For some dog breeds, companionship is defined as their ability to work alongside their owners. Therefore, this rare canine friendship is not a cup of tea for every dog present in their kingdom. The working dogs are born to serve with devotion and selfless love. The right way of ownership makes this bond stronger and lifelong.
These dogs have spent many generations assisting mankind in physically demanding roles, writing history with a golden pen. Today’s working dogs’ strength and endurance come from the intelligence, muscular build, and remarkable stamina that they have taken from their ancestors.
Remember, these dogs thrive in environments where their instincts are channeled correctly. Understanding history and their temperament will help the future owners to appreciate their need for activity and leadership.
With the courage to perform demanding tasks, these dogs not only thrive in those kinds of activities but also bring loyalty and love together.
Fun Fact: The sled-pulling dog breeds have the ability to travel over 100 miles in a single day while hauling loads across snow and ice.
Powerful Working Dog Breeds That Excel in Physical Tasks
1. Alaskan Malamute
Originally bred as sled dogs, Alaskan Malamutes used to haul heavy loads in the form of packs at quite high speeds, reflecting their strength and power at the same time. Moreover, these dogs were also used to hunt seals and polar bears for the tribes they were named after.
Nicknamed Mals, this large dog breed can be trained as family pets, as they are known to have trainability and a highly affectionate nature. Since they are ranked as working dogs, proper physical activity and mental stimulation are important factors to keep them healthy and happy.
Alaskan Malamutes thrive in an active lifestyle, and after burning off their energy levels, they offer lots of cuddles and love to their humans. They are intelligent dogs, but also strong willed, introduction of positive reinforcement methods works well during training sessions, says PetMD.
2. Rottweiler
Today’s Rottweilers are known for their black and gold coats, muscular build, and magnificent versatile working era. According to the AKC, these big dogs hail from Germany and were originally bred as herding dogs, as well as sled dogs, by the Roman army.
Rotties are not only considered excellent guard dogs in homes but also found as search and rescue dogs assisting law enforcement agencies, making them one of the most popular working breeds worldwide. Their appealing coats shed heavily almost throughout the year.
While a well-trained Rottweiler displays a loving and gentle nature towards its family, and they stay reserved around strangers. These gentle giants get along beautifully with kids, too. Rottweiler is a highly trainable and intelligent breed and demands almost an hour of exercise, including outdoor activities.
3. Anatolian Shepherd
With an interesting past, the Anatolian Shepherd stands high among working dogs. Also named as Asian Minor, these guard dogs were brought from Turkey to the USA before World War II for protecting livestock, especially sheep, and were registered in the AKC in 1996.
Purina mentions that the Anatolian Shepherd is a powerfully built mastiff type with a short, dense coat and a broad, heavy head. Their coat is designed to protect against extreme weather conditions.
Anatolian Shepherds have a muscular design, protective and independent nature. They are aloof with unknown people and inform the owners about unusual surroundings via barks, making them loyal companions. They are well-suited in multi-pet households if owners brought them up together.
Consistent training, socialization, and regular exercise are some factors that contribute to their healthy and confident years. Since they were used to herd livestock, without any purpose, they may show undesired behaviors. Some of them can be trained as therapy dogs due to their calm temperament.
4. Doberman Pinscher
The legacy of this great working dog breed has been continued from the 19th century, when they were originally bred as guard dogs by the German Tax collector. Apart from family pets, these service dogs offer their remarkable intelligence and trainability in search and rescue missions as well.
Dobies are the world’s finest protection dogs, thanks to their muscular frames, alertness, and ability to understand threatening conditions. You have often seen them as military and police dogs, therapy dogs, meaning a constant job is what they demand from their owners.
These active and energetic dogs thrive in active households where regular grooming and exercise are taken as a commitment instead of stress. They are wary of other people and bond closely with their loved ones, making them feel protected and loved through their actions and demeanor.
5. Siberian Husky
Blessed with strength and endurance, Siberian Huskies were primarily bred for pulling sleds in the frigid temperatures of Siberia, burning off their hyperactive energy levels. While their classic blue eyes attract many dog lovers, owning a Husky demands dedication.
Though Huskies love running, due to their strong prey drive, these dogs should not be kept off leash. They make excellent companions in family life, offering protection and entertainment together, if proper training is introduced in puppyhood.
The Siberian Husky is a smart breed and can be trained easily by experienced owners. Moreover, their bodies and brains need proper stimulation via playing with puzzle toys and agility courses. This breed’s temperament requires a constant presence, as they do not like to be left alone for a long time.
6. Akita
A multipurpose Japanese dog breed who emerges in the 17th century to hunt large game, as guard dogs, and also to manage livestock. Currently, these big, fluffy dogs are also known for their exceptional loyalty, health, and happiness in their native country.
Akitas were bred as independent dogs, which means proper socialization and ongoing training are mandatory to have well-mannered and obedient adults. However, they do not get along well with other animals, but remain affectionate towards their beloved ones.
With a weight of more than 100 pounds and high energy, an Akita needs serious exercise. With great work ethic and resilience, they make incredible canines for hunting and hiking over long distances. They love following their owners from room to room, but do not like any other dog under the same roof.
7. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino was discovered in the 20th century, a relatively new dog working dog breed. These dogs were bred to hunt wild boar and mountain lions. The physical traits of this muscular and courageous canine make the deterrents think twice before stepping into their territory.
Their white, smooth coats shed regularly but do not need any routine grooming. Being an athletic and intelligent breed, their energy levels can be drained through indoor and outdoor activities, such as long walks, hide and seek, swimming, hiking, and fetch.
Their independent way of taking things on their own makes training necessary for them, with positive reinforcement methods. Dogo Argentino is not an apartment dog, due to its massive size and the need of serious amount of exercise.
8. German Shepherd
Jack of all trades, German Shepherds were used for herding cattle in their initial times of discovery. They exhibit eagerness to please, an affectionate and highly trainable nature, making them capable working dogs in all fields of life, from police work to guarding homes.
After proper training and socialization, GSDs become well-behaved pups in the presence of seniors and children. Their fearlessness and desire to protect their beloved owners make them great guard dogs. With that said, these dogs can be trained as service dogs to assist humans.
This breed excels in a household where there is a purpose; at least two hours of physical and mental activities are needed by them to maintain their overall well-being. Their double coats shed a lot, and during the change of seasons, the need for regular grooming increases a bit.
9. Cane Corso
This Italian breed’s history showed its fearlessness, strength, and enormous power. Cane Corso is a big working dog breed carrying intelligence, alertness, and affection together in one package. They are the happiest when assigned with some job on a daily basis.
Regardless of their imposing presence, Cane Corsi are kind and calm dogs. They are also ranked among the loyal dogs owing to their guardian traits. The name of Cane Corso itself translates as bodyguards or the guard dog for courtyards. Compromised stimulation can result in destructive Cane Corsi.
Some traits reflected in the Cane Corso, such as minding their own business, make the training difficult. Pet parents should be aware of their sensitivity to harsh training, too. The good news is that, from an early age, you can train them with ease by applying reward-based methods.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Emerging from Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was originally bred for herding sheep in the Swiss Alps with their tri colored coats, intimidating build, and independent minds. Their history is backed by their hard work, so if they do not find anything to do, they will invent it by themselves.
Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are a blend of ease and strong will, so those having prior experience with dog breeds can understand their temperament well, and for novice pet parents, they are quite a handful. Leash training is important as they are used to pulling heavy loads, and learning not to pull the leash.
Their energy levels can be translated into different dog sports and outdoor adventures. They are very friendly dogs and like to meet new people. Early socialization and training make them overall well-behaved and confident dogs.
Conclusion
These powerful working dogs are bred for demanding tasks such as guarding, herding, and carrying heavy loads. Their smartness and stamina make them an invaluable asset in the dog world for humans in both professional jobs and in a family setting.
Responsible ownership, along with consistent training, result into loyal and reliable workers who do not hesitate to do the jobs to please their owners.
Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Belgian Malinois are more examples of other breeds that are built for action and devoted enough to serve their owners.
