Introduction
Dogs are amazing animals. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has a unique personality. Some dogs are bred to be service animals, while others make perfect guard dogs.
If you’re looking for a dog that is loyal and strong, then one of these breeds might be perfect for you. Check out our list of 40 strong working dog breeds!
Akita
The Akita, hailing from the icy mountains of Japan, has been a faithful companion for centuries. These large dogs were once commonly used for hunting bears, boar, and deer – a testament to their strength and bravery.
As early Japanese history progressed and the need for hunting diminished, the Akita shifted to other roles, such as guarding property and serving as loyal companions. Their strong build and fearlessness make them excellent guard dogs, while their affectionate nature makes them loving family companions.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a working dog breed that was bred for use in the Arctic. These dogs are known for their strength, endurance, and loyalty.
They were used as sled dogs during the Klondike Gold Rush, and they proved to be invaluable in helping to transport supplies and people through the rugged terrain.
Image Credit: Getty Images
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a working dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom. The breed was developed from a cross between the British Bulldog and the English White Terrier. The Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred for bull-baiting.
This breed is still used as a working dog breed, but it is also bred as a companion dog. Despite its working dog history, the American Staffordshire Terrier is not aggressive by nature and is happiest when it is part of a loving family.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest working dog breeds in the world, originally bred to guard flocks of sheep and goats against predators in Turkey.
Anatolian Shepherds are intelligent dogs. But their size and strength also make them potentially dangerous animals, so they need to be socialized from an early age not to attack people or other animals.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dogs is a working dog breed that originates from the Swiss Alps. Traditionally, they were used as farm dogs, helping to herd cattle and pull carts. Today, they are still used as working dogs in some parts of the world, but they are also popular pets.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed with a thick coat of black, brown, and white fur. They are gentle and loyal dogs that make great family dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a versatile breed that can excel at a variety of tasks.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a breed that was created by crossing several other working dog breeds. The resulting breed was muscular and powerful, with a thick coat that could withstand harsh weather conditions.
Black Russian Terriers were initially used as guard dogs and working dogs on Soviet farms and military installations.
However, they quickly became popular pets among Soviet citizens, and their popularity has spread to other countries in recent years.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are working dogs that have a long history of being used for hunting and tracking. They are a versatile breed that is able to track both people and animals.
Bloodhounds have an excellent sense of smell, which makes them ideal for search and rescue missions, as well as tracking down criminals. Despite their reputation as working dogs, Bloodhounds are actually quite gentle and affectionate dogs.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a breed of herding dog that hails from the Scottish borders. For centuries, these dogs have been recognized for their ability to herd sheep and cattle.
Their remarkable intelligence and trainability make them ideal partners for farmers and ranchers. However, Border Collies are not just working dogs – they also make wonderful companions.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Boxer
The Boxer is a breed of working dog that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. The breed was developed by crossing the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct type of hunting dog, with the English Bulldog and the mastiff-type German dogs known as the Great Dane and the Bullenbeisser.
The resulting hybrid was an agile and giant dog that was well-suited for driving cattle and hunting wild boar and deer.
Over the years, the Boxer has been increasingly used as a guard dog, police dog, and military dog, as well as a companion animal.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, short-haired dog with a sturdy build. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was developed in England as a cross between the English Mastiff and the Bulldog. The resulting breed was used as a working dog on farms and estates, where it was known for its strength, courage, and loyalty.
The Bullmastiff quickly became popular with gamekeepers and estate owners, who used the breed to help protect their property from poachers and trespassers. The Bullmastiff is still considered a working dog, and it is often used as a guard dog or security dog.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a type of working dog that has its origins in Belgium. The breed is most commonly used as a herding dog, but it has also been trained for other roles such as search and rescue, detection, and protection.
The Belgian Malinois is a versatile breed that is known for its high level of intelligence and trainability. The breed has a long history of working alongside humans, and its abilities have made it an invaluable asset to many different professions.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, athletic breed of dog that has its origins in Italy. One of many working breeds, the Cane Corso was used for tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding property.
The Cane Corso is still recognized for its working ability and is also a popular companion animal. Though the Cane Corso is not as well-known as some other breeds, it is an intelligent and loyal breed that makes a great addition to any family.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Chinook
The Chinook is a relatively new breed of dog, having been developed in the early 20th century. However, the Chinook has already made a significant impact as a working dog.
Originally bred for sledding, the Chinook has since been used for a variety of other tasks, including search and rescue, carry loads, and skijoring. The Chinook is also known for its loyalty and trainability, making it an ideal companion for both work and play.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher was bred for personal protection and guarding, and they excel at both. They are often used as guide dogs by police and military forces, as well as by private security companies.
In addition to their guarding abilities, Doberman Pinschers are also excellent tracking dogs, making them valuable members of search-and-rescue teams. Their strong protective instincts and tenacity make them ideal for finding missing persons or tracking down criminal suspects.
Given their versatile skill set, it is no wonder that the Doberman Pinscher is a popular breed of working dog.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Dogo Argentina
The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular dog that was developed in Argentina in the early 1900s. The Dogo was bred for the specific purpose of hunting big game, such as wild boar and puma.
In order to create a dog that was brave, athletic, and tenacious, a number of different breeds were used in the Dogo’s development, including the Great Dane, mastiff, boxer, bulldog, and pointer.
The Dogo Argentino is still used as a working dog in many parts of South America. They are also popular companion dogs and are known for their loyalty and affection.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Dogue De Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a working breed that has its origins in France. The breed is thought to date back to the 14th century, and it was used for a variety of tasks including hunting, herding, and guarding. The Dogue de Bordeaux was also popular as a fighting dog, and it played a role in the development of several other breeds, including the Bullmastiff and the Cane Corso.
In recent years, the Dogue de Bordeaux has become a popular companion dog, and it is known for its loyalty, protective nature, and gentle disposition. While the Dogue de Bordeaux is no longer used for working purposes, it remains a versatile and intelligent breed that is well-suited for a variety of homes.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Dwarf Poodle
The Dwarf Poodle is a breed of dog that was originally bred to be working dogs on farms, but today they are mostly kept as companion animals. The Dwarf Poodle is a small breed of dog, typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds.
They have a thick coat of fur that can be either curly or wavy, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and Apricot. Dwarf Poodles are intelligent and obedient dogs, and they make great family pets.
Image Credit: Jackson Photography/ Adobe Stock
Eurasier
The Eurasier, a working breed originating from Germany in the 1960s, was developed with the intention of combining the best traits from Spitz and Wolf spitz-type dogs.
Eurasiers have even been used as therapy dogs by the German police force. While they may not be as widely known as other working breeds, their various talents make them valuable assets in any working environment.
With intelligence and trainability, Eurasiers are well-equipped to handle various tasks and challenges.
Image Credit: Getty Images
German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is a working breed with a history that dates back to the 1700s. Developed in Germany, this breed served as ratters on farms and as guard dogs for possessions and families. They were also used as police dogs during World War II.
Over time, their working skills evolved to include herding, hunting, and competing in obedience trials. The German Pinscher continues to excel as a versatile working dog, showing its intelligence and athleticism across various activities. However, they also make loving companions with their affectionate and loyal nature.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retrievers – a furry companion with a heart of gold, but did you know they have a fascinating history as working dogs? Known for their keen intelligence and eagerness to please, these pups have made themselves invaluable in fields such as search and rescue, therapy work, and even police work and military operations.
From sniffing out drugs and bombs to bringing joy to hospitalized patients, the Golden Retriever truly shines when given a job to do.
Image Credit: Getty Images
German Shepherd
German Shepherd is one of the most popular working dog breeds and is known for their loyalty, intelligence, and obedience. German Shepherd was initially bred as herding dogs and for guarding sheep, but it is now used for a variety of jobs, including search and rescue, police work, and assistance for the disabled.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Giant Schnauzers
The Giant Schnauzer is a working breed with a long and distinguished history. Originating in Germany, they were initially used as cattle herders and guard dogs on farms.
Later, they became widely employed as guard dogs for police and military forces during both World Wars, as well as working alongside search and rescue teams.
It still excels at working roles such as protection, tracking, and competitive obedience. They are also beloved family companions thanks to their intelligence and loyalty.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Great Dane
The Great Dane, also known as the “Apollo of dogs,” has a long history as a working breed. Originally used to hunt wild boar in Germany, they were later employed as guard dogs and even draft animals.
In fact, Great Danes were commonly used to pull carts during the 19th century in England. Their size and strength also made them well-suited for working as police dogs and search and rescue dogs.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a working breed of dog, bred for the purpose of guarding livestock in the mountainous regions of Europe. They possess not only impressive size and strength but also a commanding presence and protective instinct.
However, their biggest asset as working dogs is their intelligence and trainability. They have been successfully trained as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and even avalanche rescue dogs. In addition to working, these huge dogs make loving and devoted family pets for pet lovers.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Hovawart
The Hovawart is a working breed of dog, originally developed in Germany as an all-purpose farm dog. They excel at tasks such as guarding property and livestock, search and rescue, and working with the disabled or elderly.
Hovawarts are also highly trainable, making them suitable for a variety of working roles. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, with its impressive stature and grace, may not immediately come to mind as a working breed. However, their history as strong hunting dogs to hunt big game like wolves makes them well-suited for working roles.
In recent times, they have also been used as guard dogs and search and rescue animals. Their natural guarding instincts and loyalty make them trustworthy protectors, while their keen senses and athleticism allow them to excel in search and rescue operations.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz, originating from Hungary, is a working breed known for their bravery and loyalty. Traditionally used as guard dogs for sheep and other livestock, they are also well-suited for search and rescue missions and narcotics detection.
Their impressive size, at upwards of 30 inches tall and 100 pounds, has earned them the nickname “Gentle Giant.” However, despite their intimidating outward appearance, their gentle nature towards humans makes them great family companions in addition to working animals.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog, a working breed native to Finland, has a long history of serving as an effective hunting companion. Traditionally used for wild games like bear and elk hunting, they have more recently gained recognition for their effectiveness at managing problem wildlife.
With the ability to track and intimidate potential threats, these gentle giants have proven to be valuable partners in conservation efforts. Their bold yet controlled demeanor also makes them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as personal protection work.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Leonberger
The Leonberger is a working breed, originally bred in Germany as a rescue and retrieval dog. They are often used in search and rescue missions, as well as therapy work and assistance for individuals with disabilities.
In addition to their strength and agility, Leonbergers have an even temperament and confident presence, making them well-suited for working with people. These versatile dogs are also highly trainable, excelling in tasks such as carting and water rescue.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are another popular working dog breed that is known for its friendly nature and trainability. Labrador Retrievers were originally bred for retrieving game birds that had been shot by hunters, but they are now also used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and search and guard dogs.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a working breed known for their strength and loyalty. They were originally bred as guard dogs, and today they are often employed as police and military dogs.
Their muscular bodies make them excellent candidates for search and rescue operations, and their intimidating appearance helps them excel as guard dogs.
However, the Neapolitan Mastiff is intelligent and highly trainable, making them suitable for a variety of working roles.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Portuguese Water Dogs
Portuguese Water Dogs were originally bred to work alongside fishermen, helping with tasks such as retrieving lost nets and herding fish into enclosures. They are strong swimmers and have webbed feet, making them well-suited for water work.
Today, they are often used as assistance dogs in roles such as guiding the blind and detecting oncoming seizures. Their intelligence and trainability make them popular choices for working breeds. Beyond their work roles, Portuguese Water Dogs are also loving family companions.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are working dogs originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts in their namesake city of Rottweil, Germany. Today, they are commonly used as search and rescue dogs, as well as police and military working dogs. Their strength and intelligence make them well-suited for these tasks.
Moreover, Rottweilers are also known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them trusted guards and companions. While their imposing size can be intimidating to some, with proper training, Rottweilers make excellent working dogs and faithful friends.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a working breed known for its strength and endurance. They were originally used by the Samoyed people of Siberia to help with tasks like herding reindeer and pulling sleds.
They are often employed as search and rescue dogs, as well as sled dogs in competitive races. Their thick, white coats make them well-suited for colder climates, and their friendly demeanor helps them work well with teams.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a working dog, originally bred to hunt and guard. They are known for their courage and loyalty, making them excellent guard dogs and capable police dogs.
The Giant Schnauzer is a larger version of the Standard, often used as a guard dog for livestock or as a search and rescue dog. These muscular dogs also excel in agility and obedience competitions. Despite their strong work ethic, Standard Schnauzers also make loving companions and are quite playful with children.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Saint Bernard
From their origins as Alpine rescue dogs, Saint Bernards have always been known for their hard work and bravery. These gentle giants excel at avalanche rescue, using their keen sense of smell to track buried victims under the snow.
But it wasn’t just lost climbers that Saint Bernards were called upon to save – the famous St. Bernard Hospice in Switzerland employed these dogs to bring vital supplies, including medicinal brandy, to travelers stranded in the mountains during harsh winter storms.
Today, you can still find Saint Bernards working alongside search and rescue teams and serving as therapy dogs for those in need of comfort.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Siberian Husky
The strong and majestic Siberian Huskies have a crucial role as working dogs. They were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
These intelligent and team-oriented canines assist in various activities, including carting, sledding, skijoring, backpacking, and search and rescue operations.
Siberian Huskies’ compact yet robust bodies make them well-equipped for enduring harsh climates and long distances. Beyond their practical skills, the friendly Siberian Husky is also known for making a wonderful pet.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Swiss Mountain Dogs
These regal giants hail from the Swiss Alps, where they were originally bred to pull carts and herd livestock. However, their talents extend far beyond those traditional roles. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog excels at search and rescue, weight pulling, carting, drafting, and obedience competitions.
With their unflappable bravery and attention to detail, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs make for dedicated working pups.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Standard Poodle
Although often thought of as simply fancy show dogs, Standard Poodles are also incredibly capable working dogs. They excel at search and rescue, water retrieving, agility, and even bomb detection. With their high intelligence and eagerness to please, they are able to quickly learn new tasks and commands.
Standard Poodles also have a unique coat that helps them excel in their jobs – their curly hair provides insulation against extreme temperatures and protects sensitive areas of their body from harsh terrain.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is often seen as a regal and mysterious breed, with their thick coats and imposing size. But beyond their impressive appearance, they are also known for their skills as working dog breeds.
These powerful canines have been used for centuries to guard livestock on the steep mountain slopes of Tibet. Their natural instincts make them fearless protectors, and their thick fur allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Image Credit: Kim / Adobe Stock
General traits of working dog breeds
- Working dogs are bred for their intelligence, strength, and obedience.
- Working dogs are often used in law enforcement, as service animals, or in search and rescue operations.
- Some working dog breeds are also used as therapy dogs or assistance dogs.
Tips for owners of working dogs
-
Training
One of the most important things you can do for your working dog is to make sure that they are properly trained. Working dogs must undergo extensive training in order to be able to perform their duties.
-
Socialization
It is also important to socialize your service dog so that they are comfortable around people and other animals. This will help them to be calm and relaxed in situations where they may be working and will make it easier for them to do their job.
-
Exercise
Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for working dogs as it helps to keep them healthy and fit. Make sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to exercise, both on their own and with you.
-
Proper Diet
A healthy diet is also essential for dogs, as it helps to keep them strong and energized. Feed your dog high-quality food that is designed for working dogs, and make sure to give them plenty of fresh water throughout the day.
FAQs
What is the best type of working dog?
The best type of working dog is one that is bred for and has been specifically trained for the type of work it will be doing. There are many different types of working dogs, and each has its own unique set of skills and abilities that make it well-suited for a specific job.
What are working dogs bred for?
Dogs have been bred for different working purposes for centuries. Some of the most common types of working dogs include sled dogs, hunting dogs, service dogs, and police dogs. Each type of dog has been bred specifically for the tasks that they will be performing.
Sled dogs are bred to be strong and able to pull heavy loads over long distances. Hunting dogs are bred to have sharp senses of smell and sight, as well as a strong desire to track down prey. Service dogs are bred to be gentle, obedient, and reliable in stressful situations. Police dogs are bred to have a strong sense of smell, aggression, courage, and perseverance.
What is the difference between service dogs and guard dogs?
Service dogs are trained to do specific tasks for their handler, such as guiding the blind or pulling a wheelchair. Guard dogs, on the other hand, are bred and trained to be aggressive toward intruders and protect their property.
