Utility Group

In 1967 Crufts Dog Show saw the introduction of the Utility group, formerly known as the non-sporting group, as in the United States and Australia. It comprises breeds which cannot be categorised in the five other groups. With worldwide origins, they are descended from a variety of sporting, working and terrier breeds. The Spitz group is represented by six breeds: the Chow Chow, the Icelandic Sheepdog, the Japanese Akita, Japanese Spitz, the Keeshond and the Schipperke. All these breeds have small erect ears, straight hind legs, a neck ruff and, apart from the Schipperke, a tail which is feathered and carried over the back. The Chow Chow and the Japanese Akita were originally hunting and guard dogs. Both breeds were at sometime in their history used for food and for their fur. The Icelandic Sheepdog was introduced to Iceland by the Vikings and was used for herding and guarding sheep. Trading between Iceland and England took place in the Middle Ages and during that time a number of these dogs were brought to England. They appear to have been quite popular and were used as pets. Today the Icelandic Sheepdog is quite rare and it has been left to a few enthusiasts in Iceland and Britain to try and preserve the breed. The Keeshond from Holland and the Schipperke from Belgium were guard dogs on both boats and barges and in the homes. The Japanese Spitz, although an ancient breed, did not appear in the United Kingdom until the twentieth century. The breed's origins are not known but it possible that it could be descended from the Samoyed as they are almost identical in general appearance and colouring, except that the Japanese Spitz is smaller. It is an attractive breed owing to its luxuriant white coat. It is usually good with children and an excellent house dog. Before finishing the Spitz group, the Chinese Shar Pei should be included. It is believed to be a cross between Mastiff breeds and the Spitz group of dogs as it shares a number of their characteristics. Like the Chow Chow it has a blue-black tongue, was used for herding and guarding and, if not considered a good specimen, was used as food. Known also as the Chinese fighting dog, because of its combatant qualities which it probably inherited from the Mastiff. In the late 1940’s the Chinese government ordered all dogs to be destroyed, which brought the breed near to extinction. Luckily a few breeders have been able to save the breed which is in the latter part of the twentieth century becoming popular. Breeds with terrier qualities in the utility group include the Boston Terrier, Schnauzer breeds and the Dalmatian. These dogs although having other qualities were extremely capable ratters. Boston Terriers were the inspiration of dog men at the livery stables in Boston. The Schnauzer breeds, which are German, and the Dalmatian were used to destroy all types of vermin in stables, outbuildings, and on the farms. The Standard Schnauzer, like the Dalmatian, would accompany coaches, trotting beside them to protect the passengers when travelling through parts of the countryside where highwaymen and thieves would prey on travellers. The Giant Schnauzer ( originally a herding and guard dog), the Standard and the Miniature Schnauzers and the Dalmatian all make excellent companions and good guard dogs. Other herding breeds that have found their way into this interesting selection of dogs are the Canaan Dog and the Tibetan Terrier. The Canaan Dog is from Israel. There are two kinds, the pariah type and the collie type. For centuries they have lived and worked in the desert and were used by nomadic tribesmen for herding and guarding cattle and sheep. Nowadays they are trained for use in the army. The Tibetan Terrier, which looks like a miniature old English Sheepdog, was used for herding goats also as a watch dog and retriever. The were bred in the monasteries and considered to be a good luck symbol and therefore were highly prized. The one breed in this group which was solely a guard dog is the Leonberger - believed to have originated from the town of Leonberg, in the Black Forest. Three hundred years ago they were used for guarding cattle and sheep, but nowadays this able breed is engaged in many other ways such as search and rescue, obedience and therapy work. Three breeds in this group were originally sporting dogs - the British Bulldog, the French Bulldog and the Poodle. The Bulldog - the only British dog in the group - was originally used for bull-baiting. In 1835 the sport was made illegal in the British Isles and the bulldog gradually suffered a decline. The origin of the French Bulldog seems to be in doubt. It is believed by some to be descended from Bulldogs which were taken to France after bull baiting became illegal in England. The French, however, consider the breed to be a native of their own country while others are of the opinion that it could have originated in Spain. Whatever its origins may be, a smaller version of the Bulldog was brought to Britain towards the end of the nineteenth century and in 19O2 the French Bulldog was recognised by the British Kennel Club. Both breeds are smooth-coated, solid compact dogs but there the similarities end. The Bulldog is a much bigger animal and has a different shaped mouth from the French Bulldog, also their the ear carriage is dissimilar. The Bulldog has a 'rose ear' - a small drop ear which folds over and back - whereas the French Bulldog has a bat ear - an erect ear facing the front, fairly broad at the base and round in outline at the top. Poodles were originally water dogs. They were used for retrieving, mostly duck. Owing to their strong scenting powers and intelligence they would work long after daylight hours, retrieving wounded game. Dogs in this group, which are now used solely as pets are the Shih Tzu and the Mexican Hairless Dog - the later being used as comforters in much the same way as European toy breeds. It was said to have healing powers when held close to the body. As in other groups, royalty has had its favourites in the Utility group. Nowadays as in years gone by, they like other folk have found some of the dogs affectionate and companionable. A number of dogs have distinguished themselves by winning Best in Show at Crufts Dog Show. Also they have more than held their own in the British Kennel Club's registration order for the first twenty most popular dogs in the British Isles. Rosamund Walters.