Dogs that are placed in this group were originally developed for a specific task. However, because man does not rely on these dogs anymore for work that used to be assigned to them, these breeds are mainly kept as a family pet and companion. Behaviors and personalities of dogs in this group vary significantly because each of them were originally bred to do different jobs.
Because of the difference in personalities and traits of these breeds, it would be wise to consult an expert such as a vet or a breeder of that specific breed before you make the purchase. This way, you know what to expect and if that particular breed will fit into your environment and lifestyle. Below are examples of breeds that fall under this category:
Most, if not all dogs in this group, are bred to be lapdogs and companion dogs. Many of them are miniaturized versions of hunting or working dogs. They are very small compared to other breeds. Some only weigh between 2 and 4 pounds and are 4 inches in height at the shoulder. Since they are too small to do any type of work, they have successfully achieved the art of being very cuddly and adorable.
Although these dogs are delicates, most of them are generally healthy and tend to be long-lived. They have a life expectancy of at least 13-15 years on average and some live as long as 20 years old.
Dogs in this group loves to chase fast-moving objects, which makes them the number one choice for a hunting companion. There are three groups of dogs that fall under the hound group ? the scenthounds, the sighthounds, and the large-game hounds.
Scent Hounds
The scent hounds are dogs that are bred to follow scent. They are trained to track down prey by using their excellent sense of smell. Their strong drive to follow a scent makes them hard to obedience-train because they can easily get distracted by any smell in their surroundings. They are affectionate to their family, great with children, and gets along well with strangers. They are active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise.
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