Working Breeds

The Akita breed traces its origins back to Japan and the breed has split into two separate breeds over time. The American version of the Akita comes in many different colors and can even be found with a long-coat although the longer coat is considered a fault at dog shows.

Having a double coat with undercoats that can be up to two inches think, Malamutes are bred for colder weather. They are used as sled dogs or just recreational pets and share some common ancestry with Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, but are a separate breed that can be traced to the Northern Alaskan region.

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.

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.

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 English Mastiffs can vary, but you'll often find them in fawn, beige, apricot or brindle coats.

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.