The Non-Sporting Group: Listed By Popularity
A Diverse Collection of Companions
↓ Skip directly to Non-Sporting BreedsThe Non-Sporting Group is a fascinating mix of breeds that don't fit neatly into other categories, each with unique characteristics and histories. From compact companions to athletic partners, this group offers remarkable variety for dog lovers seeking distinctive personalities.
Key Characteristics:
- Extremely varied in size, coat type, and temperament
- Includes both active and more sedentary breeds
- Many make excellent family companions
- Often feature distinctive appearances
- Exercise needs vary significantly by breed
Ideal For:
This eclectic group offers options for nearly every lifestyle. Whether you're seeking an active partner, a laid-back companion, or a conversation-starting pet, you'll find diverse choices among these unique breeds.
Understanding Breed Popularity:
Popularity varies widely in this diverse group. Common breeds like French Bulldogs and Poodles have many breeders, while rare breeds like Tibetan Spaniels may require more searching.
Browse Non-Sporting Breeds By Breed Popularity:
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
French Bulldog
Origin: France
Purpose: Companion
Height: 11-13"
Weight: 16-28 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #1
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Poodle
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Water retrieving
Height: <10 | 10-15 | >15"
Weight: 4-6 | 10-15 | 40-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #5
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Bulldog
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 14-15"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #9
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Boston Terrier
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 12-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #23
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Shiba Inu
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Hunting
Height: 13.5-16.5"
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #42
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Bichon Frise
Origin: Mediterranean
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9.5-11.5"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #46
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Dalmatian
Origin: Croatia
Purpose: Coach dog
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #48
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Chinese Shar-Pei
Origin: China
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 18-20"
Weight: 45-60 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #83
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Chow Chow
Origin: China
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #88
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Keeshond
Origin: Netherlands
Purpose: Barge watchdog
Height: 17-18"
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #90
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Coton de Tulear
Origin: Madagascar
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9-11"
Weight: 8-15 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #92
Classified as 'Toy' with CKC
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Lhasa Apso
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, watchdog
Height: 10-11"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #94
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Schipperke
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Ratting, watchdog
Height: 10-13"
Weight: 10-16 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #106
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American Eskimo Dog
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9-12 | 12-15 | 15-19"
Weight: 6-10 | 10-20 | 25-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #116
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Tibetan Terrier
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, herding
Height: 14-17"
Weight: 18-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #117
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Xoloitzcuintli
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: Mexico
Purpose: Companion, guardian
Height: 10-14 | 14-18 | 18-23"
Weight: 10-15 | 15-30 | 30-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #119
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Tibetan Spaniel
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, watch dog
Height: 10"
Weight: 9-15 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #126
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German Pinscher
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Ratting & guarding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 25-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #133
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Lowchen
Origin: Germany/France
Purpose: Companion
Height: 12-14"
Weight: 15 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #154
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Finnish Spitz
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Hunting
Height: 15.5-20"
Weight: 20-33 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #194
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Norwegian Lundehund
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Hunting puffins
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #198
CKC classified as 'Hound'
AKC classified in 'Non-Sporting'
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Japanese Spitz
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Companion
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 10-25 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: Rare
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