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Dog Breeds: Understanding The Working Group

As the name states, these dogs were developed to perform specific tasks to aid humans. They are large, strong, and brave. These dogs tend to be more domineering and territorial. Their owner must be confident and display strong leadership skills. This group is divided into four types: Rescue dogs, personal protection dogs, estate guarding dogs, and sled dogs.

Rescue Dogs

These dogs need to be larger with dense coats and strong, powerful bodies to enables them to perform their rescue in cold water. They make a great family pet and enjoys the company of children as long as they don't roughhouse.

Examples of this breed are: Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Portuguese Water Dog.

Personal Protection Dogs

These dogs are bred to guard so they tend to be large, powerful. They are strong, intelligent, and devoted to their owners. They are affectionate to their families but reserved with strangers. These dogs need a confident owner or they can become very dominant and aggressive. Early training and socialization as well as daily exercise are required for this breed.

Examples of these breeds are: Doberman Pinscher, Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, and Boxer.

Estate Guarding Dogs

Does a strong muscular dog with a powerful body to protect your family and your territory seem to fit your lifestyle a little more? Then this group of dog is exactly what you’re looking for. These dogs will literally protect you to the end. They will die for you, because of their strong sense of loyalty, and devotion. If you do choose to purchase a dog in the group you must because of them being a territorial dog, be sure to properly train them and make sure to socialize them early in their life or they can become overly domineering and aggressive. To own this type of dog the owner must be capable of handling a strong-willed breed. Keep in mind with early socialization, proper leadership, and the right training, this breed can be gentle and friendly toward strangers.

Exampled of this these powerful breeds are: Mastiff, Rottweiler, Komondor, Great Dane, Bullmastiff, Kuvasz, Akita, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees.

Sled Dogs

This breed of dog, also called the Nordic breed, were first developed to pull sleds. These dogs have thick, insulated coat protects them from the cold. Warm climate makes them miserable. These dogs shed year round and require regular brushing. Do not get this breed if you are allergic to dog hair or if you are fastidious about having a spotless house. However, if you like a large, friendly and powerful breed, someone who you can play with in the snow, then this is the breed for you. Early obedience training and socialization are required for these dogs, as well as regular exercise.

Examples of this breed are: Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute.