For many people, the Working Dogs are the favorite type of companion dog!

A Working dog can make an excellent pet. Though very diverse in appearance, all the working dogs are large, sturdy, and strong. They were developed to be workhorses and are quick to learn their tasks.These are considered to be some of the most intelligent of the dog breeds. With firm consistent training they will quickly learn obedience, skills, tasks, and tricks.

Though today these dogs are often valued more as companions than for their working abilities, many working dogs are still bred for a specific job. Some of work they are known for; rescue dogs, therapy dogs, Guide Dogs, and Search and Rescue Dogs. They also serve as a Police or Guard Dog.

Working Dog Breeds

Akita Inu

happy akita inu dog resting at the park
Image Credit: Kristina Chizhmar, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute in the forest
Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog
Image Credit: Othmar Sigrist, Pixabay

Canis lupus familiaris

Boxer

Boxer at the beach
Image Credit: Marco-willy, Pixabay

Canis lupus familiaris

Bullmastiff

a Brindle Bullmastiff dog
Image Credit: Jen Dunham, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Doberman Pinscher

doberman pinscher
Image Credit: Jen B, Unsplash

Canis lupus familiaris

Giant Schnauzer

giant schnauzer
Image Credit: Kwadrat, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Great Dane

brindle female american great dane dog
Image Credit: Tara Lynn and Co, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Great Pyrenees

two great pyrenees in the field
Image Credit: Danita Delimont, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Image Credit: Nadiia Diachenko, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Mastiff

Male English Mastiff
Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Newfoundland

Newfoundland
Image Credit: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Rottweiler

a rottweiler dog walking on grass
Image Credit: Avis_Colors, Pixabay

Canis lupus familiaris

Saint Bernard

saint bernard in winter
Image Credit: Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Samoyed

white female samoyed dog standing on a fallen log in the snow
Image Credit: Monika Hodanova, Shutterstock

Canis lupus familiaris

Dog Breed Information

   Working dog breeds were developed to watch over people, their property, and their livestock. As the term ‘working dog’ implies, these dogs do just that. They were bred and trained for different types of work. Throughout history they have been used to help guard estates and livestock, pull carts and sleds, as search and rescue dogs, serve in war and as a police dog, along with a multitude of other tasks.

   Some of the Working dogs were bred to have strong human bonds. They lived very closely with man, and become devoted pets as well as hard workers. As guardians they are generally gentle and affectionate towards their family, but they tend to be wary of strangers. Some of today’s favorites with a strong family bond include the Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, and Mastiff.

   Other Working dogs were bred to bond with and defend livestock. They lived close to their animal charges and would defend them with their lives if necessary. In general they have less of a natural affinity to people, but make excellent watchdogs. Some examples are the Maremma Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees. With good socialization and training, they can become very loyal to their owners.

   Working dogs from the northern climates that were bred to pull sleds, live with and have an affinity to their pack. These breeds tend to be most comfortable with other dogs and more aloof towards people but with good socialization they can become loyal companions. Many of these are highly favored, such as the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky, and the Samoyed. The gentle Saint Bernard and Newfoundland are also from colder climates. They are known for traditional search and rescue. So is the Bernese Mountain Dog, which is often depicted with a barrel of supplies tied around its neck.

Dog Types: Best Toy Dogs

   The Working Dogs include a wide range of dog breeds. In this group are some of the very best known and best loved dogs include:

  • Boxer
  • Schnauzer
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Great Dane

   Other favorites are:

  • Rottweiler
  • Siberian Husky
  • Mastiff
  • Akita
  • Bullmastiff
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Newfoundland
  • Samoyed
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Saint Bernard
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Dog Care Tips

   When looking at getting a working dog as a pet it is important to know what the dog was bred for, as some are not suitable as pets for the average family. Those that were bred for human companionship tend to be gentle with friends and family. But they are protective and can be reserved with strangers. They can also be fierce when provoked. Working dogs must be properly trained and socialized.


Featured Image Credit: Bernell, Pixabay