With hundreds of breeds of dogs from all over the globe, many people don’t know where most breeds’ roots lie, or even which ones are American dog breeds. It may surprise you to know that there are several breeds that originated here in the United States.
Here are 18 breeds made in America.
1) Boston Terrier
Origin
The Boston Terrier came on the scene in the mid to late 1800’s in Boston, Massachusetts. They were originally breed for pit fighting and had the early name of Boston Bulls.
That is a far cry from the sweet goofballs of today.
It is believed that the breed is a cross between Bulldogs and the English White Terrier, which is now extinct. Those Boston Bulls were bigger than there modern descendants. Subsequent early breeding with French Bulldogs gave the smaller stature to today’s Boston Terrier.
Temperament
Boston Terriers are lively, smart, affectionate and generally even tempered, not to mention silly. They can be stubborn at times and must be given persistent and consistent training.
Height
15-17 inches
Weight
12-25 pounds
Life Expectancy
About 15 years
FUN FACT: There was a dog named Judge in the late 1800’s and all Boston Terriers can trace their lineage to him.
2) Alaskan Malamute
Origin
The Malamute’s name comes from the Mahlemuts, an Eskimo tribe in Alaska. The Mahlemuts raised and cared for these sled dogs as early as 2000-3000 years ago. This breed was highly valued as they were the main transportation means of the Mahlemut people.
The Malamute is a strong dog that was bred to haul light or heavy sled loads. This dog has been front and center in many polar expeditions.
Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is sweet, affectionate, and extremely loyal to their owner. They are great with children – their shear size being the only caution. Malamutes are also very friendly and are not the best choice for guard duty.
Malamutes can also be hard to train for formal obedience tasks, but are eager to please, making them easy to train for good manners.
Size
22-26 inches
Weight
70-95 pounds
Life Expectancy
12-16 years
FUN FACT: The Alaskan Malamute is descended from the Arctic Wolf.
3) Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Origin
Like their name implies, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers trace their origin to bay area in Maryland.
In 1807 an English Ship wrecked off the coast of Maryland. Everyone on board, including two Newfoundlands, were saved. The Newfoundlands were given to a family who took care of them. They were later breed with several local retrievers: English Otter Hounds, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Curly-Coated Retrievers.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were bred and used to hunt waterfowl in the cold and rough waters of the Chesapeake Bay. They have an oily short coat that repels water allowing them to dry quickly and handle colder waters.
Temperament
These guys are intelligent, brave, and obedient. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate, loving, friendly, and generally good with children. While being trainable and willing to please, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to be more dominant, with a stronger will, than other retrievers. These dogs are not recommended for an inexperienced new dog owner.
Height
21-26 inches (53-66 cm)
Weight
55-80 pounds (25-36 kg)
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
FUN FACT: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is talented at retrieving, tracking, hunting, guarding/watch dog duties, as well as, field spots, and competitive obedience.
4) American Water Spaniel
Origin
There is no exact knowledge of when or how this breed came about, but we do know that the American Water Spaniel traces it’s origin and development to the Great Lakes area of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Ancestors of the breed include the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever.
American Water Spaniel are an all around Swiss army knife for the farm and hunting. These dogs were the first breed developed to retrieve from boats and hunt. They are excellent bird dogs with gentle mouths and the ability to handle woods, swamps, rivers, and lakes. Additionally, American Water Spaniels are good at pointing out animals in trees, as well as, flushing game and retrieving.
Temperament
American Water Spaniels are highly intelligent and extremely trainable. They make a good watch dog and companion. American Water Spaniels are pleasant and willing to obey, but can be highly sensitive. Avoid sharp or demanding training tactics. Calm, persuasive, and firm training will work best.
Height
15-18 inches (36-46 cm)
Weight
25-45 pounds (11-20 kg)
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
FUN FACT: The American Water Spaniel is the state dog of Wisconsin…and they love bananas.
5) Toy Fox Terrier
Origin
The Toy Fox Terrier is relatively new as it was developed in America in the 1930’s to hunt rats. While crossed with breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Manchester Terrier, and Chihuahua, the Toy Fox Terrier is directly descended from the Smooth Fox Terrier.
Temperament
These dogs are mentally sharp, tough, and can be stubborn with inexperienced owners. Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent, loving, sensitive, loyal, inquisitive and quick. These little athletes love to hunt and have not forgotten their terrier instincts to fight mice and small animals.
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Weight
3.5-7 pounds (1.5-3 kg)
Life Expectancy
13-14 years
FUN FACT: Toy Fox Terriers make excellent hearing dogs for the deaf. They can lead their human to the sources of sounds, like the telephone.
6) American Eskimo Dog
Origin
It can be argued that the American Eskimo Dog did not originate in North America, but it was developed and fine tuned into the breed we know today by German immigrant farmers.
The American Eskimo is closely related to the white German Spitz, but is considered a separate breed today. Originally, “White Spitz” dogs were brought to the United States by German Settlers. These dogs name was changed to American Eskimo Dog due to anti-German sentiment during World War I.
The American Eskimo actually has nothing to do with Eskimo culture. Their name came about in 1913 when Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Hall first registered the breed with the United Kennel Club. Their kennel was named “American Eskimo”, which became the breed’s name.
Temperament
American Eskimos are affectionate and loving dogs. They are hardy, playful, and fantastic with children. American Eskimos are charming, alert, and willing to please. Their intelligence and ease of training is a reason many score high in obedience trials.
American Eskimos are naturally cautious of strangers, but will warm up if introduced.
Height
Toy: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Miniature: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Standard: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)
Weight
Toy: 6-10 pounds (2.4-4.5 kg)
Miniature: 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg)
Standard: 18-35 pounds (8-16 kg)
Life Expectancy
About 15 years
FUN FACT: The American Eskimo Dog was the first dog known to walk a tightrope.
7) American Staffordshire Terrier
Origin
American Staffordshire Terriers trace their roots back to the 19th century in England. Bulldogs and terriers of the time were bred to create a dog that possessed the best traits of both breeds. This resulted in a breed that was agile, energetic, confident, and had strong perseverance. These dogs were eventually known as Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
These early Staffordshire Bull Terriers were used for dog fighting. When these dogs came to the United States toward the late 1800’s, these dogs were not used for dog fighting, but for general farm work, hunting, and companionship. The breed was developed into taller builds than their English counterparts, resulting in today’s entirely separate breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Temperament
These pups are intelligent, happy, outgoing, stable, and confident. They are also amusing, good matured, extremely loyal and affectionate family pets. American Staffordshire Terriers are very good with children and adults. These dogs will fight an enemy to the death if trapped or threatening it’s family.
Height
16 – 18 inches (41-48 cm)
Weight
57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)
Life Expectancy
9-15 years
FUN FACT: American Staffordshire Terriers are often mistaken for pit bulls. However, they’re a completely separate breed, who are very different, with the exception of similar physical appearance.
8) American Foxhound
Origin
The American Foxhound is a direct descendent of English Foxhounds brought to America around 1650. These English Foxhounds were bred over a century later with a French hound gifted to George Washington by Lafayette. The combination of French and English Fox hounds gave way to the American Fox hound.
These hounds were originally used for seeking out American Indians. Eventually, however, they became relentless hunters of wild animals. With excellent noses, strong stamina, and quickness when giving chase, it’s no wonder this dogs are fantastic hunting partners.
Temperament
These dogs are sweet, affectionate, gentle, and loving in the home. On the hunt, they are brave and intense. American Foxhounds do well with children and other dogs due to their pack hunting skills.
Height
21-25 inches (53-64 cm)
Weight
65-75 pounds (29-34 kg)
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
FUN FACT: George Washington had an attachment to this breed and often wrote about them.
9) Black and Tan Coonhound
Origin
The Black and Tan Coonhound was created by crossing the Bloodhound, Talbot Hound (now extinct), and black and tan Foxhound. As their name state, they are best known for their use in tailing and treeing raccoons – howling once they have the prey treed. The Black and Tan Coonhound has been used to hunt bear, deer, and even Mountain Lions.
They are a hearty breed that can withstand the harshness of winter, as well as, intense heat.
Temperament
The Black and Tan Coonhound is intelligent, good-natured, and loyal hunting companion. They are passionate about the work they do and have the energy to match that passion. These dogs required significant exercise to keep them from engaging in destructive behavior.
Height
23-27 inches (58-68 cm)
Weight
50-75 pounds (45-64 kg)
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
FUN FACT: The Black and Tan Coonhound was the first Coonhound breed accepted by the American Kennel Club.
10) Australian Shepherd
Origin
The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie for short, is actually not Australian at all. The breed was originally developed in the Pyrenees Mountains by Basque shepherds. These Spanish dogs accompanied the Basque Shepherds to Australia before following those shepherds to America. The breed was refined in America to the ranch herding dog we know today. In fact, some of their past names included New Mexican Shepard and California Shepard.
It is believed that at some point, this breed was crossed with Collie stock. The Australian Shepard has many talents, including retrieving, herding, watchdog, herding, police work, detection work, search and rescues, agility, as well as , competitive obedience and trick performance.
Temperament
Aussies are easy-going, super intelligent, dogs that love to play and live to work. They are courageous and excellent at watchdogs. Aussies are excellent with children, especially active kids, as they love to play. Aussies are devoted, loyal guardians who are naturally protective. They are also highly affectionate, attentive, and eager to please, with amazing agility and speed. They are not usually dog aggressive.
These guys need lots of exercise to keep from becoming destructive.
Height
18-23 inches ( 46-58 cm)
Weight
40-65 (18-29 kg)
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
FUN FACT: American Indians considered them sacred and referred to them as “ghost eye” due to the pale blue eyes common in the breed. Aussie often have two different colored eyes.
11) Plott Hound
Origin
The Plott Hound is the only American hound without ancestry to British hounds. In 1750 Johannes Plott arrived in North Carolina having left Germany. He brought with him five Hanoverian Hounds. In North Carolina, Johannes Plott bred his dogs. The dogs were bred with a mix of Bloodhounds and Curs originally. Over the next two hundred years, the Plott family bred these dogs, resulting in the dogs being refereed to as “Plott’s hounds”.
The dogs worked and excelled at hunting bear and raccoons in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains. These dogs are hardy and have superior hunting instincts, bred to be stronger and more persistent. Plott hounds are used effectively to search for coyotes, wolves, and wild cats.
Temperament
Plott hounds are loyal and intelligent, being quick to learn. They are good companion dogs who love children. Like the American Foxhound, they are different on the hunt than they are in the home. On the trail they are courageous, determined, and focused. They will face a bear or wild boar without hesitation.
Height
20-25 inches (51-63 cm)
Weight
40-75 pounds (18-34 kg)
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
FUN FACT: All Plott hounds are brindle pattern.
12) American Cocker Spaniel
Origin
The American Cocker Spaniel, or simply Cocker Spaniel, dates back to the 14th century. The breeds roots are in the English Cocker Spaniels that were brought to the United States. The Spaniels were bred down to smaller sizes and given the name Amercian Cocker Spaniel.
The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting-gun dog able to work in wet or dry lands. They excel at flushing and retrieving game with a soft mouth. The name “Cocker” comes from the wood cock, which is a game bird the dogs were known for flushing.
Talents of the Cocker Spaniel include hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, and competitive agility and obedience.
Temperament
The Cocker Spaniel can do well as a gundog or house dog. They are gentle, sweet, respectful, and wants to work. The are amusing, active, playful, and devoted. Cocker Spaniels are easy to train and get along well with other animals. There can be some aggressive guarding of resources, obsessive barking, or hyperactivity that can come from untrained or under exercised Spaniels.
Height
14 – 16 inches (36-38 cm)
Weight
15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
FUN FACT: A Cocker Spaniel was the first cancer-detecting dog.
13) Rat Terrier
Origin
The Rat Terrier was developed in Great Britain from the Smooth Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier in 1820. Rat Terriers arrived in the United States in the 1890’s. American breeders crosses them again with the Smooth Fox Terrier, adding the Beagle and Whippet to the mix.
The Beagle increase the thickness of the breed, while the Whippet added speed and agility. The smallest variety of Rat Terrier was achieved by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier and Chihuahua.
As their name suggests, Rat Terriers proved to best one of the best ratting dogs around.
Temperament
Rat Terriers are intelligent, alert, and loving. They’re very lively and inquisitive. These guys are good with children and affectionate with their owners. Rat Terriers are true to their terrier name, being feisty and fearless.
Height
- Toy: 8 inches (20 cm)
- Mid-sized: 8-14 inches (20-35.5 cm)
- Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Weight
- Toy: 4-6 pounds (2-3 kg)
- Mid-sized: 6-8 pounds (3-3.5 kg)
- Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Life Expectancy
15-18 years
FUN FACT: Teddy Roosevelt is credited with naming the Rat Terrier
14) Redbone Coonhound
Origin
For a long time, Raccoon hunters owned red dogs that proved to be skilled in tracking and treeing raccoons. Eventually, a few serious breeders, loyal to the breed and sport of raccoon hunting, began to selectively breed characteristics to create a superior hound.
The ancestor of Redbones are Foxhounds, but it is also believed that a Bloodhound was crossed into the mix. Redbones are typically used for raccoon hunting, but can be used in other game as a reliable hunting dog.
Temperament
Redbones are happy, even-tempered, and affectionate. Like most hounds, they are great with children and loving being with their people. They are alert and quick to work. Redbones have high stamina and are extremely gritty.
Height
21-27 inches (53-66 cm)
Weight
50-70 pounds (23-32 kg)
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
FUN FACT: Redbones find great joy in pretending to hunt cats
15) Chinook
Origin
The Chinook is a northern American breed that can be traced back to a single ancestor. The so called father of the breed was named Chinook. He was born in 1917, in New Hampshire, to a Husky female and one of the dogs on Peary’s North Pole Team.
Chinook’s offspring were also large, shared the same coloring, and general characteristics. The offspring were specifically designed to combine the strength of a large freight pulling dog with the speed of smaller racing sled dogs.
Despite their success and record setting sled runs, there were only 125 Chinook dogs in 1966. Then in 1980, only 12 breeding dogs remained. Today, the Chinook’s sled drive is greatly reduced and they are more of a companion dog.
Temperament
Chinooks are versatile, hard-working sled dogs. They are incredibly agile, especially for having such a large build, making them great for agility training. These dogs can also be used for carting, search and rescue, as well as other competitions like flyball.
Chinooks are also calm, non-agressive, with a friendly disposition. Gentle, loyal, and even tempered, they are great companions. They do well with children, even when not previously raised with kids.
Height
21-27 inches (53-69 cm)
Weight
55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Life Expectancy
10-15 years
FUN FACT: Chinook, the father of the breed, was an amazing sled dog and joined Admiral Byrd’s South Pole expedition in 1927.
16) Catahoula Leopard Dog
Origin
There is some belief that the Catahoula Leopard Dog originated from Nordic Wolfhounds being introduced 300-500 years before the Spanish arrived in America. However, the state of Louisiana, specifically the Parish of Catahoula, is agreed as the point of origin.
This breed was used in groups to round up feral pigs and cattle. Additionally, Catahoula have been used to trail and tree raccoons.
Temperament
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is protective, territorial, and independent. The are, however, very loving and affectionate with its family and people it knows.
Height
20-26 inches (51-61 cm)
Weight
55-80 pounds (16-37 kg)
Life Expectancy
12-13 years
FUN FACT: Catahoula Leopard Dogs can climb trees.
These are certainly not ALL of the breeds that have origins in the United States, but are a nice collection of some familiar dog breeds and some surprising ones.
