Dog Breeds
|
From the Lhasa Apso to the Dalmation, the non-sporting group of dogs are about as varied in physical appearance as they are in their backgrounds.
The classification given for these dogs is somewhat misleading as I am sure that most of them are good sports! Perhaps "mixed bag" would be a more accurate description. In reality, the dogs assigned to this group represent breeds that were bred mainly as companion dogs or for a specific purpose that they no longer fulfill. Considering some of their early endeavors, many of them could easily be assigned to other groups such as herding or retrieving, hunting or working.
Some of the non-sporting group, such as the Chow Chows and Keeshond were originally utilized for their guarding and watchdog skills, though the Keeshond also is a good swimmer and has in the past been a ratter.
Others in this group, for example the Bulldog, was orginally bred to bait bulls as the name implies. Whereas, the Tibetan Terrier - not a terrier at all - was a good luck talisman raised in Tibetan monasteries and often given to travelers for favorable tidings on their journies, and the Bichon Frise was just born to be pampered!
The Dalmation, aside from his Disney fame, once traveled along side the horse-drawn carriages providing protection to the passengers. He was also a help to firemen in those days as he had an affinity for working with horses.
The Poodle, a much-beloved and highly intelligent dog is an excellent swimmer and was once used as a retriever both in water and over land.
All of the dogs in this classification are rather unique and some of them are breeds not commonly seen out and about. Mostly, they are an alert and lively group and make fine companions. I'm sure you'll recognize many of your favorite breeds among them.
| American Eskimo Dog | Bichon Frise | Boston Terrier | Bulldog |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | Chow Chow | Dalmatian | Finnish Spitz |
| French Bulldog | Keeshond | Lhasa Apso | Löwchen |
| Poodle | Schipperke | Shiba Inu | Tibetan Spaniel |
| Tibetan Terrier |
Return from Non-Sporting Group, to Pedigree Dog Breeds
Return to dog-spoiling-made-easy HOME
