American Dog Breeds

While dogs, as we know them today, are all ancestors of the wolf, different countries have carefully selected certain traits to create numerous different breeds. Just because some breeds were created in the same country, however, does not necessarily mean they will share the same traits. For example, American breeds look wildly different from one another in shape, size, and color! So here’s a list of American dog breeds that are not only unique but that will also steal your heart!

Alaskan Malamute

As their name suggests, the Alaskan Malamute hails from the harsh and punishing cold of Alaska. This is a large, muscular dog that was bred to pull sleds. Their dense coat is excellent for keeping them warm. This breed is extremely intelligent. However, the Alaskan Malamute has a bit of an independent streak, which can make them difficult to train.

Rat Terrier

While we don’t know the exact origins of this breed’s name, some suggest that its name was created by none other than Teddy Roosevelt! This small breed is tough and compact, making it perfectly built for hunting rats. This dog was essential on any American farm, where they were used as watchdogs, hunting partners, and playful companions.

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a hairless breed that is always on the lookout. This energetic dog loves to play and is extremely loyal to its owners. Despite their name, some American Hairless Terriers have a coat of short fur. If you choose to adopt a hairless variety, you will be pleased to find that it is hypo-allergenic, making this breed a great choice for dog-lovers with allergies.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of those classic American dogs. One of the most distinctive traits of this dog is that its coat is wavy, giving it a beautiful and unique appearance. This breed is a go-to for many hunters, as they are intelligent and usually quite easy to train. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can also excel as a watchdog or even just as a loving companion.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is the perfect dog for an apartment. This breed is small and sturdy, enjoys the company of people, and is gentle by nature, making it well-suited to life in the city. The Boston Terrier has alert, triangular ears and a square face. Their coat is short and dense, and their black and white coloration looks just like it is wearing a tuxedo!

Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel has a curly, deep brown coat and large, fluffy ears. They were bred as hunting companions, particularly for the waterfowl that live near lakes. As a result, the Boykin Spaniel is an excellent swimmer. However, this friendly breed also makes a wonderful companion at home.

Australian Shepherd

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was actually bred in California! Also known affectionately as “Aussies,” Australian Shepherds are the dog of choice for any cowboys or animal herders. They have a distinctive mottled coat and long, thick fur. This energetic and intelligent dog needs plenty of enrichment to stay happy, so they do best in an active home.

Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a lovable American hound with a sweet, gentle temperament. They have long, soft ears and a soulful look in their eyes.

While they enjoy spending time lying around the house, Black and Tan Coonhounds are also notorious for running after anything exciting. These dogs are not for the faint of heart, but if you have the patience for their spontaneous bursts of energy, then this dog could be perfect for you!

Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog thrives best with owners who have previous experience with dogs. This is an independent and territorial breed that can become aggressive if not well-socialized at a young age. However, if they have been properly trained, Catahoula Leopard Dogs can become some of the most fiercely loyal dog breeds in the world.

American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a highly capable hunting, farm, and protection dog that evolved from the Old English Bulldog in the southern United States. It is particularly well-known for its skill and power as a catch dog when hunting wild boar.

There are several different varieties of the breed including the heavily built Johnson type, Scott (or performance type), Painter, Old Southern White, along with the Hybrid American Bulldog (which is a mixture of these types).

American Pitbull Terrier

While today it is mainly a companion the American Pitbull Terrier is a working breed that was created for the purpose of hunting and dog fighting. The American Pitbull Terrier is a medium-sized dog with males typically weighing sixty pounds at the most, and females generally not exceeding fifty.

This is a breed that is extremely athletic, loyal, and tough as nails. At the same time, it is also gentle with people and particularly children. Because of this trait, in the past, it was widely known as the “nanny dog” in the United States.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Also called the AmStaff for short, the American Staffordshire Terrier shares its roots with the American Pitbull Terrier. However, the breeds diverged as the American Staffordshire Terrier was bred for a more strict appearance while the American Pitbull Terrier was bred for its working ability and gameness.

Today the Amstaff is recognized by the AKC while the American Pitbull Terrier is not. This is a stocky and powerful dog that comes in every coat color.

American Foxhound

A descendant of the English Foxhound, this American dog breed was created to be both a lighter and faster dog. Like other hounds, it has a loud bark, although the American Foxhound’s bark is considered to be much more pleasing to the ear. This is a high-energy hunter that requires a lot of exercise and patience when training.

Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog is a breed that looks like a dingo, in fact, it looks so similar that it is also called the American Dingo. Its appearance is sometimes compared to that of a jackal or a wolf as well. This is a primitive breed of dog that can still be found living in wild packs in isolated areas of the southeastern United States.

Blue Lacy Dog

The Blue Lacy Dog is one of the most lovable American dog breeds. They became the official state dog of Texas in 2005, and their popularity has soared ever since. This is an energetic dog breed that is both intelligent and easy to train. While not for novice owners, life with a Blue Lacy is sure to be rewarding.

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