Over the years I have noticed that many people, myself included, tend to be drawn to particular breeds or breed groups when it comes to the dogs with whom we share our lives. In talking to people about this phenomenon, there seem to be myriad reasons why individuals and families become loyal to one breed or mix of breeds versus another. Although I have grown partial to hounds (what can I say, I like the challenge), I come from a family of setter people. Growing up, we had Irish and then English setters, breeds that my dad forged special connections with thanks to his uncles, who trained their dogs in field trials.

Today, he carries on the tradition, competing in national events around the country, and we’re all very proud of his champion, Blue. 

A BRIEF history of Breed Clubs

The sport of field trialing that my dad and his dogs participate in is one of many activities that are connected to and often managed by individual breed clubs, which uphold rules and standards set primarily by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the U.S. and United Kennel Club (UKC) in the U.K.. 

Most breed clubs trace their roots to the mid- to late-1800s, when industrialization-minded Victorian-era dog fanciers began to formalize the different “kinds”, “varieties”, “types”, and “strains” of dogs that had existed for centuries into distinct, recorded lines. Such fanciers and aficionados focused on specialization, standardization, objectification, differentiation, and commodification of what would become hundreds of individually recognized dog “breeds” (Worboys, Strange, and Pemberton 2022). 

Dog shows, in which the “best” dogs were awarded for their physical appeal or abilities in given sports also became popular during the period, with winners becoming sought-after “studs” demanding high fees, not unlike prized horses. In 1884, the AKC was founded in the United States by a group of sportsmen representing nine different breed clubs – Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Clumber Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Irish Setters, English Setters, and Gordon Setters – that had sponsored such shows and trial events (American Kennel Club). By 1905, the AKC comprised 110 member clubs. 

Today, the AKC recognizes 200 distinct dog breeds, and the UKC recognizes 300, most of which maintain active member clubs. These members set physical standards for breeds, determine show regulations, such as requiring veterinarians to be present at events, and dictate point systems for competitions. 

Despite their continued far-reaching authority and appeal, breed and kennel clubs have come under increasing scrutiny from veterinarians and animal welfare advocates for perpetuating some breed standards that can have negative impacts on dogs’ health and quality of life (Arman 2007). Many individuals have shifted to more responsible breeding practices in an effort to address such issues.

Do Breed Characteristics Matter?

Just as with individual people, every individual dog’s personality is determined by their unique combination of genetics, personal experiences, environments, and exposures (Morrill et al. 2022). Still, breed does play a significant role in shaping dogs (literally and figuratively!). Scientists have shown that dogs’ genetic heritage can be indicative of physical traits (such as size, markings, hair/fur type, etc.) and some behavior characteristics like excitability, fear, and attachment styles (MacLean et al. 2019). They have also found that some of the activities we associate with different types of dogs – like hunting, guarding, herding, and even companionship – relate to slight differences in brain anatomy between breeds (Hecht et al. 2019). 

Because of this, understanding a dog’s ancestry can be an important component to forging healthy, happy human-dog partnerships. Knowing whether a given dog may be more or less likely to engage in and enjoy certain activities can help people find a canine companion to match their own personality, interests, and lifestyle. Considering breed-related characteristics can also be useful in thinking about learning styles. For example, if you know that your pup comes from a long line of couch potatoes, you may find that figuring out what kind of reward really motivates her is going to be the first step you take before trying out bond-building tools like talk buttons. 

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