will alert you to visitors and strangers. The main drawback to a Schipperke is the great coat blowing, which happens at many as two or three times each year. The entire undercoat is lost in ten days, then grows back within three months. Aside from the mess made by the shed hair, the other problem with a blown coat is that the dog isn't particularly pretty during the grow-back phase.

Keeshond

These small dogs have very distinctive coloring with a grey coat tipped in black and cream-colored markings on the legs and feet. The large dog is an excellent swimmer and loves to play with children and other animals. However, the dog does not do well in hot climates, having been bred in the Arctic. Like the Schipperke, the Keeshond blows his coat in the spring and fall, creating a grooming challenge. There is a high incidence of epilepsy in this breed, but Keeshonds generally live from 12 - 15 years.

Tibetan Spaniel

This small breed loves to perch high atop bookcases and other elevated furniture, taking in their surroundings. They are small and intelligent, but willful, making them somewhat difficult to train. This dog blows his coat only once per year, making grooming somewhat easier than with some other breeds. The face of a Tibetan Spaniel is short and can cause breathing problems. Average lifespan is 12 - 15 years.

Tibetan Terrier

Covered in thick fur from the face to the underside of the feet, the Tibetan Terrier must be bathed about once a week using conditioner to detangle the coat. They are lively and outgoing dogs, although somewhat shy with strangers. The Tibetan Terrier was bred as a watch dog, with a bark that rises in pitch and volume the longer the dog barks. They require only a small yard and moderate amount of exercise. Eye diseases and fleas may plague these dogs, but they can be expected to live 12 - 15 years.

American Eskimo

Affectionately known as the Eskie, this beautiful dog comes in three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. The larger dogs were originally used to do the heavy lifting on Nordic farms. They are intelligent, but independent, making them moderately hard to train, with puppy-hood lasting at least two years. Although they are good watchdogs, Eskies are not usually aggressive enough to guard your family and valuables. They blow their coats twice a year (seasonally), and the dog is prone to have allergies every bit as much as he causes them. This breed is affectionate and playful with the family, but may consider smaller pets to be h'ors doeuvres.

Lowchen

This lively outgoing dog was originally bred as a companion to the ladies of the court at least 400 years ago. The dog is often clipped into a "lion" cut, with the fur left long around the face and front of the body, then shaved close around the back end. They are affectionate and have a positive attitude making them a wonderful companion animal for one and all.

Finnish Spitz

This gorgeous medium-sized dog closely resembles a red fox, with erect ears and a bushy tail. Originally bred for hunting, this dog will tree his prey and "yodel" to alert the hunter when he has succeeded. He may be leery of strangers, but is generally good with children. The double coat is blown seasonally and requires regular grooming.