Working Breeds

The Akita is a breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. It was originally bred as a hunting dog, known for its courage, strength, and loyalty. The Akita is a large breed, with a sturdy build and thick, dense coat that can be either smooth or rough.

The Akita's breeding history can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was developed as a hunting dog for the Japanese imperial court. During World War II, the breed was nearly extinct, but was saved by American soldiers who brought the dogs back to the United States. The Akita became a popular breed in America, with the American Kennel Club recognizing it in 1972.

The Akita has a rich show history, with the breed's first show being held in Japan in the early 1900s. Today, Akitas compete in various dog shows around the world, including the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed has also gained popularity as a companion animal, known for its devotion and loyalty to its family. The Akita is a dignified and powerful breed, with a distinctive appearance and proud personality.

The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful dog breed, originally bred by the indigenous Inuit people of Alaska for sledding and hauling heavy loads over long distances. They are known for their strength, endurance, and loyalty, as well as their thick, dense coats that protect them from the harsh Alaskan climate. Alaskan Malamutes are friendly and affectionate dogs, but they can also be independent and stubborn at times.

The Alaskan Malamute's breeding history can be traced back thousands of years, to the time when the Inuit people relied on these dogs for survival. They were used for sledding, hunting, and guarding, and were highly valued for their strength and reliability. Over time, the breed became well-established in Alaska, and the Alaskan Malamute was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935.

The Alaskan Malamute is eligible to participate in various events and shows, including sledding events, weight pulling, and conformation shows. These events showcase the breed's strength, endurance, and versatility, as well as its beauty and elegance. Although the Alaskan Malamute is a popular and beloved breed, it is not suited for everyone and requires a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. But for those who are able to provide the right environment, the Alaskan Malamute is a wonderful and rewarding companion.

Bernese Mountain Dogs, nicknamed Berners, originated in the Swiss Alps as a guard dog. They have a distinct tri-color coat and are known for their large frame, weighing in around 135 lbs (60 kgs). They are known for having a self-confident, alert and good-natured temperament. The Bernese Mountain Dog is officially recognized by all major registries such as AKC and FCI.

The Boxer originated in Germany in the late 19th century, and is believed to have been developed from a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed. The breed was initially used as a hunting dog, with its strength and tenacity making it well-suited for hunting game such as boar and bear. The breed quickly gained popularity in Germany and became a popular breed for police and military work.

In the early 20th century, the Boxer was introduced to other countries, including the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a companion animal and as a show dog. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904. Today, the Boxer is one of the most popular breeds in the United States and is widely used as a companion animal, as well as for obedience and protection work. The breed is known for its playfulness, loyalty, and protectiveness, making it a beloved pet for families and individuals alike. The Boxer is also known for its muscular build, distinctive wrinkled face, and energetic personality, making it a unique and recognizable breed.

These large dogs are originally from Southern Italy where they were used as guard dogs. They share similar breeding and origins as the Neapolitan Mastiff and generally are colored black or fawn. The breed name is also a bit tricky for English speakers to pronounce (kah-neh kor-so) with the first word being two syllables.

Doberman Pinschers, or just simply "Dobermans", are a highly intelligent, alert, and extremely loyal breed making them the perfect candidate to be trained as a guard dog. While historically they've fit the mold for being a great personal protection, police or war dog, today's Dobermans have been bred and trained to have a much more good-natured temperament making them a common domestic house dog.

Mastiffs, also known as English Mastiffs, are very large in size. Males can be over 4 feet tall and weigh more than 200 pounds. They generally have massive heads that contain a black mask. The color of Mastiffs can vary, but you'll often find them in fawn, beige, apricot or brindle coats.

The Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds with historical records dating back to ancient Rome. At the turn of the 20th century they were known for being police dogs and handling various heavy-duty tasks due to their muscular build. Rottweilers have a medium-large frame between 22-27 inches (55 - 70 cm) and usually weigh around 75 to 110 pounds (35 to 50 kg). Their muscular build combined with their short black coat and brown/rust markings gives the Rottweiler their distinct look. Although they might look intimidating, Rotties make wonderful companions with their calm, confident, and courageous temperament.

The roots of the Samoyed can be traced back to Siberia where they were used as working dogs for pulling sleds, hunting and herding. They are known for their thick, double-layered, white coats, but can also have biscuit colored ears but are usually colored solid white. For more breeds like the Samoyed, see other dog breeds from the Spitz family.

Originally bred in Switzerland, the Saint Bernard was a guard dog for the hospice at the Italy-Swiss border, and a hard working dog trained to locate and help rescue travers in the mountains. While large dogs, this breed is extremely affectionate and caring. Many people were introduced to the breed from the 1990s movie "Beethoven", and also from the Disney movie "Peter Pan", where Nana the Saint Bernard watches over the nursery.