What were different dog breed groups bred to do?

What were different dog breed groups bred to do?

Shelby Marlo, CPDT (Animal Behavioral Specialist, Professional Dog trainer) gives expert video advice on: How do I choose between a puppy and an adult dog?; What size of dog should I get?; How do I know which breed of dog I will be compatible with? and more...

I always say that dog breeds are divided into two groups: the dogs who work for people and the dogs who are independent. Labrador retrievers work for humans. They go out, they retrieve a duck, they bring it back. The herding dogs: they go out, they herd the sheep, they bring them back to humans. They have a real relationship with us. Independent dogs include hounds. They're scent-oriented, so they go out into the field and they choose a scent, and they're off doing their own thing. The terriers go to ground and they hunt vermin. They're working off of their own desires, needs and interests, whereas the other side is working for us. If you want a dog who's going to be really willing to speak to you and listen to you, you get one from the other side; you get the herders or the retrievers, and you stay away from the hounds and the terriers.