The Working Dog Group Developed to labor or work for man as guard dogs, sled dogs, police dogs, rescue dogs, and messenger dogs

The Alaskan Malamute Origin – Never ascertained, but probably from Alaska Use – Sled dog Facts – Named from Innuit tribe Mahlemuts, clean, odorless, barkless, affectionate, fighters

The Boxer Origin – Tibet Use – Fight bulls and hunt bears, watchdog, bodyguard, seeing guide dog, police dog Facts – Docile, short-lived, loyal, playful, need regular exercise, subject to rheumatism

The Doberman Pinscher Origin –Germany Use – Guard dog, war dog, watchdog, police dog, hunting dog Facts – Named for Louis Dobermann, males are intelligent and aggressive, females are calm and affectionate

The Great Dane Origin –Germany Use – Hunting, war dog, cart dog, watchdog, bodyguard Facts – Spirited, friendly, dependable, good companion

The Great Pyrenees Origin – Central Asia or Siberia Use – Guardians, guide dog, pack dog, rescue dog, messenger Facts – Known as Great Dog of the Mountains, docile, affectionate, loving

The Standard Schnauzer Origin – Germany Use – Rat catcher, guard dog, watchdog, bodyguard Facts: Feisty, intelligent, clean, almost odorless, long-lived, used to guard carts while farmers rested at inns

The Rottweiler Origin – German town of Rottweil Use – Herd dog, police dog, watchdog, bodyguard Facts – Good companions, obedient, intelligent, very protective

The Saint Bernard Origin –Great St. Bernard pass in Switzerland Use – Guide dog, rescue dog, herd dog Facts – Obedient, loyal, gentle, friendly

The Siberian Husky Origin – Northeastern Asia Use – Sled dog Facts – Friendly and gentle, independent, alert, lacks tendencies of a watchdog, not good with children, can be ill-tempered

The Komondor Origin – Russia, brought into Hungary Use – Guard dog Facts – Courageous, unusual coat (looks like a mop), obedient, loyal, devoted, will readily fight wolves, bears, and other large predators

Mastiff Origin– Italy and England Use—Watchdog, bull baiting, lion fighting and fights with human gladiators (Rome) Facts—one of the longest histories of all breeds, gentle, loyal, large, not a Bullmastiff (60% mastiff, 40% bulldog)

Leonburger Origin—Germany Use--family, farm and draft dog Facts—Calm, gentle and sweet, shed a lot, recognized by AKC in 2010, Pyrenean Mountain Dog crossed with a St. Bernard