All About The Working Group

The Working Group is one of seven groups that the American Kennel Club (AKC) organizes its almost 200 breeds into. When the AKC introduces a new breed, they will assign them based on personality traits, original purpose, and physical attributes.

So, what classifies a dog as a member of the Working Group? Well, these breeds were specifically developed to work alongside humans to aid us in various areas. These breeds have been employed for centuries working as herders, estate guardians, farm dogs, personal protection dogs, search and rescue, water rescue, military and police K9 units, sledding, and service dogs. They have been developed to have a strong work ethic and do not enjoy being bored.  

Working dogs are often large, muscular, powerful, intelligent, and easy to train. Most are usually aloof and reserved when it comes to strangers but are devoted and loveable companions who are naturally protective of their family.

If you are considering adding a dog to your family, it is important to thoroughly research the breed. While working dogs are loyal and smart, they can be determined and stubborn. Working breeds might not be suitable for first-time dog owners as they need a productive outlet and a firm but gentle hand when training.

The AKC currently recognizes thirty-one purebred dogs in the Working Group with a few other breeds that have entered their Foundation Stock Services (FSS) and are waiting to be categorized. Here is a look at some of the most popular working breeds.

 

Akita

• The Akita is a large breed that can weigh in at 70-130 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-14 years
• The Akita is an independent thinker known for being courageous, fiercely devoted, and dignified.
• They are a strong and muscular breed that is very protective of their loved ones. The Akita requires proper socialization with strangers, kids, and other animals.
• The Akita is an ancient breed of Japan belonging to the spitz family which can be seen in their appearance. They should not be confused with the Japanese Akitainu which is similar in appearance but with distinct differences.   
• Akitas were originally developed to be large and powerful pack hunters of large game and could only be owned by members of the imperial court. They would later move on from being a hunter to a renowned guardian.
• While the Akita can be a funny and lovable family companion, they must receive appropriate training to prevent undesirable behavior. They are prone to same-sex aggression with dogs and pets, and they often take a person’s persistent eye contact as a challenge.

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Alaskan Malamute

• The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed that can weigh in at 75-85 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
• The Malamute is a member of the spitz family which can be seen in its wolfish appearance.
• The Malamute is often mistaken for a Siberian Husky. While they are similar in appearance, the Malamute is stockier, has slightly offset ears, and their fluffy tail should curl over their back.
• Malamutes are one of the oldest known sledding breeds. Their large chest, muscular build, and weatherproof coats made them the ideal freighting dog. Meaning, that they could move slower while pulling larger heavy hauls over greater distances in fridged temperatures.
• The Malamute is a friendly, playful, and affectionate breed that requires firm but gentle training. If they don’t believe you are in charge, they will not follow your lead.

Anatolian Shepherd

• The Anatolian Shepherd can weigh in at 80-150 pounds and has a life expectancy of 11-13 years
• The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient breed whose ancestry is traced back to the Bronze Age over 6,000 years ago.
• They are not an overly affectionate breed and are often weary of strangers. However, they are fiercely loyal and protective of their family which includes everyone from kids to the house cat. 
• The Anatolian Shepherd is born with the innate ability to herd and guard livestock.
• The Anatolian is a dog of many names. Depending on where you live, they might be known as the Goban Kopegi, Kangal, or the Anatolian Karabash.

Bernese Mountain Dog

• The Bernese Mountain Dog can weigh in at 70-115 pounds and has a life expectancy of 7-10 years.
• The Bernese Mountain dog is affectionately nicknamed the Berner
• This powerful and versatile breed was developed in the Swiss Alps where they worked as drovers, guardians, and drafter dogs.
• They are one of four Swiss Mountain breeds that are known for their distinct tri-color coats. The Bernese is the second largest and the only one with a longer coat.
• Known for their gorgeous looks and their affectionate nature, the Bernese are rarely ever shy or aggressive unless warranted.

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Black Russian Terrier

• The Black Russian Terrier can weigh in at 80-130 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
• While black is their prominent coat color, they can also come in Blue, Sable, Salt & Pepper, or Black & Tan.
• The BRT is a powerhouse of a dog. This muscular dog is not only big-boned and brawny, but they’re also intelligent, self-confident, and protective.
• The BRT was intentionally developed by the Soviet Army in the Red Star Kennels. It is believed that 17 breeds were used in their development including the Giant Schnauzer, the Airedale Terrier, the Newfoundland, and the Rottweiler.
• The BRT is a swift patrol dog that was originally used at prison camps, border crossings, and military bases. They were especially efficient on night patrols as their black coat allowed them to move around unseen.  

Boerboel

• The Boerboel is a mastiff-type breed that weighs around 150-200 pounds and has a life expectancy of 9-11 years
• The Boerboel (pronunciation - Bor-Bull) originated in South Africa in the mid-1600s by settlers breeding European breeds with native dogs.
• The Boerboel is a versatile dog that is primarily used as herders and guardians. Their name derives from a Dutch word meaning “farmer”.
• The Boerboel’s tail can come docked or left undocked. It is believed that their tails were originally docked to protect them from injury should they have an encounter with African wildlife, especially baboons.
• While the Boerboel might appear intimidating to strangers, they are affectionate and protective family members who are especially fond of children.

Boxer

• The Boxer is a working breed that weighs around 50-80 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-12 years
• The Boxer is a descendant of a German breed called a Bullenbeisser which was used to hunt big game and bull baiting. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that selective breeding to smaller English mastiff-type breeds eventually produced a dog with a 
• sleek and regal appearance.
• The Boxer is a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced) that should always have an undershot jaw.
• Although no one knows for certain, it’s speculated that the Boxer was named for the characteristic way they play and defend themselves.
• The Boxer is one of the most popular family-friendly breeds in America. Since the 1950s, they have continued to rank in the Top 10 registered breeds with the AKC.
• The Boxer is wonderful with children! Their affectionate, sensitive, playful, and protective nature makes them ideal companions for most families.

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Bullmastiff

• The Bullmastiff weighs around 100-130 pounds and has a life expectancy of 7-9 years
• The Bullmastiff was developed in 19^th century England to protect estates and game preserves from poachers. They were so effective in their job at pursuing and holding poachers that they were nicknamed 'The Gamekeeper's Night Dog.’
• The Bullmastiff is a vigilant watchdog that is fast, muscular, confident, easy to train, and typically only barks when on alert.
• The Bullmastiff is a reliable and affectionate family breed. Puppies should be socialized with young children and other pets at an early age.

Cane Corso

• The Cane Corso weighs around 100+ pounds and has a life expectancy of 9-12 years
• The Cane Corso (KAH-neh-KOR-soh; plural: Cani Corsi) is an Italian mastiff-type breed whose ancestry can be traced to the Ancient Roman war dogs.
• The Corso is a loyal, fearless, and assertive breed dog that is smart and easy to train.
• While the Corso is a large muscular breed, their movement should be fast, effortless, and with a cat-like grace.  
• The Corso is a guardian at heart and should be socialized with children and other pets when they are a puppy.

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Doberman Pinscher

• The Doberman Pinscher weighs around 60-100 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-12 years
• The Doberman Pinscher was named after their founder Louis Dobermann who was a German Tax Collector. His goal was to develop a dependable, fearless, and imposing breed that would protect him when collecting taxes. Today’s Doberman is a smaller and sleeker version of the breed. 
• As the Doberman gained popularity, they found employment with the military and the police K-9 units. They have also gone on to become search and rescue dogs, along with excelling in therapy and service work.
•  While the Doberman’s proud and regal appearance can be intimidating to strangers, they are quite friendly and playful with proper socialization.
• The devoted and ever-vigilant Doberman is known for being a loveable family companion who adores children.

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Dogo Argentino

• The Dogo Argentino weighs around 80-100 pounds and has a life expectancy of 9-15 years
• The Dogo Argentino was purposely developed by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez of the Republic of Argentina. He was an avid hunter of big game and wanted a breed that could help him on his hunting excursions. Dogos are considered pack hunters.  
• The Dogo is an athletic, agile, and powerful breed. They are known for having a good nose for tracking and great lung capacity that allows them to chase prey longer.
• The Dogo is an affectionate and high-energy dog that is responsive and easy to train.

Dogue de Bordeaux

• The Dogue de Bordeaux weighs around 99-110+ pounds and has a life expectancy of 5-8 years.
• The Dogue de Bordeaux (Pronunciation - Dog de Bor-doe) is an ancient European breed that is older than France, their country of origin.
• The Bordeaux has a massive head when in proportion with the rest of their body and is considered the largest among canines.  
• The Bordeaux is a brave and protective guardian dog who is also an affectionate and sensitive family member.

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Giant Schnauzer

• The Giant Schnauzer can weigh between 55-85 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12-15 years
• The Giant Schnauzer is one of three Schnauzer breeds that was developed in 1800s Germany. All three varieties are genetically different breeds and hold their own breed standards.
• Today’s Giant Schnauzer can be found actively serving in the military and police K-9 units but can still be found working on farms as herders and livestock guardians.
• The Giant Schnauzer has a rugged build and a wiry weatherproof coat.

Great Dane

• The Great Dane can weigh between 110-175 pounds with a life expectancy of 7-10 years
• The Great Dane is a very old German noble hunting breed that is believed to be over 400 years old. In their home country, they are known as Deutsche Dog, or 'German dog.'
• The Great Dane is sometimes referred to as a Boarhound as they were used to hunt wild boar.
• The Great Dane is the gentlest of the giant breeds. They are friendly, joyful, and loveable dogs that are lapdogs at their core.
• While the Great Dane is a friendly and playful breed, they also take their jobs as guardians seriously. They are vigilant and powerful watchdogs whose imposing size can be intimidating to strangers.  

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Great Pyrenees

• The Great Pyrenees has a life expectancy of 10-12 years and can weigh in at 85-100+ pounds
• The Great Pyrenees is a well-known livestock guardian that was developed to protect cattle and flocks from outside threats.    
• Their weatherproof double coat is thick enough to protect from the elements.
• According to breed standards, the Great Pyrenees should carry a single dewclaw on both front legs, but their hind legs should each have a double dewclaw. While a puppy can be born without these dewclaws and they can be removed, it is recommended that working and show Pyrenees should have them.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

• The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog weighs between 85-140 pounds and has a life expectancy of 8-11 years
• The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog earned the name “Greater” because they are the largest and the oldest of the four Swiss Alpine breeds.
• The “Swissie” is an all-purpose working breed that farmers have used as guardians, drovers, and drafters on their farms.
• Swissies worked in remote mountain passes. They had to adapt to the rugged mountain terrain by being strong and sure-footed.

Komondor

• Is a large-sized breed that weighs between 80-100+ pounds
• Has an average life expectancy of 10-12 years
• The Komondor (ko-mon-​dor ) is a Hungarian breed whose plural version of their name ends with a ‘K’ (Komondorok)
• Komondorok are an independent breed, but they are also loveable family members.
• The Komondor is native to the Hungarian region where they have been working on farms and protecting livestock for centuries.
• The Komondor is widely known for their long-corded coat. The coat choice for this breed protects them in all weather conditions and from predators. Owners must be dedicated to the upkeep of these cords to prevent damage to the coat.

Kuvasz

• The Kuvasz weighs between 70-115 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-12 years
• The Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahz) is a Hungarian breed whose name ends in a ‘K’ for the plural version (Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock).
• The Kuvasz has not only served farmers since the Middle Ages but has also been a protector of royalty. During the rule of King Matthias I, his court was so plagued by conspiracies that he trusted his palace guards less than his Kuvs.
• The Kuvasv is a loyal companion and livestock guardian who is both fast and agile.

Leonberger

• The Leonberger weighs between 90-170 pounds and has a life expectancy of 7 years
• The Leonberger (Pronunciation - Lee-uhn-berger) is a loveable and overly friendly breed. Their warm-hearted nature has made them a great choice for therapy dog work. 
• The founder of the breed wanted to create a large companion breed that is smart and has the ability to use sound judgment. He wanted the Leo to have lion-like features in honor of the lion emblazoned on the town crest of Leonberg.
• While the Leo may have started out living amongst the aristocracy, they were discovered to be a breed of many talents. They would later go on to work on farms and pastures and help pull carts. They are also excellent swimmers, making them a great breed to work in harbors and dockyards.

Mastiff

• The Mastiff is a giant breed that weighs between 120-230 pounds and has a life expectancy of 6-10 years
• The Mastiff is a noble breed that originated in England. They are often referred to as the English Mastiff or the Old English Mastiff.
• Mastiffs have a rich history of being war dogs, estate guardians, big game hunters, and even brought to Rome to fight gladiators.
• The Mastiff we all love today is a docile, good-natured, and lovable family companion.
• While the Mastiff is a steady and gentle breed they still are protective of their family and can be weary of strangers.
• The Mastiff is an extra-large breed and not one to commit to lightly. They require someone who can handle a very strong dog and will not shy away from a lot of drool. 

Neapolitan Mastiff

• The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed that weighs between 110-150 pounds and has a life expectancy of 7-9 years
• The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed with a heavy bone structure, bountiful wrinkles, a giant head, and a lumbering trot.
• Neapolitan Mastiffs have low heat tolerance. They should not spend too much time outdoors when the temperatures are high.
• While the Neo’s coat may be short and easy to care for, it is important to keep their wrinkles clean and dry.
• The Neo is a low-energy breed that can be stubborn, clumsy, and aloof to strangers.
• The Neo was developed in Northern Italy where they served as gladiators and war dogs. They would later become property guardians.

Newfoundland

• The Newfoundland is a large breed that weighs between 100-150 pounds and has a life expectancy of 9-10 years
• The Newfie is a sweet-natured, patient, trusting, and devoted family breed who is wonderful around children and other pets. They are often referred to as a ‘nanny dog’ due to their affinity for being a gentle watchdog for kids.
• The Newfie is a Canadian breed and a natural-born swimmer. Their thick coats, partially webbed feet, and great lung capacity make them masters of water rescue.  
• When the Newfie wasn’t saving drowning victims, they could be found helping fishermen pull in heavy nets and then cart off their catch to market.  

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Portuguese Water Dog

• The Portuguese Water Dog weighs between 35-60 pounds and has a life expectancy of 11-13 years
• The Portie or PWD was the fisherman’s best friend. Their profuse coat and webbed feet made them superior swimmers. They would not only herd fish into the waiting nets, but they would also retrieve the nets. The Portie would also be sent to deliver messages ashore or to other ships.
• The Portie’s coat is considered low shedding, allergy-friendly, and waterproof. They require regular grooming to maintain their coats and can either have a lion clip (shorter in the rear) or a retriever clip (coat left intact).

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Rottweiler

• The Rottweiler weighs between 80-135 pounds and has a life expectancy of 9-10 years
• The Rottweiler is a German breed named for the cattle town Rottweil where they worked as drover dogs. They were originally given the name Rottweiler Metzgerhund which means ‘Butcher's Dog of Rottweil’.
• The Rottie is a multi-purpose working breed that has been employed as a personal protection dog, police and military dog, and search and rescue dog. It was one of the first breeds trained as a guide dog for the blind.
• The Rottie is a highly trainable family companion known for being goofy and playful. They are very affectionate and often believe themselves to be lapdogs.
• While their appearance might be intimidating to outsiders, a well-trained and socialized Rottie will be aloof and non-aggressive.

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Saint Bernard

• The Saint Bernard weighs between 120-180 pounds and has a life expectancy of 8-10 years
• The Saint Bernard is the most famous of all the search and rescue dogs. They are believed to be the first in their field having saved thousands of lives in the Swiss Alps for over 3,000 years.
• For years, Saint Bernards were often immortalized in art wearing brandy casks around their necks to help revive lost travelers. Turns out this is a myth.
• The Saint Bernard was originally developed by a hospice monk named Bernard of Menthon. His goal was to create an immensely powerful dog that could provide aid to pilgrims passing through the perilous Alps on their way to Rome.
• The Saint Bernard would later be used by Alpine farmers as herders, livestock guardians, and drafting dogs (cart-pullers).

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Samoyed

• The Samoyed weighs between 35-65 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12-14 years
• The Samoyed was named after the Samoyede people who settled in Serbia where they face some of the harshest and coldest temperatures.
• The Samoyed is well known for a key feature called the ‘Sammy Smile’. Did you know their permanent smile serves a purpose? This friendly and welcoming hallmark prevents Sammies from drooling and keeps their face free of icicles.
• The Sammy was used for hard work. They were sled dogs, watchdogs, and reindeer hunters turned reindeer guardians.
• The Sammy is playful, friendly, loveable, and gentle. They are wonderful with children and other dogs.
• They are considered a very social and mischievous breed that loves attention. A Sammy who feels lonely will become destructive and depressed.  

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Siberian Husky

• The Siberian Husky weighs between 35-60 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12-14 years
• The Husky is often mistaken for the Alaskan Malamute. While they are similar in appearance, the Husky is smaller and leaner. Their ears also sit higher and more erect on their head and their fluffy brush tail hangs down when at rest.
• The Husky is a powerful, quick, and sure-footed working breed. Their compact size and endurance levels make them graceful sledding dogs that can pull light loads over a great distance.
• Huskies are devoted, friendly, and loveable pack dogs. They prefer to have the company of their family and other dogs rather than being left alone.
• The Husky is known for being nomadic which makes them great escape artists. They require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, so they don’t go looking for it on their own. It is important to never leave a Husky unsupervised in the backyard as they might not be there when you return.  

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Standard Schnauzer

• The Standard Schnauzer weighs between 30-50 pounds and has a life expectancy of 13-16 years
• The Standard Schnauzer was the first. The giant and the miniatures are variants of the standard variety and have individual breed standards.
• The Schnauzer was developed in Germany during the Middle Ages as a farm dog. They would later gain popularity after the First World War where they worked for the Red Cross and as dispatch carriers.
• The Standard Schnauzer is a hearty and high-spirited dog of medium build. They are friendly, social, and vigilant watchdogs who often like chasing after smaller animals.
• The Standard Schnauzer’s wiry, tight-fitting coat is considered a low-shedding and allergy-friendly.

Tibetan Mastiff

• The Tibetan Mastiff weighs between 70-150 pounds and has a life expectancy of 10-12 years
• Developed in the isolated regions of the Himalayas, no one is sure just how ancient the Tibetan Mastiff truly is. All that is known is that this time-tested breed has been around for centuries and is believed to be the foundation for all other mastiff-type breeds.
• The Tibetan Mastiff is double-coated with long and thick guard hair and an undercoat that is thick and soft. Their coat is meant to protect them in cold weather, and they blow it twice a year to keep cool during the warmer months.  
• The Tibetan Mastiff is an immensely powerful and agile breed that has been a vigilant guardian longer than their recorded history. They are devoted and affectionate family members but can be aloof and territorial when it comes to outsiders.

While our above list doesn't feature every working breed, below are a few others to consider : 

• Chinook

• German Pinscher

If you’re looking for the perfect working dog to add to your family, browse our available puppies for sale or contact us today!