Working Dog Breeds

Working dog breeds are intelligent and physically built so that they can help with labor-intensive work. They are generally good at guarding, sled-pulling, and transporting goods. Search and rescue dogs are typically from this group.

Some working dog breeds are the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Siberian Husky. You'll find information about the breeds in the Working Dog group in this section of tips.

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The following articles are available for the 'Working Dog Breeds' topic. Click the article''s title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.

   Alaskan Malamute
Strong and fast, the Alaskan Malamute is used primarily for racing and sledding in his native land. He is intelligent and affectionate.

   Bernese Mountain Dog
Said to be the most popular mountain dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog has primarily been used as a draft and companion. He is an excellent guard dog.

   Boxer
The Boxer possesses great strength and sturdiness. He is an excellent guard and service dog.

   Bullmastiff
A cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff the Bullmastiff is of very agile stock. He is fearless yet docile and has great endurance. He has been used with great success as a police dog.

   Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher was earlier bred for ferociousness, but is now considered to be quite docile unless provoked. His energy, watchfulness and fearless determination have made him a prime guardian.

   Giant Schnauzer
Rare in breed, the Giant Schnauzer has great strength and agility. He is high spirited and very reliable.

   Great Dane
Large and dignified, the Great Dane has been widely used as a watch dog. Despite his past reputation for ferocity, he is now considered to be gentle and friendly.

   Great Pyrenees
Highly intelligent and easy to train, the Great Pyrenees was widely used as a pack dog in World War II. He is trustworthy, loyal and devoted.

   Komondor
The komondor's unique coat acts as a disguise while herding and guarding sheep. He is an ideal guard dog and house companion due to his loyal and friendly disposition.

   Kuvasz
The Kuvasz has been used primarily in the Rocky Mountains for sheep herding. He is a great guardian, rarely wandering far from home.

   Mastiff
Once known as the largest dog in the world, the Mastiff was a gamekeeper's dog. He is ferocious in nature and was best used as a guard dog.

   Newfoundland
The Newfoundland's superior swimming skills proved useful while working on ships and docks. He has an excellent soundness and sweet disposition.

   Rottweiler
Closely related to the Doberman Pinscher, the Rottweiler has been used for pack work, guarding and police service. He is obedient, faithful and very intelligent.

   Saint Bernard
Massive in stature, the Saint Bernard is powerful and strong. He is very docile and sweet natured, but dangerous, due to his size, if provoked.

   Samoyed
The Samoyed is a working dog capable of withstanding the harshest elements. He is well mannered and affectionate yet courageous.

   Siberian Husky
Strong, smooth and graceful, the Siberian Husky has proven to be an excellent sled dog. His endurance is second to none.

   Standard Schnauzer
The eldest of the Schnauzer breed, the Standard Schnauzer has extraordinary ratting skills. He is very high spirited and reliable.