Dogs have worked with man for many centuries, in many cases doing something as simple and instinctive as protecting their own territory. Breeds developed a wide variety of uses and with the passage of time, coupled with the introduction of foreign breeds to this country, the Working Group grew larger and larger in Britain. By 1998 this group contained over 50 breeds, so, from 1999, the group was split into Working and Pastoral Groups. The Leonberger joined the Working Group, previously being in the Utility Group, to which many people never thought it really belonged.
The following breeds are all recognised by the English Kennel Club and listed under the Working Group.
