The Most Popular Dog Breeds Bred In USA

There is perhaps no continent in the world where dog breeds have not developed – the exception to this norm is- Antarctica. The USA (United States of America) has gifted the world with some of the most incredible dog breeds ever.

From Massachusetts to California, these dog breeds are just as varied and unique as the 50 states of the country. They differ in terms of appearance, purpose, and temperament.

Some were bred to be lovable companions, while some were created to be workers. So, here are the most popular dog breeds bred and born in this country.

American Bulldog 

It was in England that Bulldogs originated, and that happened centuries back! Over there, these dogs were used for driving cattle, guarding property, and in blood sports, as brutal as it got. During the 1700s, they came to the United States, where they were used in ranches and farms for livestock work apart from their regular work as guardians.

During the Second World War, they almost became extinct but were revitalized by breeders who set apart a standard for the American variant. These are athletic, muscular, and stocky dogs who can be clownish and friendly too!

The AKC (American Kennel Club) has classified them as foundation service stock dogs.

American Hairless Terrier 

American Hairless Terriers came into being when the first-ever member of the breed – a female pup named Josephine – was born in a litter of purebred Rat Terriers. Her owners – Willie and Edwin Scott from Louisiana – aimed to create more such dogs by breeding her with other Rat Terriers.

In 2016, the American Hairless Terrier breed got recognition from American Kennel Club as part of the Terrier group. It was the first hairless breed developed in the country. The height of this breed ranges between 12 and 16 inches, and their weight is between 12 and 16 pounds too!

They have soft and smooth bodies without any hair. Sometimes, they have some hair covering, but it is a fine layer that borders on the invisible. This American native breed bears a typical terrier attitude. This hairless dog breed is spirited and small and enjoys regular playtime and walks.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The ancestors of this dog breed were commonly used in bull-baiting and fighting. The socialized and trained Staffordshire terriers make ideal playmates for children. American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed likes learning new tricks and is always ready to join its human companions on long walks.

Alaskan Malamute 

Alaskan Malamute is a sled dog breed, and they believe they evolved from wolf dogs thousands of years back. The species gets its name from Mahlemiut; the Inuit people of Alaska created a breed that could carry heavy loads in harsh conditions and over long distances.

These dogs have thick double coats and long tails that curve over their back to keep them warm. AKC recognized the breed in the year 1935 as a working dog. The male members of the breed are 25 inches tall, while the females are usually 23 inches tall.

The males weigh 85 pounds, and the females are usually 10 pounds lighter.

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs may be named as such but not created by the indigenous people of Greenland. It was German immigrants to the country credited for breeding them. It was during the 1800s that they brought German Spitz with them.

They were highly trainable and so white that it was striking. They proved to be rather popular and performed in circuses and other such traveling shows. Their name was changed to American Eskimo dogs during World War II when there was prejudice against Germany.

Australian Shepherd

The name of Australian Shepherds is a total misnomer because it was in the USA that the breed was developed. They did not originate in Australia, as their words might indicate. The breed got its name because its predecessors had journeyed through that country.

People from a region close to Pyrenees Mountains took their shepherd dogs to Australia when they emigrated there. After that, a few ranchers from California got their hands on some of those dogs and developed them to create a breed that is so loved and well-known now.

Boston Terrier 

Yes, you guessed it right – Boston Terriers were created in Boston, Massachusetts. The first member of this breed was a dog named Judge, a hybrid of a White English Terrier, a dog breed that has gone extinct now, and a Bulldog.

A man in Boston bought him. The judge was minor at just 30 pounds, but he was rather muscly and created the foundation of the breed we discussed. Selective breeding led to dogs who have sweeter faces and are even smaller.

Boykin Spaniel 

It was during the onset of the 20th century that Boykin Spaniels were developed and happened in South Carolina. The breeders who created them wanted a small dog that they could use to hunt turkeys from their boats.

Legend has it the first member of the breed was a stray trained by Whitaker Boykin nicknamed Whit. They are outgoing, cheerful dogs and compatible with other dogs too.

If you can teach them, they will respect the family cat too! However, if you have pet birds, they are probably not safe around Boykins.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever 

As their name would tell you, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were created around the synonymous bay that travels through California and Maryland. They are also affectionately referred to as Chessie. They were bred by duck hunters and supposed to be exceptional swimmers and hunters, an inexhaustible retriever of those fallen birds.

They likely have Newfoundland dogs, various hounds, and Irish Water Spaniels in their genetic makeup. They have webbed feet that help them swim, and their coats can keep them warm and repel water. AKC has classed them as a sporting breed.

Catahoula Leopard Dog 

Catahoula Leopard Dogs were bred in the south of the United States as an all-purpose farm dogs who could hunt. As such, they are hardy individuals and get their names from their place of origin – a parish in Louisiana of the same name. They are right now the official state dog of Louisiana.

Even though they are working dogs, they can be devoted companions to your family. Most of them get along with kids as long as they have been raised with them, and those kids give them the necessary respect.

Toy Fox Terrier 

It was in the 1930s that the Toy Fox Terrier breed was developed in the USA. The breeders are responsible for these combined toy breeds, such as Italian Greyhounds and Miniature Pinschers with Smooth Fox Terriers. These dogs are sweet, friendly, and fun individuals.

However, they tend to be fragile and small as well. Thus, if you have rowdy kids, there are better ones than this breed. Even though they are playful and energetic, they can live in smaller homes because of their size. They have been classified as a toy breed by American Kennel Club.

American Foxhound

The American foxhounds are a gentle dog breed. A native dog breed, American foxhounds are perfect for the countryside. George Washington played an instrumental role in developing this dog breed.

American water spaniel

The double coat and curly American water spaniels look cute and were bred as working dogs. These dogs were bred in Wisconsin and made wonderful companions for humans.

Conclusion 

Dogs are popular all over the USA. They stand as a symbol of loyalty, family, and unconditional love. Today, almost forty percent of households all over America own a pet dog. Houston tops the list of the most significant number of dogs in the country, with more dogs found in the households than in other states.

Most dogs found in shelters in the country are considered purebreds. Most of the puppies are either adopted from rescue centers or shelters. Some dog breeds bred originally in the USA were found easily at animal shelters by reputable breeders.

However, others are less common. If you have decided to get a particular dog breed, you can get a breed-specific rescue dog.

FAQs

Que: What are the most popular dog breeds bred in the USA?

Ans: Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs.

Que: How can I find a reputable breeder for a specific dog breed?

Ans: Research breed clubs and associations and seek recommendations from veterinarians or trusted dog owners.

Que: What factors should I consider when choosing a dog breed for my lifestyle?

Ans: Energy level, exercise needs, size, grooming requirements, and temperament should be considered.