{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"A Motley Crew of Canines: Meet the Non-Sporting Group","description":"In this episode, we explain how the Non-Sporting group came to be, and why the breeds that comprise the group don\u2019t have much more than their shared group designation in common! The twenty-one different breeds currently recognized in this group range in size and stature, and some of them are downright, well, sporty. But what they do share often comes down to their original purpose and how the modern world has moved on, while these breeds stayed constant and ever-loyal like any good dog.   Bonafide Bits: Dalmatians are the only dogs bred specifically to accompany carriages. Fearless Bulldogs were bred with tenacious terriers to create cunning rat killers. A Boston Terrier is the official mascot of Boston University. In a triumphant recovery story, Chinese Shar-Peis were once listed as the world\u2019s rarest dog breed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The impossibly cute Bichon Frise were once prized circus performers.   Featured Breeds: Dalmatian The dignified Dalmatian, dogdom\u2019s citizen of the world, is famed for his spotted coat and unique job description. During their long history, these \u201ccoach dogs\u201d have accompanied the horse-drawn rigs of nobles, gypsies, and firefighters. Discover more about Dalmatians at AKC\u2019s Dalmatian Breed Biography. Bulldog You can\u2019t mistake a Bulldog for any other breed. The loose skin of the head, furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, small ears, undershot jaw with hanging chops on either side, and the distinctive rolling gait all practically scream \u201cI\u2019m a Bulldog!\u201d The coat, seen in a variety of colors and patterns, is short, smooth, and glossy. Bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds, but that won\u2019t stop them from curling up in your lap or at least trying to. Bulldogs enjoy brisk walks and need regular moderate exercise, along with a careful diet, to stay trim. Discover more about Bulldogs at AKC\u2019s Bulldog Breed Biography. Boston Terrier The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname \u201cThe American Gentleman.\u201d Discover more about Boston Terriers at AKC\u2019s Boston Terrier Breed Biography. French Bulldog The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world\u2019s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. Discover more about French Bulldogs at AKC\u2019s French Bulldog Breed Biography. Chinese Shar-Pei This fascinating but challenging breed of ancient pedigree is steadfastly loyal to family but standoffish with strangers. The Chinese Shar-Pei has physical characteristics that make him a one-of-a-kind companion and guardian dog. Discover more about Chinese Shar-Peis at AKC\u2019s Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Biography. Poodle Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as sissy dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart \u201creal dogs\u201d of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all Poodles can be trained with great success. Discover more about Poodles at AKC\u2019s Poodle (Standard) Breed Biography. American Eskimo Dog The American Eskimo Dog combines striking good looks with a quick and clever mind in a total brains-and-beauty package. Neither shy nor aggressive, Eskies are always alert and friendly, though a bit conservative when making new friends. Distinctive traits include a dense, sparkling white coat with a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders; a smiling face, with black nose, lips, and eye-rims that convey a keen, intelligent expression; and a plumed tail carried over the back. They move with a bold and agile gait. Eskies are social animals and can develop problem behaviors when neglected or undertrained. Among the most trainable of breeds, the clever, kid-friendly Eskie practically invented the phrase \u201ceager to please.\u201d Discover more about American Eskimo Dogs at AKC\u2019s American Eskimo Dog Breed Biography. Bichon Frise The small but sturdy and resilient Bichon Frise stands among the world's great \u201cpersonality dogs.\u201d The breed\u2019s glory is a white hypoallergenic coat, plush and velvety to the touch, featuring rounded head hair that sets off the large, dark eyes and black leathers of the nose and lips. Alert and curious, Bichons make nice little watchdogs but they are lovers, not fighters, and operate under the assumption that there are no strangers, just friends they haven\u2019t met yet. Bichons train nicely and enjoy performing for their loved ones. Discover more about Bichon Frises at AKC\u2019s Bichon Frise Breed Biography.   For more information about a specific breed visit the breed\u2019s parent club or AKC.org.   Shareables: The AKC non-sporting group is defined not by what it is, but by what it is not. Want to know how Boston Terriers became the official dog of Massachusetts? The Chinese Shar-Pei was brought back from the brink of extinction by a Life magazine cover. ","author_name":"Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/about\/down-and-back-akc-podcast\/","html":"