Who doesn’t love an underdog story?
While many popular pooches hail from across the pond, the good ol’ U.S. of A. has gifted the world with some seriously awesome dog breeds of its own.
From hunters to herders and everything in between, these all-American canines have carved their own unique niches in the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
1. Alaskan Malamute
Size: Large (23-25 inches, 75-85 lbs)
Coat: Dense double coat
Temperament: Playful, affectionate, loyal
These powerful sled dogs descended from the Arctic breeds kept by Native American tribes in Alaska. The Malamute’s stamina, strength, and thick fur allowed it to haul heavy loads over long distances in freezing temperatures. Today, they make loving family companions that still need plenty of exercise and activity.
2. American Bulldog
Size: Medium-large (20-28 inches, 60-120 lbs)
Coat: Short, smooth
Temperament: Confident, friendly, kids-loving
After the English Bulldog was brought to America, breeders developed a taller, more athletic version suited for farm work like catching feral pigs. The American Bulldog nearly went extinct after World War II but was revived through careful breeding programs. These muscular yet gentle giants now make excellent guardians and companions.
3. American Eskimo Dog
Size: Toy (9-12 inches), Miniature (12-15 inches), Standard (15-19 inches)
Coat: Double coat, dense and straight
Temperament: Smart, circus dog heritage, loving
German immigrants brought the ancestors of the American Eskimo Dog to the US in the 1800s. Originally called the German Spitz, the name was changed during World War I to be more patriotic. These versatile, fluffy white dogs have a long history of performing in circuses and making wonderful family pets.
4. American Foxhound
Size: Large (21-25 inches, 60-75 lbs)
Coat: Close, harsh coat
Temperament: Sweet, calm, tenacious
Descended from the English Foxhounds brought to America in the 1700s for fox hunting, the American Foxhound has an excellent sense of smell and incredible stamina. George Washington himself helped develop this breed. While still used for hunting today, Foxhounds also make great companions known for their cat-like vocalizations.
5. American Hairless Terrier
Size: Small (12-16 inches, 12-16 lbs)
Coat: Hairless or very short hair
Temperament: Energetic, inquisitive, devoted
In 1972, a hairless puppy named Josephine was born to a litter of Rat Terriers in Louisiana. Her owners began a breeding program to develop the first hairless breed created in the US – the American Hairless Terrier. These lively, low-shedding pups were recognized by the AKC in 2016.
6. American Water Spaniel
Size: Medium (15-18 inches, 25-45 lbs)
Coat: Marcel water-resistant coat
Temperament: Energetic, eager to please, friendly
As the name suggests, the American Water Spaniel was developed in the late 1800s to retrieve from lakes and marshes in the Midwest. Their water-repellent coat and sturdy build made them ideal hunting companions.
7. Australian Shepherd
Size: Medium (18-23 inches, 35-65 lbs)
Coat: Straight to wavy, weather-resistant double coat
Temperament: Highly intelligent, energetic herders
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd actually originated in the American West in the 1800s. (ref)Basque shepherds from Australia likely brought their herding dogs with them to California ranches, where the breed continued developing. These hard-working, smart dogs excel at herding and other activities.
8. Boston Terrier
Size: Small (15-17 inches, 12-25 lbs)
Coat: Short, smooth
Temperament: Friendly, lively “American Gentleman”
In the 1800s, a cross between an English Bulldog and now-extinct English Terrier in Boston led to the development of this iconic breed. With their distinctive tuxedo markings and gentlemanly personalities, Boston Terriers make wonderful apartment companions and comedy relief.
9. Boykin Spaniel
Size: Medium (14-18 inches, 25-40 lbs)
Coat: Moderate length, tight undercoat
Temperament: Energetic, eager to please, friendly
This versatile sporting breed traces its roots to a small stray dog found in South Carolina in the early 1900s. (ref) Boykin Spaniels were bred to be excellent hunting dogs that could also serve as loyal companions. Their enthusiasm and people-pleasing nature make them a joy to own.
10. Carolina Dog
Size: Medium (16-24 inches, 30-45 lbs)
Coat: Coarse, weather-resistant
Temperament: Independent, intelligent, reserved
The Carolina Dog is one of the few breeds thought to be descendants of indigenous American dogs dating back thousands of years. Found in the South, these natural hunters are highly intelligent and were recently revived from near-extinction through careful breeding programs.
11. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Size: Medium-large (20-26 inches, 50-90 lbs)
Coat: Single or double coat, short to medium length
Temperament: Energetic, territorial guardians, confident
Named for Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, these striking dogs were bred by Native Americans to hunt wild boar, guard camps, and herd cattle. Their unique blue-mottled coats and webbed feet make them well-suited for rugged terrain. Catahoulas are hardworking and protective companions.
12. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Size: Large (21-26 inches, 55-80 lbs)
Coat: Dense, water-resistant double coat
Temperament: Bright, hardy, willing to work
As the name implies, this athletic retriever was developed in the Chesapeake Bay area in the early 1800s to hunt waterfowl. Their water-repellent coat and stamina made them ideal hunting partners that could withstand icy waters. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are still prized duck hunters today.
13. Chinook
Size: Large (22-26 inches, 55-90 lbs)
Coat: Thick double coat
Temperament: Gentle, calm, devoted sled dogs
Developed in the early 1900s by crossing Mastiffs and Huskies, the rare Chinook was bred in New Hampshire as a sled dog capable of hauling heavy loads. Only about 100-300 Chinooks are registered yearly, making this powerful yet family-friendly breed quite unique.
14. Plott Hound
Size: Medium-large (20-25 inches, 40-60 lbs)
Coat: Smooth, glossy
Temperament: Tenacious, confident, intelligent
Originating in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, the Plott Hound is the only breed developed specifically for hunting bears and boars. Their determination, endurance, and “cold nose” tracking ability made them invaluable to early settlers. These muscular hounds are still used for hunting today.
15. Rat Terrier
Size: Small-medium (10-25 lbs)
Coat: Smooth, dense
Temperament: Lively, inquisitive, fearless
President Theodore Roosevelt himself gave this feisty breed its name after seeing their prowess at hunting rats and other vermin on farms and ranches. (ref) Rat Terriers are energetic, intelligent watchdogs that make great companions for active owners who can provide plenty of exercise.
The Homerun Hounds
While their origins may be humble, there’s no denying the incredible versatility, loyalty, and overall awesomeness of America’s own dogs. So next time you’re looking for a four-legged friend, don’t sleep on these homegrown heroes!
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.