Non-Sporting Group Breeds
In terms of lineages, backgrounds, functions, and temperaments, it is difficult to piece together common characteristics that bind these breeds into the same grouping. Some are large, others small, this eclectic group has something for everyone.
A member of the Spitz family, Eskies are known for their wit and beauty. Their intelligence can facilitate their stubbornness, but they are true to their owner and are very loyal.
Pronounced BEE-shawn FREE-say, this sweet, cheerful ball of white puff loves to get into mischief. Their compact size makes them great apartment dogs.
Its unmistakably distinctive tuxedo style coat has had it coined an “American Gentleman”. This level headed dog makes for a great companion.
These medium-sized, short muzzled dogs are unmistakable. Believed to be a cross of an Asiatic mastiff and a pug, the massive head and brick-like body has certainly pulled the best of both worlds.
Hailing from China, this medium sized breed, best known for their wrinkles and scrunched up face, was once facing extinction in the 20th century. They make for great guard dogs as they are loving and loyal to their family while remaining skeptical of strangers.
This Spitz type dog from China is a thick set dog, square in its profile. Its thick double coat is sure to keep it warm in the winter. They mostly keep to themselves as they are aloof and wildly independent.
Hailing from Madagascar, the hypoallergenic pup is a kind extrovert whose wavy coat is as soft and cuddly as their temperament and personality.
If you’ve every watched the Disney movie where there were 101 of them, or looked at any Fire Station posters, you’ve undoubtedly come across a Dalmatian. Their limelight might suggest that they are even tempered, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Their popularity has declined over the decades due to their high maintenance and fragile temperament.
This Spitz was bred to be a versatile hunting dog agile enough to pursue squirrels and brave enough to hunt bears. These intelligent pups are playful and relatively vocal.
The signature look of a French Bulldog is striking. These miniature bulldogs have bat like ears. Their size and unrelenting love for humans make them great companion dogs.
This medium sized dog has some large sized fur. They are athletic and nimble and were used as companions and guard dogs on Dutch ships. Its closest relatives are from the Spitz family of dogs.
Dating back 1,000 years in Tibet, these vigilant watchdogs policed the perimeter of the monasteries high in the Himalayas. Packed in a tight frame, there’s no shortage of wit and charm in this pup.
Unlike the dashing contrast of their coat, Lowchens have a well-balanced temperament. Active and affectionate, this thick maned dog is aptly named Lowchen, which translates to, “Little Lion Dog”.
As its namesake implies, these Spitz type dogs hail from Norway. Don’t let their classification in the non-sporting group of breeds fool you – they are extremely agile and athletic. After spending centuries on remote rocky clits and high fields, you wouldn’t expect anything less.
Touting excellent swimming skills, Poodles are easily the most popular water dog. They’re highly intelligent and eager to train. Poodles have kindly temperaments making them an ideal pet for families with children.
With a propensity to bark as a protective mechanism, this Spitz-type breed originated in Belgium in the 1800s. They were prevalently used as watchdogs and rattlers on the wharfs. This is fitting, as their name means ‘little captain’ in Flemish.
A superb hunting dog, these dogs were originally bred to flush birds and hunt wild board. On the home front, their loyalty and friendliness can fall victim to their impatient side. This makes Shibas a tough choice for families with small children, as they would need to be supervised.
While relatively rare, the Tibetan Spaniel makes for a great family companion dog. Their reserve and guarded nature has them watchful and vigilant. To those they befriend, they are happy and playful.
As the ‘Holy Dog of Tibet’, the Tibetan Terrier has a longstanding duty of watching over the Buddist monasteries high up in the isolated regions of the Himalayas. Their smart and pleasant personalities make them very family oriented.
A known breed in Mexico for over 3,000 years, the Xolo holds the distinction of being the first dog in the Americas. In a family setting, don’t be surprised if they latch onto one member as its favorite. They are not typically aggressive towards strangers.