Working dogs
Working dogs are versatile and powerful companions that are specially trained for demanding tasks such as herding, searching, rescue or pulling. With their intelligence, stamina and eagerness to work, they support people in a wide variety of areas. Whether as helpers at work or in everyday life - working dogs impress with their reliability and strong will.
Reliable partners for every task
Working dogs have established themselves as indispensable helpers to humans over the centuries. Whether for herding work, rescuing people, tracking or as a companion for pulling work - these dogs are known for their versatility, intelligence and stamina. They love to be challenged and are fully absorbed in their tasks.
What makes a working dog?
Working dogs are characterized by the following traits:
- Eagerness to learn: they grasp new tasks quickly and precisely.
- Stamina and resilience: They can work for hours without losing motivation.
- Loyalty: Their strong bond with their humans makes them reliable partners.
- Versatility: They adapt to different tasks and environments.
Working dogs in everyday life
Working dogs are not just limited to their specific areas of use. Many of these breeds are also suitable as family dogs, as long as they get enough activity and exercise. It is important to encourage their strong urge to work so that they remain balanced and happy.
The 20+ best breeds as working dogs with pictures
In the next section, we'll introduce you to some of the most impressive working dog breeds. From the vigilant German Shepherds to the energetic Border Collies to the powerful St. Bernards, find out which breeds stand out for their special abilities and unique character.
Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent and energetic working dog that is particularly valued for herding work. With its stamina, adaptability and strong will to work, it masters demanding tasks with ease. His friendly nature and close bond with people also make him suitable as a family dog, provided he gets enough exercise and mental exercise.
Ardennes hound
The Ardennes driving dog is a robust and versatile working dog that was originally bred for herding and driving cattle. With its stamina, intelligence and independent nature, it can also master demanding tasks. His friendly temperament and close bond with his family make him a reliable companion. However, he needs plenty of exercise and activity.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a strong and versatile working dog that was originally bred for herding and pulling loads. With its intelligence, willingness to work and protective nature, it is a reliable companion. Its friendly temperament and close bond with its family also make it popular as a family dog. He needs plenty of exercise and mental exercise.
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile working dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, stamina and reliability. It is used worldwide for tasks such as rescue, protection work and as a search dog. With its strong bond to people and its loyal nature, it is also an excellent family dog. The German Shepherd Dog needs plenty of exercise and mental exercise.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a strong and enduring working dog that was originally bred to pull heavy loads in the snow. With its friendly nature and loyalty, it is a reliable companion that forms a strong bond with its family. He needs plenty of exercise, clear leadership and loves extended activities. An impressive dog with a great will to work!
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and extremely versatile working dog that is particularly well known for herding work. With its eagerness to learn, speed and stamina, it impresses in many areas. He needs plenty of exercise and mental challenges to be happy. Due to his close bond with his humans, he is also a faithful and loyal family dog.
English Pointer
The English Pointer is an elegant and persistent working dog that is particularly valued for hunting work. With its keen sense of smell and its ability to reliably present game, it is convincing on any terrain. Its friendly nature, intelligence and strong bond with people also make it suitable as a family dog, provided it is given sufficient exercise and activity.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a strong and robust working dog that was bred to pull heavy sledges in arctic regions. With its stamina, resilience and strong will to work, it is a reliable partner in extreme conditions. Its loyal nature and close bond with its family make it a faithful companion, but one that needs plenty of exercise.
Laekenois
The Laekenois, a variety of the Belgian Shepherd, is an intelligent and versatile working dog that was originally bred for herding and protecting flocks. With its wiry coat, stamina and strong will to work, it excels in many areas. His loyal nature and close bond with his humans also make him popular as a family dog, provided he is kept sufficiently occupied.
Malinois
The Malinois, a variety of the Belgian Shepherd, is a highly intelligent and energetic working dog that is valued worldwide for protection work, rescue missions and as a search dog. With his eagerness to learn, stamina and strong will to work, he masters the most demanding tasks. His loyal nature and close bond with his humans also make him suitable as a family dog, provided he receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.
Blue Gascon Griffon
The Blue Gascon Griffon is a versatile and robust working dog known for its hunting skills and keen sense of smell. With its friendly nature and stamina, it is valued both for hunting and as a family dog. Its curly coat and adaptability make it a charming companion that needs plenty of exercise and activity.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent and powerful working dog that is valued for its versatility and loyalty. Originally bred as a guard dog and for draft work, today it also impresses in rescue work or guard dog services. With his friendly nature, his strong bond with his family and his willingness to work, he is a loyal companion who needs plenty of exercise and mental exercise.
Greenland dog
The Greenland dog is a strong and hardy working dog that was specially bred for pulling sledges in extreme conditions. With its endurance, independence and strong pack behavior, it is a reliable companion in arctic regions. Its friendly nature and loyalty also make it suitable as a companion dog, but it needs plenty of exercise and clear leadership.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is an intelligent and versatile working dog that is particularly appreciated for its friendliness, eagerness to learn and willingness to work. Originally bred as a retrieving dog, today it excels in rescue missions, as an assistance dog and as a family dog. His strong bond with people and his even temperament make him a loyal companion who loves lots of exercise and activity.
East Siberian Laika
The East Siberian Laïka is a robust and versatile working dog that was specially bred for hunting and use in harsh climates. With its keen sense of smell, independence and stamina, it is ideal for demanding tasks. His friendly nature and strong bond with his humans also make him a valued companion dog, provided he gets enough exercise
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a strong and gentle working dog that was originally bred for pulling loads and water rescue. With its friendly nature, stamina and thick coat, it is a loyal companion. However, due to its size, real work is often no longer possible for many Newfoundlanders today, which makes it more popular as a family dog.
Tatra Sheepdog
The Tatra Sheepdog, also known as the Polish Mountain Dog, is a strong and reliable working dog that was originally bred to guard herds in the Carpathian Mountains. With its thick, white coat, intelligence and protective nature, it is a convincing guard dog. The Tatra Sheepdog shows a strong bond with its family and needs plenty of space, clear leadership and activity.
McNab
The McNab is a versatile and energetic working dog that was originally bred in California for herding. With its intelligence, stamina and strong will to work, it is particularly valued when working with livestock. The McNab shows a close bond with its people, loves exercise and needs plenty of mental activity to be happy and balanced.
Catahoula Bulldog
The Catahoula Bulldog is a strong and versatile working dog that was created by crossing the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog. With its intelligence, stamina and protective nature, it is mainly used for herding livestock and as a guard dog. The Catahoula Bulldog shows a strong bond with its family and needs a lot of exercise and clear leadership.
Aïdi
The Aïdi, also known as the Atlas Mountain Dog, is a strong and vigilant working dog from Morocco. Originally bred to protect herds from predators, it impresses with its loyalty, vigilance and strong protective instinct. With its thick coat, it is perfectly adapted to harsh climates. The Aïdi shows a close bond with its family and needs plenty of space and clear leadership.
