AKC Breeds
The AKC breeds (American Kennel Club) we recognize today trace their roots back about a million years to Canis lupus—the gray wolf.
It’s widely believed that all modern dogs, Canis lupus familiaris, descended from these wolves. Fascinatingly, recent research shows that both dogs and gray wolves share an even more ancient lineage, stemming from a now-extinct wolf species that lived during the Ice Age.
At some point in history, humans and dogs formed a mutually beneficial bond. While debate continues about exactly when this partnership began, fossil evidence shows that dogs lived alongside humans at least 13,000 years ago—and DNA findings suggest the connection may go back even further.
Over time, dogs proved themselves not only as loyal companions but also as invaluable helpers. From guarding camps to assisting in hunting, dogs became essential to daily life—a role they still play today as beloved members of our families.
There are differing opinions about how dogs became so diversified. But it's not hard to imagine that humans, realizing the dogs' potential, started selectively breeding dogs of certain physical characteristics for different types of tasks.
Search the AKC Breeds
Here is a handy drop-down menu you can use to help you find any AKC breed or dog group you may want to explore.
Classification of AKC Breeds
Today, descendants of these early domesticated dogs are classified into groups that highlight their unique skills and characteristics.
The AKC breeds are sorted into categories like Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding—plus a Miscellaneous Class for breeds working toward full recognition.
Purebred dogs are defined by consistent traits, achieved by mating two purebred dogs of the same breed. While the AKC currently recognizes 202 breeds, many hopefuls await full status, making the dog world an ever-evolving landscape.
If you're curious about a particular group, be sure to explore our in-depth pages on each AKC dog group for more details about their history, purpose, and standout characteristics.
There are almost 350 dog breeds around the world, as well as
individual kennel clubs, setting their own classifications into which the
various dog breeds are placed.
Quick Guide to the AKC Dog Groups
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Sporting Group: Energetic and alert, these dogs were bred to help hunters retrieve or flush out game. Breeds like the Golden Retriever and Irish Setter love the outdoors and need plenty of exercise. Learn more about the Sporting Group ➔ |
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Hound Group: Built for tracking and chasing, hounds rely on scent or sight to follow trails. Breeds such as the Bloodhound and Afghan Hound showcase incredible endurance. Discover the Hound Group ➔ |
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Working Group: Strong and reliable, these breeds excel at guarding, pulling, and rescuing. The Doberman Pinscher and Alaskan Malamute are just two stars of this group. Explore the Working Group ➔ |
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Terrier Group: These scrappy, determined breeds were created to hunt vermin. The West Highland White Terrier and Airedale Terrier are lively examples. Meet the Terrier Group ➔ |
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Toy Group: Small but mighty in spirit, Toy Group dogs like the Pekingese and Poodle were bred mainly for companionship. See the Toy Group ➔ |
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Non-Sporting Group: A diverse group with no single unifying trait, featuring breeds like the Chow Chow and Boston Terrier. Check out the Non-Sporting Group ➔ |
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Herding Group: |
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Miscellaneous Class: This is the AKC’s transitional group for breeds not yet fully recognized, such as the Portuguese Podengo, and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Find out about the Miscellaneous Class ➔ |
Dog Sizes: Which AKC Breeds Fit Where?
 Small Breed |
 Medium Size Breed |
 Large Breed |
Smallest Dog Breeds:
These little charmers
typically weigh under 15 pounds. Examples include the Chihuahua,
Miniature Pinscher, and Toy Fox
Terrier—perfect lap dogs with big personalities.
Medium Dog Breeds:
Medium-sized breeds, around
30–60 pounds, strike a great balance of energy and manageability.
Popular choices are the Standard Poodle, Brittany,
and Whippet.
Largest Dog Breeds:
If you're drawn to gentle
giants, look no further than the Great Dane,
Mastiff, and Saint Bernard, all of
which can tip the scales at 100 pounds or more.
About The AKC
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) promotes the breeding and sport of purebred dogs, focusing on health, temperament, and function.
Parent Dog Clubs representing individual breeds apply to the AKC for official recognition. It takes many steps to do this, but if the Club is successful, the AKC subsequently reviews/approves the parent club's standards for that specific breed.
AKC breeds are showcased in dog shows and competitions across the country, highlighting the incredible variety, skill, and beauty of purebred dogs.
AKC Breeds Can Help You Find Your Best Friend
Thinking of adding a dog to your family? Exploring AKC breeds can help you compare profiles to find a great match.
Each breed has its own unique qualities—whether you're looking for a playful family dog or a calm companion for quiet evenings.
Don't forget to visit our popular dog breeds page to read real-life stories shared by other pet owners, and check out our guide to dogs good with children if you're searching for a kid-friendly breed.
Our small dog breeds list is also a helpful resource for anyone wanting a pint-sized companion.
Quick Breed Finder
Looking for a specific breed? Use the A-Z drop-down menu at the top of this page to explore different AKC breeds by name or group.
Each link takes you to a detailed profile with everything you need to know about personality, trainability, and care.
Did You Know?
- Dogs and gray wolves share more than 99% of their DNA!
- Dogs, wolves, and coyotes can interbreed and produce healthy offspring.
- Thanks to subtle DNA markers, scientists can distinguish coyotes from dogs and wolves.
It's amazing that despite such close DNA ties, AKC breeds display an incredible range of sizes, appearances, and talents!
FAQ About AKC Breeds
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