The American Kennel Club (AKC) breaks down the dogs in the club by eight distinct categories. Here's everything you need to know about Dog AKC Classification.
Sporting Dogs
This group includes the Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers and Setters. For centuries these dogs have been used to
hunt wild 
animals. They can fetch a dead bird and bring it back intact, which can be a useful hunting skill. Sport dogs are also used for
entertainment.
Hounds
This category includes Beagles, Bloodhounds and Harriers. Easily recognizable by their long floppy ears, hounds are good tracking dogs. They make good hunting companions too because of the ability to sniff out just about anything.
Working Dogs
This category includes the Boxer, Mastiff, Rottweiller and Samoyed. Leading polar expeditions and working closely with people, working dogs are among the earliest domesticated animals.
Terriers
Irish Terriers, Bull Terriers, Welch Terriers and the Miniature Schnauzer are included in this group. These dogs are natural diggers and use this skill to pursue burrowing animals.
Toy Dogs
This includes Poodles and Chihuahuas. These are the smallest of the 
show breeds.
Non-Sporting Dogs
The American Eskimo, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso and Dalmatian make up the non-sporting dog category. They are an unusual group of dogs with unique characteristics.
Herding Dogs
Herding dogs include the Shepherd, Collies, Welch and Corgi. Long ago, these dogs were used to protect livestock. Because of the white in their hair they could easily blend in with the sheep to protect against wolves.
Miscellaneous Breeds
The Swedish Vallhund, Plott and Beauceron make up this category. It is a hard group to nail down in any other category.
animals. They can fetch a dead bird and bring it back intact, which can be a useful hunting skill. Sport dogs are also used for
entertainment.
Hounds
This category includes Beagles, Bloodhounds and Harriers. Easily recognizable by their long floppy ears, hounds are good tracking dogs. They make good hunting companions too because of the ability to sniff out just about anything.
Working Dogs
This category includes the Boxer, Mastiff, Rottweiller and Samoyed. Leading polar expeditions and working closely with people, working dogs are among the earliest domesticated animals.
Terriers
Irish Terriers, Bull Terriers, Welch Terriers and the Miniature Schnauzer are included in this group. These dogs are natural diggers and use this skill to pursue burrowing animals.
Toy Dogs
This includes Poodles and Chihuahuas. These are the smallest of the show breeds.
Non-Sporting Dogs
The American Eskimo, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso and Dalmatian make up the non-sporting dog category. They are an unusual group of dogs with unique characteristics.
Herding Dogs
Herding dogs include the Shepherd, Collies, Welch and Corgi. Long ago, these dogs were used to protect livestock. Because of the white in their hair they could easily blend in with the sheep to protect against wolves.
Miscellaneous Breeds
The Swedish Vallhund, Plott and Beauceron make up this category. It is a hard group to nail down in any other category.
