Ace the 4-H Dog Showmanship Challenge 2026 – Unleash Your Best Paw-formances!

The correct answer is the Terrier Group. This group is specifically composed of breeds that were historically developed for hunting vermin such as rats, mice, and other small pests, as well as guarding property. Breeds in this group, such as the Jack Russell Terrier or the Border Terrier, exhibit strong prey drives and tenacity, which were essential traits for their original roles in pest control and protection.

This distinction is significant because it highlights the unique purpose and functionality of the Terrier breeds compared to other groups. For instance, the Herding Group focuses on breeds that assist in herding livestock, while the Sporting Group includes breeds that are primarily used for hunting game birds and retrieving. The Non-Sporting Group is more varied and does not adhere to a specific function related to hunting or guarding, thereby making the Terrier Group the best fit for the description given in the question.