Non sporting dog breeds is a group of dogs classified by the AKC (the American Kennel Club). There are many different dogs in this group, so I think every dog lover can find its favorite here.
Many of these dogs are companion dogs, family pets, and show dogs. They are all wonderful in their own way, and they differ in size, appearance, coat type, temperament, etc.
So, if you are looking for a small pooch to live with you in your apartment, you can find it in this list. Furthermore, if you prefer larger dogs with high energy levels, you might also find your future dog in the non sporting group!
So, let’s get to the point and see what dogs are part of the non-sporting group of dogs.
8 Small Non Sporting Dog Breeds
Aren’t small dogs the best? You can take it with you wherever you go, they won’t pull you during the walk like some other, larger dogs, and they can live with you, even if you are living in a small apartment.
Let’s see which small dogs belong to the non-sporting breeds.
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an adorable white dog breed who will be suitable even for first-time dog owners.
This dog is so charming and cheerful that it will make you feel good even on your worst day. Bichon Frise is a small, intelligent, and playful companion dog. This is a kind of dog that loves all people and sees everyone as their friend.
One thing to bear in mind with a Bichon Frise is that this dog does not like to be left alone. If you leave this dog alone for too long, it might show destructive behavior.
2. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is also known under the nickname the American Gentlemen and we find this so adorable! This small dog is affectionate, gentle, and intelligent.
These dogs make wonderful family dogs, but, you should know that having a Boston Terrier under your roof means having a little ball of energy that always wants to have something to do.
Boston Terriers are especially fond of children, and can get on very well with them, provided they are socialized with children from an early age.
One important thing related to these dogs’ health is that they are a brachycephalic dog breed, so they are prone to breathing and overheating issues.
3. Coton De Tulear
The Coton De Tulear is also known as the Royal dog of Madagascar. According to the Coton De Tulear growth chart, this dog’s height goes from 9 to 11 inches, while they usually weigh 8 to 15 pounds.
This small dog is a companion dog whose favorite thing to do is to follow their human family members around the house. It is a very energetic and playful dog who you will never be bored with.
Coton De Tulear is also known for its high intelligence and trainability, so, all dog owners who like to teach their dogs various tricks will have good times with this charming pooch.
4. French Bulldog
I can’t imagine anybody disliking the charming and adorable Frenchie. The French Bulldog can be characterized as a lazy breed of dog – so, if you are searching for a dog that will chill on a sofa with you – there is no better choice than a Frenchie.
This dog is adaptable, funny, and loving, and its laid-back nature is one of the traits that make this dog so popular nowadays.
This dog will not be like other dogs that are always up for long walks. However, you should take care that this dog still gets daily walks, even short ones, and other forms of exercise. This way, you will avoid your Frenchie developing obesity.
5. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso originated from Tibet, and has been known as the favorite pet of royalty for many years.
This dog is mischievous, charming, smart, and independent. Not only is this dog a wonderful family dog – it also makes an outstanding guard dog, despite its small size.
Lhasa Apso’s coat comes in many different colors, and, if you ask me, they are all so beautiful and make this dog a perfect candidate for dog shows.
6. Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
The Lowchen, also known as the Little Lion Dog, is a gentle, affectionate, and active small dog. One of the interesting facts related to this dog is its rarity – due to this, the Lowchen is known as one of the most expensive dog breeds out there.
These dogs always strive to please their owners, and this is one of the traits that make Lowchen perfect family dogs.
Many people mistaken Lowchen for a Havanese or a Shih Tzu, but this is a purebred dog, made to be a perfect companion for humans.
7. Schipperke
The Schipperke is a curious, adorable, and funny lap dog breed. Having a Schipperke means having a lot of fun at all times!
This dog might be a small dog, but it is made to work, and makes a terrific watchdog. The Schipperke will equally enjoy a work task as he will cuddling on the couch with you.
This dog’s coat is black, and although some other coat colors are possible, they are not accepted by the American Kennel Club.
8. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a curious, active, and intelligent small dog breed. This dog is a companion dog and a watch dog.
This dog’s appearance and silky coat might remind you of a lion. Since it is very intelligent, this dog learns commands quickly, but might get stubborn while you train it.
Tibetan Spaniel loves to receive a lot of attention from its owners, so, this dog is not a good choice for people who spend a lot of time away from home.
11 Medium-sized Non Sporting Dog Breeds
The non-sporting dog breed group does not only include small dogs – here you can also find a variety of breeds of medium size.
Let’s see which awesome medium-sized dogs are part of the non-sporting group.
1. American Eskimo Dog
This adorable fluffy dog might remind you of a Samoyed, or a Husky, but it is actually part of the Spitz family.
The American Eskimo Dog is a friendly, curious, and trainable dog. His favorite thing to do is being part of any kind of activity with his human family.
Just seeing this dog’s happy face that always looks like he is smiling will make your day better! Just make sure this dog does not spend too much time alone, since he needs to be around his humans all the time.
2. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a friendly, kind, and loyal dog. This dog is best known for its loose skin of the head, short body, broad shoulders, and small ears.
The Bulldog is patient and friendly, but might be stubborn at some occasions. This dog makes special bonds with children, and it can also get on well with other pets in the household.
All dog owners should pay attention to this dog’s exercise routine, since Bulldogs might be lazy, and also love to eat, so, you should not leave them food available at all times. Overeating is not good for dogs, and might lead to many health issues.
3. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei has been used for many different purposes in the past, so, this is a top dog for hunting, herding, and guarding. Unfortunately, this dog was also used for dog fighting.
Today, the Chinese Shar-Pei is mostly known as a loving family pet. You will easily recognize this dog by its wrinkly skin and skin folds. Shar-Pei comes in many different coat colors, such as black, blue, brown, chocolate, cream, fawn, etc.
If you notice a dark tongue in the Chinese Shar-Pei, don’t worry, since this is a perfectly normal characteristic of this dog breed.
Although the Chinese Shar-Pei is a loving dog and makes a wonderful pet, he still might be strong-willed and dominant, so you must teach him the rules of good behavior from the moment he comes to your home.
4. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow might not be a dog that loves to cuddle with its owners, but this is one loyal and dignified dog.
The Chow Chow is a powerful dog that is always suspicious of strangers. This is why Chow Chows need early socialization and training, so they don’t get too hostile to people they don’t know.
These dogs are known to be very clean; they do shed, but they don’t have that specific doggy odor, and they housebreak easily.
5. Dalmatian
When you think of a Dalmatian, you will probably immediately imagine its spotted coat. This dog is active and athletic and needs to have plenty of exercise daily. Otherwise, they might show destructive behavior.
This dog loves to be around his human family, especially children. Although the Dalmatian is a loving and friendly dog, people with small children should be aware that this is one active dog that loves to play, and might accidentally knock down a child during the play session.
This dog is a perfect choice for active people who like adventures – you will not get a better company for fun adventures than a Dalmatian!
6. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz might be mistaken for a Husky, but this is a purebred dog with its own breed standard.
This dog was bred for hunting, so, if you have other dogs or cats in your home, you should be prepared for your Finnish Spitz showing his hunting abilities!
This Spitz dog can be an excellent watchdog, when it is properly trained and socialized. The Finnish Spitz is quite rare in the United States, so you might have a hard time trying to find these dogs’ breeders.
7. Keeshond
The Keeshond is an active, intelligent, and trainable dog breed. It has a long, furry coat, and it kind of reminds us of a panda with its looks.
This dog makes a great family pet, since it can be easily trained and socialized.
The Keeshond is also playful and eager to please. His love for his owners is so huge that he might even become too clingy.
So, don’t be surprised if this dog follows you wherever you go! This is his way of showing love to his humans.
8. Poodle
The Poodle comes in three sizes, so, today we have a toy Poodle, miniature Poodle, and the standard Poodle.
We included the standard Poodle in this list of medium-sized non-sporting dog breeds.
The Poodle is one of the favorite family dogs around the world, but it is also famous for being one of the most popular show dogs.
This dog is known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so, all dog fanciers will enjoy training this smart curly pooch.
9. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a dog breed from Japan that was originally bred to hunt wild boars.
This dog is highly intelligent and learns quickly. However, he might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners, since the Shiba Inu might be quite challenging to train.
This dog has a strong prey drive, so it might chase after other animals around your home. Also, a Shiba Inu is a possessive dog, and will probably won’t like sharing his toys, food, or human attention with other dogs.
10. Tibetan Terrier
If you are looking for a friendly, companion dog, you will be thrilled with the Tibetan Terrier.
This is one adaptable dog that will be fine with both living in an apartment or house; in the city or in the countryside.
The Tibetan Terrier gets on well with children, and even with other pets, especially when it has been raised with them.
This dog is also a great watch dog, and loves to take care of his humans.
11. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient hairless dog breed. This is one intelligent dog that makes a great family pet and a watchdog.
This dog is very affectionate to its owners, but is often aloof from strangers. The Xoloitzcuintli is protective over his owners and will always look after them.
Although this dog is good-natured in general, it might chase after other animals, due to its hunting instincts.
Final Words
As we have seen, the non sporting dog breeds vary in size, appearance, and temperament traits. So, here you can find lapdogs, watchdogs, highly energetic dogs, and some dogs that are more of couch potatoes.
Every person should choose a dog breed following their lifestyle; some people will prefer a dog that will make them company in their jogging or hiking activities, while others will prefer a less active dog.
We hope you have found your favorite in the non-sporting dog group, and that you will soon be welcoming a new furry friend to your home!