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Boxer Dog Collectible

The 7 Akc Dog Groups Explained

Do you want a new dog? Have you really thought about it? Why are you thinking about adding a new dog companion to your family in the first place? Do you have any idea what you're looking for in a new dog companion? What are you real needs in a dog? And your wants? There are many things to consider first before bringing home that new bundle of joy.

It is very important, first, to match your new dogs overall personality, exercise requirements and needs to you and your family as closely as possible. With luck you're choosing an animal that is likely to be with you for 10 years or longer so put forth a little research time in the beginning and you'll be rewarded for your efforts for years to come.

Were you aware that the common dog comes in more than 400 different breed types world wide? There is much more variation among our friend the family dog than in any other species of mammal known today. The selection of available dog types to choose from is truly amazing. They come in more sizes, shapes, colors, coat types, abilities and personalities than you could shake a bone at.

Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to find the right dog breed to fit your personality as well as your current lifestyle. Dogs, just like people, have many different jobs and most were bred for very specific activities. This is probably one of the most important things you need to know before you get the wrong dog for you. Example: If you are a couch potato you don't want to bring home a dog breed with extreme energy - and a need to express that - or if you are a triathlete, you don't want to bring home a new exercise partner with tremendously low exercise requirements.

Here I will list each of the major AKC dog groups, briefly describe their overall purpose and what the dogs were originally bred to do, list many of the jobs dogs in each particular group currently perform, as well listing as a few members of each group.

- The Herding Group

Bred for stamina, these super intelligent herding dog breeds work with their owners all day long out in the fields moving livestock. Overall, these energetic, intelligent herding dog breeds make excellent pets and work extremely well with different kinds of training such as agility, flyball, Schutzhund, search and rescue and obedience. Keep in mind, since these dogs were bred to do a particular job (herding), they do better when they have lots of exercise.

A few members of the AKC herding group are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and Bouvier des Flandres.

- The Working Group

The dogs of the working group were bred to help man in many various jobs - from pulling sleds, guarding a home or tracking, to pulling carts, water rescues, and more. These particular dog breeds have been bred for several generations for very definite purposes and they need jobs to fill their days. They have very active minds, and are very trainable and willing to work - it is also true that these working dog breeds also require a lot of training.

Overall, the larger size, power and strength of many of the members of this group may make them unsuitable for most families, however they thrive with the right companions. Remember, since most were bred to work, they do best with lots of exercise and a specific task to do.

A few members of the AKC working group are the Boxer, Alaskan Malamute, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and Rottweiler.

- The Hound Group

The members of the AKC hound group were bred to help man while hunting. Divided into 2 separate groups, the hounds track their prey using their wonderful senses of sight (called sight hounds) or smell (called scent hounds). The hound dog group has some of the oldest dog breeds known to man today.

Many of these dogs are quite vocal based on their hunting background so it would be a good idea to hear their vocalizations before you decide to get a hound of your own. Also, it is also a good idea to keep these dogs on a leash at all times since they can easily be led by their nose, or eyes, into situations that may get them into trouble.

A few members of the AKC hound group are the Basset Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Greyhound and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

- The Terrier Group

The fiesty and energetic terrier group dog breed members were bred to hunt vermin both above and below ground and are often described as the "pest controllers" of the dog world. Typically these tenacious little dogs have little to no tolerance for any small fast moving animals, the postman, other dogs, etc. They are well known for their tenacious, fiesty and independent nature.

Terriers can make great pets in the right home but need a determined owner who matches their dogs' spirited personality.

A few members of the AKC terrier group are the Airedale Terrier, Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

- The Toy Group

The toy group dog breeds were developed simply to be our companions. Their main job is to make their owners happy. The only things the members of this dog group have in common really is their petit size. The toy dogs are also called "lap dogs" sometimes because this is where many of these toy breeds prefer to stay, in their masters lap.

It is very true that the name "toy" is very misleading. Many of the toy dogs are as tough as nails. Toy dogs are especially popular with people that live in apartments or people without a lot of living space.

A few members of the AKC toy group are the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier and the Havanese.

- Non-sporting Group

The different purebred dog breeds in the non-sporting group are a wide collection of dogs in all different types of shapes, sizes, coat types, jobs types, personalities and overall appearances. Many people call this the AKC "catch-all" dog group. The diverse membership of the non-sporting group contains a little bit of everything - big dogs, little dogs, hairy dogs, bald dog breeds and some of the finest companion dogs you might possibly ever own.

A few members of the AKC non-sporting group are the Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Dalmatian, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and Keeshond.

- The Sporting Group

Well known for their incredible instincts in both the water and woods, many of the members of this AKC sporting dog group continue to actively participate in hunting and other field trials today, actively retrieving and hunting feathered or furred game for their masters. The sporting dog breeds are well known also for their easy going temperaments.

Included in this group you'll find the pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Keep in mind that the sporting dogs do need regular exercise, frequently.

A few members of the AKC sporting group are the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, Pointer and the Cocker Spaniel.

- Miscellaneous Dog Group

The many different dog breeds included in the AKC Miscellaneous Group are awaiting final breed recognition by the AKC. All dog breeds that are in this group can compete and earn titles in AKC Obedience, Tracking and Agility events.

Many of these dog breeds are ones that you may not see everyday but can make great pets in the right homes. Research each of these breeds one by one since they have different working backgrounds such as hunting, herding or guarding.

As of the writing of this article, the current members of the AKC Miscellaneous Group are the Pyrenean Shepherd, Beauceron, Redbone Coonhound, Dogue de Bordeaux, Norwegian Buhund and the Swedish Vallhund.

If you're like most people you probably have many unanswered questions about dogs in general. Hopefully armed with the information above you will have a better idea of what various dog breeds were originally bred to do and will better understand whether or not they will fit your needs. Finding the right dog breed for you is truly a very important process. The best way to do that is when armed with the knowledge to make a decision based totally on fact, not fiction or hear say.

Copyright 2007. Debbie Ray. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com and http://www.total-german-shepherd.com, is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Interested in the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Need to promote your dog related website and get additional in bound links? Check out pedigreedpups.com , total-german-shepherd.com or http://www.canine-hotline.com (purebred dog store) for more information.

Russ Berrie Yomiko Boxer 12-inch Collectible Plush Dog $27.83 This Yomiko stuffed Canine by Russ Berrie looks so life-like and soft. Each piece exhibits air brushed features, crystal eyes and is made with plush Caress fabric which is remarkably soft to the touch.Brand: Russ BerrieYomiko Boxer 12-inch Plush DogModel: 35942Color: BrownRealistic and quality plushes are sure to delight all agesAdorable and cuddlyExpressive eyes and short little legsIncludes The Yomiko Classics Charm and special HangtagRecommended for children 3 years and olderWeight: 0.5 poundMaterials: Contains inner bagged plastic pellets and polyester fiberDimensions: 5 inches high x 6 inches wide x 12 inches long

The Boxer $34.72 The Boxer has long been one of America's best loved dog breeds and this newest book is a true celebration of Boxers and why so many dog lovers have been, and continue to be, attracted to them. The Boxer: Family Favorite is the ideal book for the pet owner, novice fancier and veteran enthusiast alike. The reasons for the Boxer's solid reputation can be recognized throughout this bright, new book. Those seeking information on the breed for any reason will find all their questions answered by one of the Boxer world's foremost authorities. Like the other titles in Howell's Best of Breed Library, this book features chapters on all aspects of caring for, and enjoying a dog in and away from the home, and includes several valuable appendices.

Boxer (Dog) $58.94 Developed in Germany, the Boxer is a breed of stocky, mediumsized, shorthaired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn or brindled, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic (they have broad, short skulls), and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism (an underbite), very strong jaws and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. The Boxer was bred from the English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser and is part of the Molosser group. Boxers were first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards at Munich in 1895, the first Boxer club being founded the next year. Based on 2008 American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States for the second year in a rowmoving up in 2007 from the seventh spot, which theyd held since 2002 with 33,548 new dog registrations during the year. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 64 Publication Date: 2010/07/26 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.15 inches

Coors Light Silver Bullet Boxer in Collectible for men $12.5 These boxers feature the Coors Light Registered Trademark Logo on a Rocky Mountains background with 'The Silver Bullet' on the rear. Packaged in a collectible tin,

Harmonix - Rock Band Skeleton Boxer in Collectible for men $13.5 These boxers for men feature Harmonix's Rock Band Skeleton Logo in an all-over print on a royal blue background, packaged in a collectible gift tin. Machine washable with button fly and covered elastic waistband.

Harmonix - Rock Band On Tour Boxer in Collectible for men $20 These boxers for men feature Harmonix's Rock Band Skeletons and Logos in an all-over print on a red background, packaged in a Collectible 'On Tour' Gift Bank. Machine washable with button fly and covered elastic waistband.

Guitar Hero Skeleton Avatar Boxer in Collectible for men $20 These boxers for men feature Activision's Guitar Hero Trademark Heavy Metal Logo on the front and rear with the guitar playing Skeleton Avatar, packaged in a collectible gift tin. Machine washable with open edge fly and covered elastic waistband.

Pillsbury - Ready Set Dough Boxer In Collectible for men $13.5 These boxers for men feature The Pillsbury Dough Boy and Trademark Logo on the front with 'Ready...Set...Dough!' on the rear. Packaged in a collectible gift bank, they feature a button fly and exposed waist band.

Dr Seuss Grinch Boxer in Collectible for men $12 These boxers feature the Grinch fully adorned with his Santa hat and the words 'Merry Grinchmas'. Perfect for the Dr Seuss fan on your list. Packaged in a collectible green Grinch tin, they are machine washable with an open edge fly and covered elastic waistband.

Fawn Boxer Dog Bib by CafePress $12 Do you own a Boxer? Know someone who loves Boxer dogs? This Boxer cartoon is a great gift for dog lovers. Great for kids and babies too Dog Bib Eeewww Baby, Baby Itrsquo;s okay to make a mess in our easy-wash 100% cotton bib. It provides great upper body coverage to protect babyrsquo;s clothes. The sturdy closure makes this one-size bib fit newborns to 36 months. 100% jersey cotto

Brindle Boxer Dog Sweatshirt by CafePress $39.5 Do you own a Boxer? Know someone who loves Boxer dogs? This Boxer cartoon is a great gift for dog lovers. Great for kids and babies too Dog Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester

PLAYSTATION 3 - Original Logo Boxer In Collectible Tin for men $20 These boxers feature Sony's Original PLAYSTATION 3 Registered Trademark Logo on a black background with 'Play Beyond' on the rear. Packaged in a Collectible DualShock Controller Tin, they are machine washable with open edge fly and covered elastic waistband.

McIlhenny Tabasco Heat It Up Boxer in Collectible Bank for men $13.5 These boxers feature a flaming McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce Trademark Bottle and chilli peppers with 'HEAT IT UP! ' on a black background. Packaged in a collectible plastic bank, they are machine washable with an open fly and covered elastic waistband.