The Working Group is full of incredible canines that were bred to assist in the lives of their owners. These dedicated companions were bred for guarding property, pulling sleds and carts, and performing water and avalanche rescues. They are intelligent, active and loyal dogs that make wonderful pets in the right home. Here, we’re going to cover the American Kennel Club’s most popular working breeds.
#1 – Boxer
The Boxer is a German working breed used for guarding. In fact, they were one of the first breeds selected for police training in Germany. They are very energetic, intelligent dogs that make great companions for active families. Boxers are patient around children, but require early training and socialization to be suitable family members.
#2 – Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is perhaps one of the best guardian breeds today, still being used for its original purpose. They are intelligent, loyal, confident dogs that bond deeply with their families but are wary of strangers. Aside from their work as guardians, they have also been used as all-purpose farm dogs for herding and pulling carts.
#3 – Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a northern breed from Russia and is perhaps best known for its adventures as a sled dog. They are relatively independent dogs that are very active and do best in homes that can provide adequate physical and mental exercise. You may have heard of the famous Siberian Husky, Balto, who was one of the dogs that brought antitoxins through the Alaskan wilderness during the diphtheria outbreak in 1925.
#4 – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is an alert and loyal companion, bred for guarding, police and military work. They are intelligent and active dogs that need a job to do in order to fit in as suitable family companions. That said, they can be relatively easy to train and enjoy spending time with their families.
#5 – Great Dane
One of the largest dog breeds, the Great Dane actually belongs in the mastiff family. They were originally bred as hunting dogs to catch wild boar and other large game. Although their size makes them imposing, they are known for being gentle giants with a very goofy disposition. They are energetic and fun-loving dogs, always ready to love and play with their families.
#6 – Mastiff
The Mastiff, or English Mastiff as other registries call it, is a very large working breed. They are good-natured but courageous and noble. They were used for many bloodsports that are not happening today, such as bull-baiting and dog fighting. More appropriately, they are used as guardians to their families. They are known to be gentle giants and do very well around small children.
#7 – Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain dog is a loving, affectionate breed that was originally used for general farm work such as herding and drafting. They are very calm dogs despite their size and make great companions for small children and other animals.
#8 – Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is an amazing giant breed known for its lovable disposition. They were bred as lifesaving water rescue dogs and still perform this task today. Because they are used as rescue dogs, they must be affectionate, loyal and docile. This makes them great companions for families with children.
