Discover the 10 FCI breed groups and the breeds in each group
There are close to 400 dog breeds in the world. Each breed has its own characteristics, yet many share similarities in natural instinct (guarding, herding, hunting…), physical appearance (build, coat…) or temperament.
Building on these similarities, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classifies all the breeds it recognises into 10 groups. As FCI's sole official member in Türkiye, KIF uses the same classification. Below you will find a short introduction to each group and the breeds it contains.
Sheepdogs and cattle dogs brought together by their ability to drive and protect livestock alongside people. They are intelligent, eager to learn and hard-working. Well-known examples: German Shepherd Dog, Border Collie, Belgian Shepherd (Malinois), Australian Shepherd.
Pinscher ve Schnauzer tipi köpekler, Molosser ırkları ile İsviçre Dağ ve Sürü Köpekleri" olarak bilinen 2. Grup, savunma ve koruma konusundaki ortak yeteneklerine göre seçilmiş yaklaşık 55 ırktan oluşur. En çok bilinenler arasında Danua (Great Dane), Bulldog, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard ve Dobermann yer alır.
Bold, energetic dogs bred to chase and flush game underground. Large and medium-sized terriers, small terriers, bull-type and toy terriers belong here. Well-known examples: Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier.
Spitz-type dogs, recognisable by their erect ears, dense coat and curled tail, together with the primitive breeds that carry the oldest traces of domestication. Sledge dogs and Nordic hunting and watchdogs belong here too. Well-known examples: Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Akita, Pomeranian, Shiba Inu.
Dogs that find and pursue game by scent, plus the leash (blood) hounds. They are enduring, patient and blessed with a powerful nose. Well-known examples: Beagle, Basset Hound, Dalmatian, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bloodhound.
Gundogs that freeze and point when they locate game. Continental pointing dogs and the British and Irish pointers and setters belong here. Well-known examples: English Pointer, English Setter, German Short-haired Pointer, Weimaraner, Brittany.
Retrievers that bring back shot game, flushing dogs that put game up and the water dogs. Gentle and highly trainable, they are also hugely popular family dogs. Well-known examples: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog.
Dogs bred to keep people company, most of them small. Well-known examples: Poodle, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frisé, Pug, Shih Tzu.
Slender, athletic sprinters bred to follow game by sight and run it down at speed. Well-known examples: Afghan Hound, Greyhound, Whippet, Saluki, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound.
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Breeds not yet officially recognised by FCI or still at the provisional stage. They are registered with KIF but listed outside the FCI group classification.
