Dog show classification is a system of categorizing dogs based on their BREED. It is used in dog shows to determine which dogs are eligible to compete in certain classes. The most common BREED classification is the American Kennel Club's seven-group system, which divides breeds into Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups. Each group is further divided into subgroups and individual breeds. This system is used to ensure that all dogs competing in a show are judged fairly and according to their BREED's characteristics.