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. Most are very dominant and territorial. They require a confident owner with strong leadership skills. This group is divided into four types:

Rescue dogs, personal protection dogs, estate guarding dogs, and sled dogs.Rescue DogsThese are large dogs with dense coats and strong, powerful bodies that 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 DogsThese large, powerful dogs are bred to guard. 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 DogsIf you are looking for a strong dog with a muscular and powerful body, a dog who will protect your family and your territory, then these dogs are exactly what you need. They are extremely loyal, devoted, and will literally protect you to death. They are very territorial breeds who, without proper training and early socialization, can become overly aggressive and dominant. They need an owner who is capable of handling this strong-willed breed. However, 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 DogsThis breed of dog, also called the Nordic breed, were first developed to pull sleds. Their 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.