The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those “only in America” stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia. Fixtures on the rodeo circuit, they are closely associated with the cowboy life.
Among the most appealing of the AKC breeds, the endearing and instantly recognizable Basset Hound is a perennial favorite of dog lovers all over the world. This low-slung and low-key hound can be sometimes stubborn, but is always charming.
A boisterous and charismatic droving dog from Scotland, the shaggy-coated Bearded Collie (“Beardie” to his friends) enjoys outdoor exercise in all weather. Bred to be independent decision-makers, they can be willful but are always friendly.
The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly trainable herder whose versatility and intelligence is the stuff of canine legend. This is a breed built for hard work, and plenty of it. These sensitive souls crave human companionship and abhor neglect.
The elegant, agile Belgian Tervuren is a bright and self-assured herding dog of medium size, known to be affectionate and possessive with loved ones. Lots of hard work and challenging play is heaven for this tireless, do-it-all dog.
A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog—maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done.
They don’t build ’em like this anymore. Burly and barrel-chested, the tousle-coated dog of Flandres is from a time and place where a dog had to work like … well, a dog. These smart and steady all-purpose workers make excellent watchdogs.
The Briard packs so much loyalty, love, and spirit into its ample frame that it's often described as a "heart wrapped in fur." The dashing good looks of these muscular Frenchmen radiate a distinct aura of Gallic romance and elegance.
Up until 1983, the breeds in the Herding Group were part of the Working Group. All Herding breeds share an instinctual ability to control the movement of other animals. These breeds were developed to gather, herd and protect livestock. Today, some like the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd Dog are commonly used for police and protection work. The herding instinct in these breeds is so strong that Herding breeds have been known to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.
Not too big; not too small: These dogs are the definition of a happy medium, and probably why they show up on our list of most popular dogs year after year. Their playful and kind personalities make for excellent additions to families. Some are calmer by nature, like the Bulldog or the Whippet; others are more energetic like the Brittany or the Shetland Sheepdog. No matter what, they’re friendly and obedient, and love to please.
Man and dog have been best friends for thousands of years and while all of our canine buddies have the capacity for loyalty and protection some are more naturally prone to protective behaviors than others. Some may be tremendously loyal towards one singular person where as others will show loyalty towards anyone they deem to be part of their pack. While many dogs will bark to let you know something's going on, like a knock on the door, others are bred to take action and these are the dogs you'll want to research if you're looking for protection.
Man and dog have been best friends for thousands of years and while all of our canine buddies have the capacity for loyalty and protection some are more naturally prone to protective behaviors than others. Some may be tremendously loyal towards one singular person where as others will show loyalty towards anyone they deem to be part of their pack. While many dogs will bark to let you know something's going on, like a knock on the door, others are bred to take action and these are the dogs you'll want to research if you're looking for protection.
As you kick those workouts up a notch to prepare for your best bod ever, bringing your dog along for the exercise can be a wonderful way for you to enhance your bond while helping you both stay healthy. We’ve asked American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson to share a list breeds that can help keep you fit, along with some tips for beginning an exercise routine with your dog.
While any of these breeds may be perfect for your active lifestyle with proper training, it’s also important to learn as much as you can about a potential pet’s behaviors, temperaments and certain medical conditions before making a commitment to one.