The dogs in this group all have one thing in common, and that is that they don't really “fit” into any of the other groups! While some of them were working or sporting dogs in their early development, their “jobs” have been so long outmoded that they have primarily been companion dogs for almost a century, in some cases longer.

The Boston Terrier is an all-American breed, developed on these shores to be a well-mannered, dis-tinguished-looking dog-about-town. He is always dressed for any occasion — and always welcomes being part of the crowd.

In this unique group, you have some very popular if disparate dogs. There is the Poodle (originally one of Europe's finest hunting dogs); the Bulldog (used to bait bulls centuries ago); the Bichon Frise (a companion dog too big for the Toy Group); the Schipperke (a Dutch boatsman's dog in another century); and many more.

The Non-Sporting Group is a good one from which to choose a versatile companion, as its members are so unique. The all-American Boston Terrier is becoming more and more popular as a small — but not too small — dapper dog-about-town, as is the French Bulldog. You can't describe the dogs in this group as focused on a particular thing, like retrieving or fetching or chasing or herding or protecting. Rather, they are multifocused, and as such, make for pleasant all-around dogs. The members of the AKC Non-Sporting Group are:

So thoroughly associated with courage, strength, and resolution is the Bulldog that he is the mascot of numerous sports teams and — of highest distinction — the United States Marines.