Every Dog Breed Explained - Westminster Kennel Club & AKC Groups

Comprehensive review flashcards covering all seven AKC dog breed groups, historical origins, physical traits, and Westminster Kennel Club details presented by Gail Miller Bisher.

How many total American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized dog breeds are reviewed by Gail Miller Bisher?

There are $205$ AKC recognized dog breeds.

What are the seven recognized AKC dog groups?

Hound, toy, non-sporting, herding, working, terrier, and sporting.

In what year was the Herding group established, and from which group was it split?

The Herding group was split off from the Working group in $1983$.

Where was the Australian Shepherd breed actually developed?

In the western part of the United States by ranchers (its name is a misnomer).

What four coat colors are accepted for the Bearded Collie?

Fawn, brown, black, and blue.

How does the Belgian Sheepdog differ visually and in size from the Belgian Malinois?

The Belgian Sheepdog is all black and has a larger size than the Belgian Malinois.

What anatomical feature of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's skull helps protect it from livestock kicks?

A flat top skull, which prevents the dog's skull from being injured if kicked by a cow.

Why was the Smooth Collie bred with a smoother coat compared to the Rough Collie?

To avoid getting its coat tangled in the Bramalls of Scotland while working without requiring grooming from shepherds.

What unique role led to the German Shepherd Dog originally being called a 'living fence'?

They trotted around the entire flock to keep it safe.

What distinction belongs to the Icelandic Sheepdog in its native country?

It is Iceland's only native dog and has appeared on their postage stamps.

What is the primary historical function of an Old English Sheepdog as a drover?

Keeping the flock together and driving them down the road (such as to market or another paddock) rather than retrieving loose sheep.

Which group is the largest among the AKC breeds, and how many breeds does it contain?

The Hound group is the largest, with $32$ breeds.

Who brought the first pair of Afghan Hounds to the United States?

Zeppo Marx.

What physical feature is shared by the Basset Hound, Bloodhound, and Otterhound, and what is its purpose?

Very long hound ears, which serve to sweep up and collect scent while the dog sniffs the ground.

What unique physiological response is the Pharaoh Hound known for when excited or anxious?

It blushes, turning pink in its cheeks and nose.

Why is the name Norwegian Elkhound considered misleading?

They were bred to hunt moose rather than elk.

Which breed is recognized as the national dog of Portugal?

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.

Historically, which dogs were placed into the Non-Sporting group when only two groups existed?

Any dog that was not a Setter or a Spaniel.

Why was the Standard Poodle historically clipped with pom-poms on its joints and hips?

To keep its joints, hips, and vital organs warm in chilly water while the shaved areas allowed it to move smoothly through water as a retriever.

Which breed is known as the royal dog of Madagascar?

The Coton De Tulear.

Why is the Keeshond nicknamed the 'laughing Dutchman'?

Because when it opens its mouth, it looks like it is smiling.

What two unique anatomical features allow the Norwegian Lundehund to hunt puffin?

Six toes and a very flexible neck.

What was the first Tibetan dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club?

The Lhasa Apso.

How many breeds make up the Sporting group?

There are $31$ breeds in the Sporting group.

Which specific dog imported in 1877 became the emblem for the Westminster Kennel Club?

A Pointer named Sensation.

What does the Cocker Spaniel acronym 'ASCOB' stand for?

Any Solid Color Other than Black.

Which dog breed holds the record as the oldest dog to win Best in Show at Westminster, and at what age did it win?

A Sussex Spaniel, which won Best in Show in $2009$ at $10$ years of age.

What Italian Sporting breed joined the Westminster ring in 2016 and is known as a truffle hunter?

The Lagotto Romagnolo.

What does the Latin root 'terra' mean, and how does it relate to the Terrier group?

'Terra' means ground; terriers were bred to go underground after badgers and vermin.

How many times has the Wire Fox Terrier won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

It has won Best in Show $15$ times.

What is the memory trick Gail Miller Bisher provides to tell a Norwich Terrier apart from a Norfolk Terrier?

The Norwich Terrier has ears that point up, forming a 'W' for the 'wich' in Norwich.

How many breeds comprise the Toy group, and what was their primary purpose?

There are $21$ breeds in the Toy group, and they were all bred to be companions.

What historical working role distinguished the Chinese Crested from the palace-dwelling Pekingese?

The Chinese Crested was used as a ratter on ships and traded among sailors.

What is the literal translation of the French word 'Papillon' that gives the breed its name?

Butterfly (referring to the breed's ear shape).

How far back does recorded evidence date the existence of the Pug?

The Pug is recorded as being in existence since $400\,\text{BC}$.

How many breeds are included in the Working group?

There are $30$ breeds in the Working group.

Approximately how old is the Anatolian Shepherd breed?

The breed is more than $6000\,\text{years}$ old.

What is the average weight of a male Bullmastiff?

A male Bullmastiff averages $120\,\text{pounds}$.

What were the traditional water working functions of the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Water Dog?

The Newfoundland jumped off boats for water rescue, while the Portuguese Water Dog helped fishermen pull nets into boats.