The Working Dogs

As the name implies, working dogs were bred to perform a variety of tasks to aid humans such as to guard over persons, property, livestock and/or sledding, and carting. These working dogs are among the largest, strongest, courageous, hardiest, and undeniably loyal of all breeds. They are also very gentle and sociable towards friends and family but fierce when provoked.

Physical correction is best not enforced when working with these dogs as most of us will never be able to win physically. Consistent, firm training will keep them submissive and loyal to you. I do not recommend these dogs to first-timer or inexperience owner. Most are very dominant and territorial. Working dogs require a confident owner with strong leadership skills.

Working Dogs are divided into four sub-categories: The Sled Dogs, The Rescue dogs, The Personal Protection and Serviceman Dogs, and The Property Guarding Dogs.

The Sled Dogs

Also known as Northern* breeds under UKC breed groupings, these dogs were first bred to pull sleds and/or cart. Their thick, insulated coat protects them from the cold. Warm climate makes them miserable. These dogs shed year round and require regular brushing. If you are fastidious, these dogs aren’t for you to keep. However, if you like a large, friendly, and powerful dog, someone who you can play with in the snow, then this is the breed for you. Early obedience training and socialization are required for these dogs, as well as regular exercise. These dogs do well with an active family in the country or suburbs.

List of Sled Dogs:

• Alaskan Malamute*
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Black Russian Terrier
• Samoyed*
• Siberian Husky*

The Rescue Dogs

These are large dogs with dense coats and strong, powerful bodies that enables them to perform their rescue in cold water or weather. They don’t make good guard dog because of their affectionate, fun-loving, and playful nature. Excellent family pet and enjoys the company of children as long as they don’t roughhouse. A rural or suburban home is much preferred, although they can adapt to city life as long as they have enough room.

List of Rescue Dogs:

• Newfoundland
• Saint Bernard

The Personal Protection and Serviceman Dogs

These large, powerful dogs are bred to guard. They are strong, intelligent, and devoted to their owners. They are affectionate to their families but aloof with strangers. Early training, socialization, and daily exercise are mandatory otherwise they can become too aggressive and out of control. These dogs have independent minds who need a confident and experienced owner. A suburban or rural home is best but it can adapt to apartment life as long as you provide ample exercise.

List of Personal Protection Dogs:

• Boxer
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Pinscher
• Giant Schnauzer
• Standard Schnauzer
• Rottweiler

The Property Guarding Dogs

If you are looking for a strong dog with a muscular and powerful body, a dog who will protect your family and your territory, then these guarding dogs may suit you better. They are extremely loyal, devoted, and will literally protect you in any circumstances. Most of these dogs are patient and calm but independent-minded. They are also territorial who, without proper training and early socialization, can become overly aggressive and dominant. Not ideal family pet under inexperienced handlers. Property guarding dogs are adaptable to most living situations, equally suited to city, suburban, or rural life. They are definitely unsuitable living in a small apartment even you walk them six times a day.

List of Property Guarding Dogs:

• Akita
• Anatolian Shepherd Dog
• Bullmastiff
• Great Dane
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• Great Pyrenees
• Komondor
• Kuvasz
• Mastiff
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Tibetan Mastiff

Conclusion: Another important aspect you’ve to consider before adopting these dogs, besides being an experienced, firm, and consistent handler, is their physical requirement.

Due to their gigantic size, working dogs have giant-size needs. They require more food, more room space, moderate to active lifestyle, higher grooming and veterinary cost, and frequent eliminations not to mention in large quantity you can possibly imagine. They are certainly high maintenance dogs. So if you don’t have extra accommodating space and financial resources, you might want to consider adopting their smaller relatives—hmm, like small dogs!