Dog Traits & Personalities for the Seven Breed Classes

You probably pay close attention to the characteristics of certain breeds if you're looking to bring home a new pet. Whether you want a pup to cuddle with or one to join you on runs and hikes, dog personality traits are largely defined by which of the seven main breed classes he falls under. If you already know which dog personality type you'd like, do your research on which breed is best suited for you and/or your family. Your local shelter is a great place to find the perfect dog. They have both purebred and mixed-breed dogs.

Herding Dog Personalities

Dog breeds that belong to the herding group, as detailed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), are smart and serious with an energetic flair. Because they're territorial of "their" property and people, they make for terrific watchdogs. They may bump or nip at people, though, as is their innate response as animals whose ancestors were bred to help herd and organize. These dogs have an instinct for working, and are very athletic.

Herding dogs are intelligent and may be the easiest (and most willing) group of dogs to train. As such, they are well suited to dog sport and competitions.

Herding dogs are a good match for large families; they'll enjoy spending time with groups of people. Even if you don't have a big household but live on an expansive property with multiple animals, a herding dog will fit right in. Companionship is very important to this dog group, so bring one into your family if you're looking for a loyal, loving pet.

Breeds that belong to the herding group include the Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepard, Bearded Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Border Collie, German Shepard, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Puli, and Shetland Sheepdog.

Hound Dog Personalities

There are two types of hound dogs: scent hounds and sight hounds. The latter use their vision to find what they're looking for. They are agile and speedy. Scent hounds, on the other hand, smell their way to what they are trying to find. They're tough, but slow.

Both types of hound dogs are very inquisitive, independent creatures. They can be trained, but must understand why they are being taught to do something. Their intelligence is a double-edged sword;if they don't think the training is important, they'll simply ignore all your hard work. For this reason, it's best to seek professional help for training a hound dog.

Hound dogs are a good match for people who have a secured place for them to explore. They should be kept on leash at all times, or else they may get loose. They also require a patient pet parent, as hound dogs are often interested in tracking sights or scents you may have no interest in.

Breeds that belong to the hound group include the American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Dachshund, Greyhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Treeing Walker Coonhound, and Whippet.

Sporting Dog Personalities

Expect a sporting dog to be active and alert at all times. Known to be multi-taskers, these dogs are both easily trained and befriended. They're bred to be hunters, and depending on the sub classification of the breed, will find, point, flush out, hold, or retrieve what they're hunting. The water dogs of this classification love swimming, as you can imagine, and would happily spend all day at a shoreline. Sporting dogs also make for great therapy or assistant dogs.

Sporting dogs are a good match for someone who can keep them entertained and exercised. If you're looking for an animal who can keep up with your active lifestyle, a sporting dog may be your forever pet. They are particularly good family dogs as well.

Breeds that belong to the sporting group include the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Korean Jindo Dog, Labrador Retriever, Pointer, and Weimaraner.

Terrier Dog Personalities

Known to be feisty and fun, terriers come in all shapes and sizes. Largely territorial, terriers will bark at anyone approaching their home or family. They're also hunters of small animals (such as foxes or rats), and will dig to find their prey.

Terrier dogs are a good match for patient but high-energy pet parents. They want to work, because it feels like playtime to them. If you can match their energy level, you're bound to be best friends.

Breeds that belong to the terrier group include the Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Welsh Terrier.