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Dogs have been bred over thousands of years for many different reasons, one of which is ‘working’. Working dogs are a diverse group of large, strong, and intelligent dog breeds originally developed to assist humans in a multitude of tasks such as guarding property, herding livestock, pulling sleds, and performing search and rescue operations. These breeds love to have jobs and truly embody their ‘man’s best friend’ nickname. For many people, working dogs can make the ideal furry companions even if they don’t have a job. Some of the breeds originally developed for specific working skill sets are often valued more as companions than for their working abilities these days, but many are still bred for a particular job. Their innate abilities and trainability continue to make them effective in roles like therapy, police work, and personal assistance. Read on as we discuss 15 of the most popular and well-known working dog breeds to help you decide which might be the perfect addition to your life! 
The 15 Working Dog Breeds
1. Akita Inu
The Akita Inu dog breed originated in Japan and is renowned for its loyalty and bravery. Historically, Akitas were used to guard royalty and nobility, reflecting their instinctive sense of responsibility and protectiveness. They form deep bonds with their families and are very affectionate, loving dogs. Nowadays they make great therapy dogs due to their calm and affectionate personalities as well as still being great guard dogs and family companions.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Bred for strength and endurance, the Alaskan Malamute is a powerful Arctic sledding dog. They have friendly and outgoing personalities and are great additions to active households that can meet their high exercise needs. Historically they were used to haul heavy loads over long distances in icy terrain, making this breed incredibly sturdy and strong, and who wouldn’t love their striking, wolf-like appearance?
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Originating in the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant with a rich history as a versatile working breed. These dogs were used by farmers in alpine locations to do just about everything, including guarding and herding cattle and pulling carts. They are particularly well-suited for families, as they form strong bonds with children and other pets.
4. Boxer
The Boxer is an intelligent, high-energy, athletic dog breed that was initially bred for hunting and guard-dog duties, but due to their playful and loving nature, they quickly became a favorite as family pets. Anyone who has met a boxer knows that they have a goofy side and have an insatiable appetite for playtime and exercise. They have strong protective instincts which makes them great watchdogs and will form deep bonds with their family making them very loyal companions.
5. Bullmastiff
Developed in England during the 19th century, the Bullmastiff was bred to protect large estates and game preserves from poachers. Courageous and loyal, these dogs are fearless protectors who maintain a calm and gentle demeanor with their families. Bullmastiffs may look imposing, but they are affectionate and make excellent family companions. They require a lot of training to keep tabs on their strong guarding instincts, but if you’ve got the time they will become some of the most loving and loyal pets you can find.
6. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek and powerful breed recognized for its intelligence and loyalty. They were originally developed in 1890 by a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman to protect him when he visited dangerous areas. The Doberman excels in demanding roles such as police work, search and rescue, and personal protection. With proper care, training, and socialization, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions.
7. Giant Schnauzer
As the largest of the Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer is a robust and intelligent dog with a history rooted in guarding and driving livestock in Germany. Giant Schnauzers are quite reserved by nature so they require a lot of socialization early on to prevent behavioral problems, and they also tend to get a bit destructive when bored so it’s important to keep them stimulated. That said, these dogs are fiercely loyal and make great companions for experienced dog owners, but probably aren’t the best choice for your first dog as they can be a handful.
8. Great Dane
The Great Dane is generally considered to be the largest dog breed, at least in terms of height. Despite their massive size, these dogs are affectionate and gentle, earning them a reputation as gentle giants. They were originally bred in Germany as hunting and guard dogs but are now popular companion dogs due to their calm and affectionate nature. Their loyalty and friendly personalities make them great for families, as long as they have enough space to accommodate their huge size.
9. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a giant French dog breed, known for being wonderful family companions. They’re big, fluffy, loveable dogs but can be fierce guard dogs if the situation calls for it. Originally bred for protecting livestock, these dogs form strong bonds with their families and are generally great with children due to their gentle, patient nature.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of Switzerland’s oldest breeds and was originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog, tasked with pulling carts, herding livestock, and guarding properties. These are large and strong dogs and require a moderate amount of exercise, and their affectionate and protective nature makes them great both as family dogs as well as reliable watchdogs.
11. English Mastiff
Holding the title of the heaviest dog breed, the English Mastiff is a truly impressive and imposing breed. Known for their immense size and strength, they were historically used to protect estates and livestock from intruders. Despite their massive size, English Mastiffs are very docile and laid-back dogs, but they will require a decent amount of training to make sure that they are obedient and listen to commands.
12. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog breed was, unsurprisingly, developed in Newfoundland, Canada. Originally, they were bred by local fishermen to be used as all-purpose working dogs, with tasks such as hauling nets or rescuing people from the water. These dogs are great swimmers due to their muscular build and webbed paws, but they are sometimes known as “rug” dogs due to their tendency to spend a lot of time lazing around. Their thick, water-resistant coats and calm nature make them well-suited for active families who love outdoor adventures!
13. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a strong and confident breed with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire, where they were used as herding and guarding dogs. Today, Rottweilers excel in a variety of roles, including police work, search and rescue, and as loyal family protectors. They have a muscular build and keen intelligence and can be difficult to train for inexperienced owners. However, given the right training and attention, Rottweilers will make loving and loyal pets.
14. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are an iconic and extremely recognisable breed, due to their massive size and distinctive appearance. They were initially used to guard monks and visitors of the Great Saint Bernard Hospice in the 17th century and eventually gained a reputation for saving lives at the Swiss/Italian border of the Alps. These dogs are as loving and friendly as they come, making them cherished family pets.
15. Samoyed
The Samoyed breed originated in Siberia and has a history that dates back around 1000 years. The Samoyedic people depended on these dogs for hunting, herding, and keeping them warm at night. Samoyeds are highly intelligent animals that require significant exercise and attention from their owners, but if you’ve got the time then they will become incredibly loyal and loving pets.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Working Dog Breed
When selecting a working dog breed, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, living situation, and the specific needs of the breed. Many working dogs require significant physical activity, mental stimulation, and strong leadership. Their size, energy levels, and instincts can greatly influence how well they adapt to your home and routine. Also think about grooming requirements, how well the breed is known to get along with children and other pets, and whether you can provide the training and attention these intelligent breeds need. Providing you keep these things in mind when deciding on the right breed for you, these dogs can all make excellent additions to your life and are loveable, loyal, and helpful companions.
Conclusion
Working dogs have some of the most fascinating histories of all types of dog breeds, as they were often developed for quite specific reasons to the regions where the humans lived and required assistance. These breeds showcase dedication, intelligence, and versatility, and by understanding the unique traits and requirements of each breed, you can find the perfect canine companion to match your lifestyle and needs.
Featured Image Credit: Ksenia Lada, Shutterstock
