WORKING DOGS

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Working Dogs

The characteristics and features of Working Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by the use of selective breeding with animals who have already clearly demonstrated the desired traits.

General Information about Working Dogs

All of the dogs listed below belong to the collection of dogs referred to as Working Dogs. Dogs in the Working group, were developed to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as herding, droving, pulling, hauling, herding, hunting, rescuing and guarding. The very nature of many of these tasks require a big, strong dog. These dogs have a long and close association with man and have provided invaluable help to their owners.

The working dogs are generally large, intelligent, and protective of their masters. Working dogs have always been viewed as real assets to their owners and have worked with man replacing larger animals such as horses when none such animals were available.

Advanced technology and machinery have negated some of the working requirements of these dogs but strength, courage and a fast reactions ensure that this partnership will continue long into the future.

Dog Breeds - ABC List

Working Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various Working breeds were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:

Guarding premises
Herding or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
Pulling or hauling various vehicles such as carts and sleds
Hunting which could range from all kinds of smaller animals to big game including lions and tigers
Performing water and mountain rescues

In this day and age not every Rottweiler might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the breeding program successful. Many of the Working dogs group are still gainfully employed as:

Guard Dogs
Police dogs
Sled dogs
Rescue dogs

The working dogs are medium to giant size and are strong, often independent, domineering and difficult to manage. This, together with the immense sizes of many of the breeds, make many of the working dogs unsuitable as a normal family pet or first time dog owners. These dogs require firm control and must be properly trained. Formal obedience training should include a proper socialising program. Training need not be difficult as Working dog breeds are generally quick to learn and intelligent. Some of the working dog breeds are easier to handle such as the Newfoundland dog, the Portuguese Water Dog, the Samoyed and the Saint Bernard.

Information about Working Dogs
To discover more about specific breeds of Working Dogs, their origins, history, temperaments and characteristics please follow one of the following links:

Akita

Alaskan Malamute

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog