The American Kennel Club calls the Non-Sporting Group a patchwork of breeds whose job descriptions defy categorization. A Bulldog, a Dalmatian and a Poodle have almost nothing in common except the label, so this page sorts the group by what matters at a kennel.
Size and the right kennel
Weights below come from each breed's AKC page. Poodles come in three sizes, and the AKC list shows the toy variety in the Toy Group too, so check your Poodle's weight rather than its variety name.
Two dogs from one home can share a run. In Economy that is $52 plus $44, and two Business Class dogs fit First Class at $72 plus $61, all on the 2026 rates.
| Breed | AKC weight | Usual kennel |
|---|---|---|
| Shiba Inu | 17 to 23 pounds | Economy |
| Bichon Frise | 12 to 18 pounds | Economy |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 pounds | Economy |
| French Bulldog | under 28 pounds | Economy |
| Keeshond | about 35 to 45 pounds | Economy |
| Bulldog | 40 to 50 pounds | Economy, or Business for a heavy dog |
| Poodle | toy and miniature under 15 pounds; standard 40 to 70 | Economy for toy and miniature, Business for standard |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | 45 to 60 pounds | Business Class |
| Chow Chow | about 45 to 70 pounds | Business Class |
| Dalmatian | 45 to 70 pounds | Business Class |
Short noses: the Bulldog, Frenchie and Boston
Three breeds in this group are flat-faced. Veterinary sources, including the Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass guidance, say a narrowed airway makes cooling harder for brachycephalic dogs, which raises their risk of heatstroke. Our flat-faced dog guide has the details and the sources.
At the kennel that means the air-conditioned side of the run in summer, short easy walks, and a morning drop-off. Vacaville, the nearest weather station, records about 100 days a year at 90 degrees or more. Tell the front desk about snoring, noisy breathing or past heat trouble when you book.
Coats from smooth to dense
This group runs the whole coat range. A Boston or French Bulldog has an extra short or short coat: $30 to $35 at 16 to 25 pounds on the chart effective January 1, 2024. A Dalmatian or Shar-Pei at 26 to 50 pounds is $40 Short. A Bichon or Shiba is a double or extra long coat, $45 at 16 to 25 pounds, and a Chow Chow at 51 to 75 pounds is $65 double coated. Please ask to confirm today's price.
| Weight | Extra short | Short | Medium | Extra long or double |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 pounds or less | $20 | $25 | $30 | $35 |
| 16 to 25 pounds | $30 | $35 | $40 | $45 |
| 26 to 50 pounds | $35 | $40 | $45 | $55 |
| 51 to 75 pounds | $40 | $45 | $50 | $65 |
More non-sporting breeds
The AKC Non-Sporting Group also includes these breeds, each with its own page:
- American Eskimo Dog
- Coton de Tulear
- Lhasa Apso
- Lowchen
- Schipperke
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
Check-in and food
Leave your dog in the car at check-in and staff carry belongings and walk it in. Bring food in its original bag with amounts in cups if your dog is on a diet, since a Bulldog or Frenchie may have a sensitive stomach. Medications are given at no extra charge.
Sources (checked October 19, 2026)
- American Kennel Club - AKC breed groups explained
- American Kennel Club - AKC breeds by group
- American Kennel Club - French Bulldog breed page
- American Kennel Club - Dalmatian breed page
- Royal Veterinary College VetCompass - Heatstroke in dogs
- Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)
- Happy Paws Kennels bathing rates effective January 1, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020