Meet the Sporting Group

Dogs come from around the world to compete in New York City at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan.

The group play lasted for two nights. The sports group will announce the winner at the end of the second night.

History of the Sporting Group

American Kennel Club (AKC) started classifying dogs into two categories in the first time: athletic and non-sports. The sports group used to include hounds and terriers. However, these varieties were later grouped into their own groups.

Now the Sporting Group includes gun dogs developed to assist hunters. This includes one of AKC’s newest breeds, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje (“Kooiker”), which became eligible for competition in 2018. These dogs have remarkable instincts, both in water and woods. They are naturally active and alert with stable temperaments.

Sporting Dog Breeds

The Sporting Group includes four breed types: Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers and Setters. Sporting dog breeds include all the following dogs and more.

Cocker Spaniel: As the smallest breed in the sports group, the canker spaniel is also one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Cocker spaniels get their name from their skill in hunting forest cocks.

German Shorthaired Pointer: The GSP is one of the most versatile breeds in the Group. He can point, track, hunt and retrieve on land or in water.

Golden Retriever: The golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States because they are great domestic dogs. They have also appeared in movies and television. However, their original purpose was to retrieve the waterbirds for the hunters.

Irish Setter: Irish hunters began breeding the Setter in the 1800s. They signal to hunters they have located birds by “setting” on their bellies.