American dog breeds
The USA is home to versatile and robust dog breeds that have been bred for hunting, herding, protection and rescue. They impress with their intelligence, willingness to work and adaptability. Many are popular both as working dogs and as family dogs. On this page you will find an overview of all American dog breeds, their history and special characteristics.
American dog breeds - Versatile, robust and intelligent
The USA is home to many unique and versatile dog breeds that have been bred for different tasks. Whether as hunting dogs, herding dogs, guard dogs or companion dogs, American breeds impress with their willingness to work, intelligence and adaptability.
History and function
Many of these dogs were developed specifically for work on farms, in hunting or as guard and rescue dogs. They are characterized by their loyalty, energy and versatility and are popular both as working dogs and as family dogs.
Discover 20+ American dog breeds with pictures
On this page you will find an overview of all American dog breeds, their history and special characteristics. Find out which of these impressive dogs suits you best!
American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a rare, hairless dog breed from the USA. It is intelligent, playful and allergy-friendly as it lacks fur. Originally bred as a rat hunter, it is now an active and affectionate companion dog. His skin-sensitive nature requires protection from the sun and cold, and he needs plenty of mental and physical exercise.
Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd is an intelligent and agile herding dog, known for its eagerness to learn, energy and versatility. It is similar to the Australian Shepherd, but smaller. Originally bred for herding cattle, it is also an excellent family dog. It needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent but loving training.
American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a powerful and muscular dog, known for its loyalty, intelligence and affection. Originally bred as a working dog and companion, it is courageous, playful and eager to learn. With the right training and socialization, he is a loving family dog. He needs consistent leadership, plenty of exercise and a close bond with his owner.
Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan Husky is an enduring and powerful sled dog, bred for racing and working in icy regions. It is intelligent, energetic and social, with a strong will to run and work. Its thick coat protects it from the cold. He needs plenty of exercise, training and clear leadership to be balanced and happy.
Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is an enduring and powerful sled dog, known for its icy blue eyes and dense coat texture. Originally bred for pulling sledges, it is friendly, energetic and social. Its great urge to move requires a lot of exercise and training. He is intelligent but independent, which is why consistent training is important.
American Bully

The American Bully is a strong and muscular companion dog, known for its friendly and even-tempered nature. Despite its imposing appearance, it is loyal, playful and people-oriented. He needs consistent but loving training as well as plenty of exercise and social interaction. With the right leadership, he is an affectionate and child-friendly family dog.
Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is a friendly and versatile hunting dog from the USA, known for its intelligence, stamina and love of water. Originally bred for bird and water hunting, it is eager to learn, social and adaptable. Its medium-length, wavy coat requires regular grooming. It is suitable as an active family dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental activity.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a robust and enduring hunting dog from the USA, bred for retrieving in water. Its dense, water-repellent coat protects it from the cold. He is intelligent, alert and loyal, but requires consistent training and plenty of exercise and mental exercise. As a family dog, it is affectionate but also independent.
Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a small, intelligent companion dog with a friendly and lively personality. He is known for his short muzzle, large eyes and elegant build. Originally bred as a companion dog, he is affectionate, playful and easy to train. He needs moderate exercise and loves to be close to his family, making him an ideal family dog.
American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a powerful and muscular working dog, known for its loyalty, alertness and protective instincts. Originally bred as a farm and guard dog, it is courageous, intelligent and full of energy. With the right training and socialization, it is a loyal family dog. He needs plenty of exercise, consistent leadership and a close bond with his owner.
American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is an enduring and fast hunting dog, bred for fox hunting in the USA. It is characterized by its excellent nose, independence and energy. Its friendly nature also makes it suitable as a family dog, but it needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent training in order to remain balanced.
Olde English Bulldog

The Olde English Bulldog is a strong and athletic bulldog breed that was bred in the USA to create a healthier and more agile bulldog. It is loyal, alert and people-oriented, with a friendly and even-tempered nature. Consistent training, plenty of exercise and a close bond with their family are essential for their well-being.
American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is an intelligent and playful companion dog, known for its snow-white, dense coat and friendly personality. Originally bred as a guard and circus dog, he is eager to learn, agile and social. He needs a lot of mental activity, exercise and consistent but loving training to remain balanced and happy.
American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a powerful and intelligent dog, known for its loyalty, stamina and willingness to work. Originally bred for work and sport, it is courageous, eager to learn and people-oriented. With the right socialization and training, he is a loving family dog. He needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent leadership.
American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is a friendly and playful hunting dog, known for its silky, shiny coat and large, expressive eyes. Originally bred for bird hunting, it is now a popular family dog. He is intelligent, affectionate and eager to learn, but needs regular grooming, exercise and mental activity to stay happy and balanced.
Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an enduring and robust hunting dog, known for its excellent nose and stamina. Originally bred for raccoon hunting, it is intelligent, friendly and eager to work. Its short, easy-care coat makes it hardy. He needs plenty of exercise, mental activity and consistent training to remain balanced.
Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and energetic herding dog that was bred in the USA. It is characterized by its eagerness to learn, versatility and close bond with humans. Originally bred to work with livestock, it is also a popular family dog. It needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent training.
American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a versatile and persistent hunting dog, bred for retrieving in water and on land. It is intelligent, eager to learn and full of energy, with a close bond to its owner. His thick, wavy coat protects him from the cold. He needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent training in order to remain balanced.
Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a strong and enduring sled dog, bred to pull heavy loads in arctic regions. It is intelligent, independent and loyal, but also very energetic. Its thick coat protects it from extreme cold. He needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent training to remain balanced.