Selected breeds of working dogs

name origin height in inches*

dogs (bitches) weight in pounds*

dogs (bitches) characteristics comments

Akita Japan 26–28

(24–26) 75–110

or more

(same) large-sized; massive, triangular head; curved tail originally bred to hunt bears

Alaskan Malamute U.S. 25

(23) 85

(75) strong, well-muscled body; thick, coarse coat; broad head with triangular ears one of the oldest sled dogs

dog (Bernese mountain dog) Switzerland 25–27.5

(23–26) 88

(same) large-sized; thick, moderately long coat; black with rust and white markings originally bred to pull carts and drive cows

boxer Germany 22.5–25

(21–23.5) 60–70

(same) medium-sized; square body; blunt muzzle; cropped ears, long and tapered bred from several breeds, including Great Dane and bulldog

Bullmastiff (mastiff) England 25–27

(24–26) 110–130

(100–120) well-muscled body; short, dense coat; large, wrinkled head 60% mastiff, 40% bulldog

Doberman pinscher Germany 26–28

(24–26) 60–88

(same) medium-sized; sleek, muscular body; typically erect ears intelligent breed; quick learner

Great Dane Germany not less than 30, 32+ preferred

(not less than 28, 30+ preferred) 120+

(same) regal appearance; large, powerful body; massive, expressive head tallest mastiff breed

Great Pyrenees Asia 25–32

(same) 90–125

(same) massive, rugged build; white coat bred to be a cattle and sheep guardian; loyal and protective

Newfoundland Canada 28

(26) 130–150

(100–120) large-sized; water-resistant coat; rudderlike tail; webbed feet noted for its lifesaving abilities, particularly in water

Rottweiler Germany 24–27

(22–25) 90–110

(same) compact, powerful body; black with rust markings used as a guard dog and police dog

Saint Bernard Switzerland minimum 27.5

(minimum 25) 110–200

(same) large-sized; red and white coat; powerful head pathfinder and rescue dog

Samoyed Siberia 21–24

(19–21) 50–65

(same) huskylike; double-coated; white, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit in colour people-oriented breed

Siberian husky northeastern Asia 21–24

(20–22) 45–60

(35–50) medium-sized; brush tail; small, erect ears originally called Chukchi

*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram