Bred for a Purpose: 15 Working Dog Breeds That Make Excellent Pets
If you are looking for a dog to add to your family, there are many varieties out there. If you are looking for a dog that is great with your family and is willing to do a little work around the house or farm, you have many breeds to pick from. Read our list of 15 working breeds that make for excellent family pets!
What is a Working Breed?
Working breeds are types of dog that are bred and trained to work. But just because they are meant for work, it doesn’t mean that they don’t like to play and take care of their humans. Some common types of work dogs are bred for are:
- Combat and policing
- Guarding
- Herding
- Search and rescue
- Service (seeing eye and assistance)
- Sled
This list is far from complete! People assign all kinds of duties to their canines.
There is a variety of traits exhibited in working dogs, but some common traits are:
- Alert
- Energetic
- Friendly
- Large
- Protective
- Smart
- Strong
Luckily, these tend to be traits that many people are looking for in their family dog.
15 Breeds of Working Dogs That Would Be Great Additions to Your Family
Before adding any dog as a permanent family member, you should do a bit of research. Some of these you will recognise, others, you might not. And don’t forget that this list is not exhaustive. The following are brief descriptions that should help you narrow the breeds that you are considering.
1. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a distinctive looking dog that will love and protect you and your family. With their wiry coat and their “beard and mustache” they will quickly become part of the family. Bold and stubborn, they will be gentle with the kids but protect them when threatened.
Purpose: Hunting
Size: Medium
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Very
Trainability: Moderate
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Descended from Dingos and also called Red, Blue or Queensland Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog is an intelligent, tough and protective breed. They are as at home chasing cattle as they are tracking prey or playing with your kids in the backyard. They would make a great furry addition to your family.
Purpose: Herding and Hunting
Size: Medium
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Very Good
Trainability: Very Good
Grooming Needs: Minor
Health: Good
Life Expectancy 12-16 years
3. Australian Shepherd
Popular work dogs in both Australia and the United States, these energy filled dogs make great family dogs. Just make sure that you are ready to run and romp with your new forever friend.
Purpose: Herding
Size: Large
Behaviour with Kids: Great
Protective: Good
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health Very: Good
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Many people might find their size intimidating. These gentle giants are wary but not aggressive with strangers. They are bright and easy to train, and their hearts are packed full of love for their people.
Purpose: Herding, Farming
Size: Very Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Good
Trainability: Very Good
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
5. Border Collie
These athletic dogs love cuddling with their people as much as they do running, jumping and playing. Border Collies are full of energy and very easy to train and teach. Be careful, if given the chance, they just might start herding you and yours, just like you are a part of their “flock.”
Purpose: Herding
Size: Medium
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Good
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Very Good
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
6. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Originating in Louisiana, the name comes from Choctaw for “Sacred Lake.” A little more independent than many work dogs, they need to be socialised while young, then once they are accustomed to their human family, they will have plenty of love and affection to give. Beware, even though they are large dogs, many consider themselves lap dogs, so don’t be surprised when yours wants to climb up on your lap.
Purpose: Herding, Guarding, Hunting
Size: Medium to Large
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Very Good
Trainability: Very Good
Grooming Needs: Low
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
7. Chinook
Bred to be both strong and fast, Chinooks are patient, loving dogs. These dogs love to please their people and are especially kind and affectionate with kids. They are easy to train, bright and agile. Since they are full of energy, they will need good workouts daily to keep them happy and in shape.
Purpose: Sledding, Herding, Search and Rescue
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Very Good
Trainability: Very Good
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
8. Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is not a common breed, but don’t overlook it. It is a healthy, long-lived breed that is just as happy working sheep and cattle as it is romping with your kids in the yard. If danger threatens, these brave dogs are more than glad to defend their “human” flock.
Purpose: Herding, Farming and Tracking
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Excellent
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Very Good
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds, as their name implies, originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Bred for herding, their brave nature and fearlessness meant that they could be used in both law enforcement and the military. They are loyal and will defend their human family with every breath. Bright and easy to train, they will make great forever members for you and your family.
Purpose: Herding, Guarding, Search and Rescue
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Excellent
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
10. Golden Retriever
Beautiful and obedient, Golden Retrievers are great furry family additions. They maintain that puppy “joy of life” attitude throughout their lives. They love playing, especially in the water. You will get bored playing fetch with them long before they do. They are very gentle and loving around kids, so they make great family dogs. Add a Golden Retriever to your life, and you will be adding a lot of fun and love.
Purpose: Hunting, Retrieving, Search and Rescue
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Good
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
11. Great Pyrenees
These big, strong dogs can chase away wolves, then cover you with kisses. Brave and sweet, they are great family dogs, just make sure that they don’t step on or knock over the wee ones. Their mellow personalities might be a little deceptive because they will spring into defensive action if they think their humans are being threatened. Easy to train and easy to love, they make great family dogs.
Purpose: Herding
Size: Very Large
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Excellent
Trainability: Good
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
12. Kuvasz
These uncommon, pure white dogs are common in Hungary where they were developed to herd sheep. They are agile, brave and noble. Smart and easy to train, they will quickly fit into your family, sharing their love for you as they protect you from threats.
Purpose: Herding
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Good
Protective: Excellent
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
13. Labrador Retriever
One of the most loveable breeds, Labs love their people. Full of energy and easy to train, plan on spending plenty of time teaching them tricks and playing fetch and tug-of-war. And few dogs are as happy when they get the chance to go for a swim. They simply love the water. You and your kiddos will fall in love with your bouncing bundle of canine energy from the moment you bring them home.
Purpose: Hunting, Retrieving
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Good
Trainability: Excellent
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
14. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Bred to hunt lions, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make loving and loyal family members. They can run with the best and have stamina as well as speed. They need to be socialized when young, and will mature thinking that they are part of their human family. They love playing and running, so make sure that you have plenty of time to spend with your Ridgeback.
Purpose: Hunting
Size: Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Excellent
Trainability: Very Good
Grooming Needs: Low
Health: Good
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
15. Samoyed
Samoyeds are tireless runners and thrive in cold weather–the colder the happier they are. Bright and easy to train, you have to keep them busy, like all working dogs. They will beg for you and your family to play with them 24/7.
Purpose: Sledding
Size: Medium to Large
Behavior with Kids: Excellent
Protective: Very Good
Trainability: Very Good
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Health: Very Good
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Bred for a New Purpose: Joining the Family
Once you pick your new forever friend, you can be sure that your life will never be the same again. They are great, loyal family members, and they will be as devoted to you as you are to them. But don’t forget that they are work dogs, and they will need a lot of exercise, so make sure that you have the time and energy to work or run them hard. They will never tire of playing with you and your kids, helping all of you to stay happy and healthy!
