Some of our favorite dogs come from all over the world, but did you know some were born right here in the United States? Many were used as working dogs long before they became the lovable house pets we know today.
These breeds came from all over, but they all share one thing in common. They were created on American soil and are still thriving today. Take a look at our 12 all-American dog breeds.
The 12 All-American Dog Breeds
1. Alaskan Malamute
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Size: | 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black and White, Blue and white, White, Gray and White, Sable and White |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Playful, Hardworking |
| Weight: | 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female) |
As one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute was named after the Innuit Malamute tribe. They used to serve as pack animals to pull sleds across Alaska. Many are still used to move across the Arctic with ease. Alaskan Malamutes have amazing strength and stamina, and they love to work.
2. American Eskimo Dog
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
| Size: | 9–12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature), 15-19 inches (Standard) |
| Colors: | White |
| Temperament: | Playful, Intelligent, Perky |
| Weight: | 6–10 pounds (toy), 10–20 pounds (miniature), 25–35 pounds (standard) |
The American Eskimo Dog has a Nordic lineage. They were popular with German immigrants and later became popular with traveling circuses. The Eskie has amazing agility and an eye-catching white coat. One of the most impressive acts they performed during their circus days was tightrope walking. Today, they are pets and make great family dogs.
3. American Foxhound
| Lifespan: | 11–13 years |
| Size: | 22–25 inches (male), 21–24 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black, White, and Tan |
| Temperament: | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered, Intelligent |
| Weight: | 65–70 pounds (male), 60–65 pounds (female) |
Hunting was a huge part of life in colonial America, and the American Foxhound was born as a scent hound. They are energetic and easy to train but love to be moving at all times. Their hunting instincts proved useful in the early years. In fact, George Washington maintained a large pack of hounds at Mount Vernon for hunting various game.
4. American Water Spaniel
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Size: | 15–18 inches |
| Colors: | Brown, Chocolate, Liver |
| Temperament: | Eager, Happy, Energetic |
| Weight: | 30–45 pounds (male), 25–40 pounds (female) |
The origin of the American Water Spaniel is a mystery. They were probably developed in Wisconsin, where they have become the state dog. Water Spaniels were developed as water retrievers, and that is still in their DNA today. They love the water and are great at retrieving anything that is needed. They make great hunting dogs since their coat protects them from the water and weather.
5. American Staffordshire Terrier
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Size: | 18–19 inches (male), 17–18 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black, Cream, White, Slate, Red, Blue, Chocolate, Fawn |
| Temperament: | Confident, Smart, Loving |
| Weight: | 55–70 pounds (male), 40–55 pounds (female) |
You might know this dog under a completely different name. American Staffordshire Terriers are Pit Bull Terriers, and they came to America in the early 1800s. They were originally farm dogs because they were good for hunting and guarding the homestead. Today, they make lovely companions and guard dogs.
6. Australian Shepherd
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Size: | 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black, Blue Merle, Red, White markings, Tan Markings |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Work-Oriented, Energetic, Intelligent |
| Weight: | 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) |
Australian Shepherds weren’t developed in Australia, and their ancestors came from Spain and France as a result of crossbreeding smaller pups. When Australian farmers moved to the western United States, they refined the breed, and Australian Shepherds became known to the public. They are versatile and easily trainable, making them great to have on farms and ranches. Today, they are often kept as family pets, but these intelligent dogs love to work.
7. Black and Tan Coonhound
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Size: | 25–27 inches (male), 23–25 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black and Tan |
| Temperament: | Easy-going, Brave, Work-oriented |
| Weight: | 65–110 pounds |
Black and Tan Coonhounds were bred to hunt and track down big game. Like other hounds, the Black and Tan Coonhound has a long tail and floppy ears and loves to howl. They used to hunt deer, bears, boars, and even mountain lions. Their stamina is nothing to joke about and if they aren’t kept busy, they get bored quickly.
8. Boston Terrier
| Lifespan: | 11–13 years |
| Size: | 15–17 inches |
| Colors: | Black and White |
| Temperament: | Friendly, Bright, Calm |
| Weight: | 12–25 pounds |
You may have seen the Boston Terrier with the nickname the “American Gentleman.” The tuxedo markings make it easy to know this is an all-American dog. The English Bulldog and the English Terrier were used to develop the breed in Boston. They are calm dogs that love to relax on the couch with their owners.
9. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
| Lifespan:10–13 | years |
| Size: | 23–26 inches (male), 21–24 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Brown, sedge, Deadgrass |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive, Work-oriented |
| Weight: | 65–80 pounds (male), 55–70 pounds (female) |
This pup’s origin story features two puppies rescued from a shipwreck in 1807 off the coast of Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is renowned for retrieving waterfowl from the icy waters of the Chesapeake with no issue. Their coat is very dense and oily, which allows them to handle extreme weather conditions.
10. Cocker Spaniel
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Size: | 5–15.5 inches (male), 13.5–14.5 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black, White, Tan, Brown, Cream, Red |
| Temperament: | Gentle, Smart, Playful |
| Weight: | 25–30 pounds (male), 20–25 pounds (female) |
The Cocker Spaniel came to America in 1620 with the landing of the Mayflower. The name cocker from their skill at hunting and retrieving woodcocks. Today, there is an English Cocker Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel. The big difference between the two is the size and leg size. American Cocker Spaniels have shorter legs and are smaller.
11. Plott
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Size: | 20-25 inches (male), 20-23 inches (female) |
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Brown, Gray, Tan, White, Brindle, Buckskin, Maltese |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, Loyal, Intelligent, Alert |
| Weight: | 50-60 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) |
You won’t meet another American dog with such an interesting origin. Two brothers, the Plotts, left Germany and emigrated to America with three brindle and two buckskin Hanoverian Hounds. Over the course of the next 200 years, the Plott family bred the dogs to help them hunt. Many Plotts still perform that function today.
12. Toy Fox Terrier
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
| Size: | 8–11.5 inches |
| Colors: | White and Black, White and Tan, White Black and Tan, White and Chocolate |
| Temperament: | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent, Funny |
| Weight: | 5–7 pounds |
A small dog with the grace of an Olympian is what you get with a Toy Fox Terrier. They are incredibly intelligent and full of life. The Chihuahua and the Manchester Terrier were used to develop the Toy Fox Terrier. As the name suggests, Fox Terriers used to chase down foxes but now make excellent pets.
Conclusion
These 12 all-American dog breeds each have a unique start to their story, but all share the same place to call home. From the Alaskan Malamute to the Toy Fox Terrier, they each have remarkable skills and attributes. All of them are full of love and make great pets across the United States.
- You may also be interested in: Hanover Hound
Featured Image Credit: WilleeCole Photography, Shutterstock
