There are one hundred ninety-six (196) breeds registered in AKC and each one of them has been categorized as one of the following seven groups:
- Terrier
- Sporting
- Non-Sporting
- Toy
- Hound
- Herding
- Working
But in this article, let us take a closer look at the robust, disciplined, and headstrong group of dogs, which is the working group. The working dog breed is composed of a variety of skilled, intelligent, and active dogs that are often not for inexperienced owners. Novice owners often find these powerful and physically active dogs unmanageable. This group is excellent at being guardians of property and livestock, police dogs, rescue dogs, and sled dogs. These working dogs come in various sizes and shapes— from small working dog breeds to large ones. But most of them are big and powerful ones.
Working Dog Breeds
- Komondor
- Akita
- Bernese Mountain
- Alaskan malamute
- Saint Bernard
- Newfoundland
- Doberman pinscher
- Boxer
- Russian Terrier
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Great Pyrenees
- Great Dane
- Giant Schnauzer
- Siberian husky
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Standard Schnauzer
Some of these trained dogs don’t acknowledge orders from strangers — only from their owners. Thus, if you are an owner, make sure to keep these dogs away from fragile objects and vulnerable people especially kids. It is because most of them can pose significant threat. Now let’s talk about each of these dogs’ physical and mental qualities.
Komondor
This dog is indeed a great investment. It looks like an English sheepdog but its unique corded coat is what sets it apart from the rest. Its coat also serves an essential purpose which is to camouflage, enabling them to flock with sheep and shock its attackers. There is no wonder why this dog makes an excellent guard dog for other vulnerable animals.
Akita
This dog breed is most loved in Japan as people there have actually dedicated a monument for this large, intelligent breed. For some, Akita symbolizes health and well-being.
Bernese Mountain
These dogs are more likely to be known as burly and bounding workhorses than work dogs. Why? It is because there were meant to be bred for pulling and drafting. They can possibly pull things that are 10 time the weight of their body. Well, that’s approximately around one thousand pounds.
Alaskan malamute
These dogs are known as Arctic’s original explorers. The first malamutes ever born actually worked as sled dogs and hunters. They are built to run in long distances and travel through snowy roads because of their devoted and fearless character.
Saint Bernard
Their sense of smell is extraordinary. This breed is also known to detect something or someone who is buried under snow— even those that are buried 20 feet below! There is no questioning why this breed acts as travelers’ refuge and is extremely valued by some monks in St. Bernard Hospice.
Newfoundland
Some people call them Newfies. Well, whatever their name is, it is obvious that they are majestic, enduring, and really great swimmers. With their strength and endurance to withstand harsh water temperatures and break ice, there’s no doubt these dogs are born to be water rescuers. If there is one dog you could immediately toss into deep blue waters, worry-free, it is the Newfoundland.
Doberman pinscher
These dogs are loving and fiercely loyal to selected people— most probably their owner. They are one of the several most intelligent breeds that work as guard dogs; however, careless breeders might witness their problematic behavior.
Boxer
If your face is being slurped by this dog, just don’t get surprised by it because boxers hold the honor of having the longest tongue among all dog breeds. These dogs were also one of the first dog breeds to help the military and police.
Russian Terrier
Russian Terrier dogs are meant to be military working dog breeds. They are scientifically developed and born to become a boss breed. Scientists had actually combined seventeen (17) breeds of dogs in order to formulate this extremely rare and majestic breed. These smart dogs work for the military and are impressively robust and agile.
Anatolian Shepherd
These breeds were not bred to be sheep herders but they act as livestock’s protectors and guard dogs. They are large working dog breeds, hardy, independent and loyal.
Great Pyrenees
This is indeed one of the best working dog breeds. Why? Well, this big white fur ball is an excellent climber and has extremely high endurance that are used to move or transport contrabands in mountains.
Great Dane
If you have noticed that there is something strange going on in your front yard, you surely would need to ask your Great Dane for help. Well, they would even notice strange occurrences earlier than human beings do. Anyone who is accustomed to spending time with these large dogs would know that they are one of the world’s largest lapdogs.
Giant Schnauzer
If you own a Giant Schnauzer, you surely would know how these dogs need speed. They seem to apply speed in everything they do. These speedy and versatile dogs always crave adrenaline. They too have a herding instinct.
Siberian husky
Some people may treat Huskies as house pets. However, these robust dogs are actually sled dogs. They do awesome work in pulling sleds and they often do these in groups. Although they can be naughty and stubborn sometimes, when trained consistently, these dogs make excellent workers.
Tibetan Mastiff
Although they look imposing, Tibetan Mastiffs are so loving and affectionate. They are actually bred to shield villagers from the Himalayas. Until today, this dog breed is still as highly respected as it was before. Aside from being good companions, they are also strong guardians.
Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzers were originally bred and developed to guard German farmers’ carts while they sell their goods at the market. Since 1990, these dogs have been powerful competitors in dog shows. They are good at sniffing out illegal substances, bombs, assisting police search, rescue missions, and also serve as hearing and therapy dogs.
With proper mental and physical exercise, consistent training, and a healthy diet, these working dogs will be the perfect guardian and rescuer. They can easily catch up as they are very smart and determined. But without exercise and training, they will be hard to handle— and sometimes dangerous.