Working dog breeds are not for the faint of heart for three major reasons. First of all, they’re enormous dogs. These canines have spent centuries hauling heavy carts for trade workers, standing alongside soldiers in wartime and keeping watch over cows and sheep, among other immensely important jobs. Naturally they’re going to be big and strong! Second, working dog breeds are known for their headstrong personalities. Many tend to make their own decisions and do what they believe is right. This brings us to reason number three: their undying loyalty. When presented with danger, working dog breeds will defend their people and their turf no matter what. This means making split second decisions based on the information at hand. The result is a collection of pups who love deeply, don’t take kindly to strangers (for the most part) and excel at making you feel safe.
35 Working Dog Breeds That Are as Strong as They Are Cuddly
Owning a working dog breed
Technically, you’ll never own a working dog breed. These animals see themselves as true members of the family. In fact, they may consider themselves a tier above. Many are highly intelligent and, while they learn quickly, won’t always obey commands if the situation tells them otherwise. This isn’t to say they are ill-behaved—quite the contrary! Effective and firm training is simply the key to a successful working dog relationship.
Since many working breeds come from long lines of guard dogs (aka, patrolling territory and alerting their families to, and even attacking, intruders), an aversion to strangers is common. Socialization with other puppies and people during puppyhood is imperative to develop a well-trained dog who can safely co-exist with others.
There are definitely some breeds on our list known for being kid-friendly dogs. These are much less stubborn and independent canines who have grown into good-natured, snuggly pets. Keep in mind that children should always be involved in training sessions, too. Some big dogs don’t know how scary they can be when they get riled up. Pairing kids and dogs together right away is a good way to familiarize all parties with respectful behavior.
1. Akita
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 70-130 pounds
Personality: Loyal, brave
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Akitas hail from Japan and are seen as symbols of good health and long life in Japanese culture. They excel at guarding the homestead and have dignified personalities. Big, fluffy and ready to defend, firm training early is necessary with the Akita. They’ll gladly bark at intruders (and smother you with love minutes later).
2. Alaskan Malamute
Height: 23-25 inches
Weight: 75-85 pounds
Personality: Playful, obedient
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Alaskan Malamutes (often called Mals) are pack dogs through and through. This means they thrive on family companionship and enjoy the company of other pets. Strong and active, Alaskan Malamutes are sled dogs unafraid of hard work. Take them hiking or swimming—just don’t leave them home alone for too long.
3. American Bulldog
Height: 20-25 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Personality: Friendly, confident
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Low to moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
American Bulldogs come from English Bulldogs brought to the Americas in the 1700s. Farmers used these strong pups in every way possible—to guard livestock, carry loads, catch predators and more. Today, they make great family pets, as long as they have healthy outlets for their energy. Interactive games are best for American Bulldogs!
4. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Height: 27-29 inches
Weight: 80-150 pounds
Personality: Independent, patient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Originally a herding breed, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs became more specialized over time and grew into unrivaled guardians. They are certainly independent and reserved but will go to the ends of the earth to protect their people. Anatolians have ancient bloodlines that go back thousands of years to the first domesticated canines in Asia, so they are well-versed in hard work.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Personality: Calm, Friendly
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
An incredibly popular family pet, Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, friendly and enormous. They shed a ton but it’s worth it to have a gentle, yet strong, companion animal at home. Unlike many other dogs bred to work, guard and herd on rough terrain, Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy meeting new people and are relatively easy to train.
6. Black Russian Terrier
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 80-130 pounds
Personality: Calm, protective
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate to high
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The American Kennel Club calls Black Russian Terriers imposing, massive and majestic. This makes sense since these large dogs were bred specifically for the Russian army by combining 17 (wow) unique breeds. Obedience training and socialization is always on the docket when you own a Black Russian Terrier. In return, they will guard you with everything they’ve got!
7. Boerboel
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 150-200 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, Confident
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Boerboels earned their working dog classification in South Africa where they protected homes and families from large predators. As big dogs themselves, they are imposing yet sweet (some even make excellent therapy dogs!). Calm and smart, Boerboels train easily as long as you start while they’re still young and malleable.
8. Boxer
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 50-80 pounds
Personality: Active, playful
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Low to moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
If you’re looking for an energetic, playful and athletic dog, look no further than the Boxer. These dogs make good pets for big families with kids (as long as the dog is trained and socialized with kiddos early). Boxers were bred in the 1800s in Germany for nobility as more manageable versions of large hunting dogs. Keep them active to keep them happy.
9. Bullmastiff
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, obedient
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Shedding Factor: Low to moderate
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
The result of breeding English Bulldogs with Mastiffs is the Bullmastiff, a large and confident dog happy to protect the home and family. While they can be playful with familiar faces, they do tend to be reserved with strangers. Some Bullmastiffs are actually quite content chilling at home, which means moderate exercise is necessary to keep them in shape.
10. Cane Corso
Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 90-120 pounds
Personality: Smart, loyal
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
With a past full of work on battlefields and farmlands, Cane Corso dogs have minds of their own. They definitely can learn commands but may choose when to obey them if not trained early. Cane Corso dogs are also confident in their skills and have a cooler, more aloof demeanor than some of the snuggly, lovey-dovey dogs on our list.
11. Chinook
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, patient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Developed in New Hampshire by an explorer who wanted to breed his own version of Alaskan sled dogs, Chinooks are one of the rarer breeds out there. They’ve got Siberian Husky and Mastiff DNA, making them strong, affectionate animals. Camping and hiking enthusiasts will find Chinooks to be willing and capable companions.
12. Doberman Pinscher
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, alert
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
A Doberman Pinscher’s reputation as a fearsome guard dog isn’t totally off. They certainly aren’t viscous, but they will go to great lengths to protect their families. Highly intelligent and energetic, Dobermans are also known for being affectionate with family members and great with kids. Leaving Dobermans home for long stretches alone is not an option.
13. Dogo Argentino
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 88-100 pounds
Personality: Brave, athletic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate to high
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
These powerful dogs are skilled athletes and smart hunters. The Dogo Argentino was bred in Argentina (duh) in the 1930s as a hunting and fighting dog. Today, those skills have translated into a devoted canine who isn’t afraid to step up to the plate when duty calls.
14. Dogue De Bordeaux
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 99-115 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, protective
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate to high
Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
Possibly as ancient as Caesar himself, Dogue de Bordeaux are mastiff-like pups with relatively even-keeled dispositions. Loyal and protective with large, wrinkly heads, Dogue de Bordeaux shouldn’t overexert themselves when it comes to exercise to prevent joint and bone injury. They tend to have sensitive, stubborn sides, so approach training with a loving (but firm) attitude.
15. Eurasier
Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Personality: Calm, affectionate
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
What do you get when you combine the sweet-natured Samoyed with the independent Chow Chow? A Eurasier! These are loyal family pets with even-keeled dispositions. Smart and adaptable, they love to protect. Always include your Eurasier in family activities and keep training interesting (so they don’t get sad or bored).
16. German Pinscher
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 25-45 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, playful
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Smart and alert, German Pinschers are known for their endurance. Small, compact and strong, they enjoy participating in agility competitions or any event that lets them burn steam (they’ve got plenty of energy to go around). If you’re in the market for a feisty, yet sensitive soul, go with a German Pinscher.
17. Giant Schnauzer
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Personality: Friendly, Obedient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Giant Schnauzers need ample exercise and lots of space in which to play. Another German breed, these pups have been known to guard homes, work in butcher shops and corral livestock. Though Giant Schnauzers have thick fur, they’re hypoallergenic making them ideal companions for families with allergy sufferers.
18. Great Dane
Height: 28-32 inches
Weight: 110-175 pounds
Personality: Patient, friendly
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
It should come as no surprise that Great Danes are working dogs, though it might be shocking to learn these mild tempered canines used to hunt wild boar! Today, Great Danes are incredibly sweet, patient and friendly animals, which means they can thrive in households with other pets and kids.
19. Great Pyrenees
Height: 25-32 inches
Weight: 85-110 pounds
Personality: Calm, sweet
Activity Level: Low
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Another gentle giant is the Great Pyrenees! These are enormous, white, fluffy dogs who are keen to say hello to everyone they meet. With hearts of gold, they happily protect their favorite people. Bred to work as guardians and shepherds in the Pyrenees mountains, Great Pyrenees do well in cold climates (just get ready to vacuum up their fur on a daily basis).
20. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Height: 23-29 inches
Weight: 85-140 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, social
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs resemble Bernese Mountain Dogs in color and temperament. Developed in Switzerland for guard dog status and hauling carts on farms, these dogs enjoy being in on the action. Give them a job to do or they’ll find one for themselves.
21. Hovawart
Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 65-90 pounds
Personality: Protective, loving
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Hovawarts today perform important roles as members of search and rescue teams. When initially bred in Germany they were used as guardians and trackers. Don’t ignore a disgruntled Hovawart as this means something’s wrong; they’re usually calm, sweet protectors but perk up at the first sign of trouble.
22. Karelian Bear Dog
Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 44-50 pounds
Personality: Confident, independent
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
These medium-sized dogs are known for their fearlessness and independence - two traits that serve them well during bear hunts. Karelian Bear Dogs are native to Finland where they are enormously popular among families and singles alike. Energetic and bold, they aren’t afraid to make a mess if you ignore them for too long.
23. Komondor
Height: 25-28 inches
Weight: 80-100+ pounds
Personality: Protective, independent
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Hungarian shepherds relied on Komondors to herd and protect large flocks of sheep in difficult terrain and weather. This is why their coats are so intricate! Incredibly protective, Komondors aren’t afraid to make their own rules about guarding their families. This means they may not gel well with other dogs in the household (you’re the only companion they want!).
24. Kuvasz
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Personality: Obedient, fearless
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Hundreds of years ago in Hungary, Kuvasz dogs watched over large flocks of sheep, ready to pounce if a predator approached. Today, this patient attitude and ability to leap to action at a moment’s notice still rings true. Kuvasz dogs are smart, quick learners and loyal to the bone.
25. Loenberger
Height: 25-32 inches
Weight: 90-170 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, goofy
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
What do you get when you combine three of the largest dog breeds around (St. Bernards, Newfoundlands and Great Pyrenees)? Another huge dog. Enter: Leonbergers. Sensitive and smart, they don’t do well if left to their own devices. Known for working rescue missions and therapy work, Leonbergers gotta have a job to do.
26. Mastiff
Height: 27-32 inches
Weight: 120-220 pounds
Personality: Courageous, patient
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Say hello to perhaps the largest (or heaviest) dog around. Mastiffs are enormous and have loving dispositions. Vigilant in their guardian duties, they’ve been protecting and working alongside humans for millennia. Today they are known for being gentle and friendly, though still very strong and eager to perform their duties.
27. Neapolitan Mastiff
Height: 24-31 inches
Weight: 110-150 pounds
Personality: Sweet, protective
Activity Level: Low
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Sure, Neapolitan Mastiffs look intimidating, but they may just be plotting a way to sit on your lap. These are super sweet pups with ancient history (they’ve been around for thousands of years and were formerly used in battle as fighters). Today, they’re generally mellow but do need regular exercise to stay fit.
28. Newfoundland
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 100-150 pounds
Temperament: Friendly, loving
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate to high
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Newfoundlands are Canadian dogs known for their swimming skills. They’ve been used by lumberjacks to pull wood and fishermen to lug nets. If you want a quiet, trainable dog who happens to be more than 100 pounds, go with a Newfie. (Not recommended for anyone averse to cleaning up drool or dog hair.)
29. Portuguese Water Dog
Height: 17-23 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Personality: Smart, athletic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Like Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs are known for working with fishermen and their crazy good swimming skills. They fit well with active, playful families and adapt well to a variety of households and environments. Since Portuguese Water Dogs are high energy, they need plenty of outdoor time.
30. Rottweiler
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 80-135 pounds
Personality: Confident, loving
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
Rottweilers are German dogs who have worked with the police and military, pulled carts for butchers and protected farms from harm. While they’re known as loyal protectors, they are definitely strong-willed and can develop aggressive streaks if not trained well early on. Rottweilers really love their people, which is why they have such a fierce reputation!
31. Saint Bernard
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 120-180 pounds
Personality: Charming, watchful
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Since Saint Bernards got their start running rescue missions in the Alps, they aren’t exactly hot weather animals. They thrive in cooler climates and in families with kids. Less intense than Rottweilers when guarding the home, Saint Bernards are still watchful pets who pride themselves on being helpful family members.
32. Samoyed
Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Personality: Sweet, adaptable
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Samoyeds and their lively personalities come from Siberia where they were used to haul goods, track animals, corral livestock and snuggle up to their owners at night. Smart and sweet, Samoyeds really love their people and happily join in any and every activity. Their hunting past could give them a high prey drive, so be aware while out on walks.
33. Siberian Husky
Height: 20-24 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Personality: Loyal, energetic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Like Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies are sled dogs made for the pack life. However, Huskies are more independent-minded and can be extra stubborn. This could make training difficult. At their best, Siberian Huskies learn quickly and have enough space in which to burn their ample energy.
34. Standard Schnauzer
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 30-50 pounds
Personality: Alert, lively
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Standard Schnauzers worked on German farms keeping pests away and guarding animals and crops. As companions, they are doting and adaptable. As dogs, they are active and clever. In general, like other working dogs, they can be stubborn.
35. Tibetan Mastiff
Height: 24-26 inches
Weight: 70-150 pounds
Temperament: Stubborn, mellow
Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Another ancient dog breed! Tibetan Mastiffs have been around for centuries guarding homes and protecting people. Their size and stature fit their role as a watchdog nicely. Unlike other large breeds who are well-suited for kids, Tibetan Mastiffs may become agitated with too much activity or sound. They prefer mellow environments to match their regal energy.
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