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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Dogs With Webbed Feet
Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do...
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...