The 20 Dog Breeds Born and Bred in America

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Published: January 15, 2024
Share on:

Advertisement


There are over 450 globally recognized dog breeds. Many of our furry friends that we know and love are bred in the United States. Some, like the Australian shepherd, might surprise you. Today, we’re going to look at the most common dog breeds born and bred in America.

1. American Bulldog

White dog american bulldog on a background of autumn park

American Bulldogs were originally bred as working dogs.

©Golland/Shutterstock.com

First is the American bulldog, which is a cousin of the English bulldog. This is a medium-sized dog breed that is easy to recognize because of their muscular build. American Bulldogs are sweet, cuddly, and loyal canines that many people utilize as watchdogs. Like many other larger breeds, American Bulldogs need plenty of exercise and love socializing with their favorite humans.

2. American Eskimo Dog

side view of face of an American eskimo

American Eskimo dogs can have brown or black noses.

©Hendrickson Photography/Shutterstock.com

German spitz are the ancestors of the American Eskimo breed. These small bundles of fluff are recognizable due to their thick, long fur. This breed tends to weigh under 35 pounds and can handle cold weather because of its dense coat. American Eskimo dogs are great around children and have no shortage of energy, making them an ideal breed for families.

3. American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terrier puppy

The average American hairless terrier weighs 18 pounds.

©Zuzule/Shutterstock.com

Speaking of dog breeds with energy, the American hairless terrier will keep you active. This is the sole naked dog breed native to America. They originate from the state of Louisiana and this relatively small dog keeps under 25 pounds. Partially due to their intelligence and terrier genes, American Hairless Terriers can live an impressive 16 years!

4. American Foxhound

The American foxhound is a cousin to the English foxhound.

©Olga Aniven/Shutterstock.com

Did you know that George Washington bred English foxhounds? These are the cousins of American foxhounds, which are another one of the dog breeds born and bred in the United States. Using their powerful sense of smell, American foxhounds are incredible hunting dogs. They can weigh up to 75 pounds and live around 12 years.

5. American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire terrier progression

A pin brush is ideal for keeping the short coat of the

American Staffordshire terrier

groomed.

©Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock.com

Another dog with a muscular build that is born and bred in America is the American Staffordshire terrier. This breed loves learning and can quickly pick up on commands and new tricks. Although their bulky appearance may make them seem intimidating, American Staffordshire dogs have a reputation for being very sweet around children.

6. American Water Spaniel

Types of water dogs - American Water Spaniel

A young

American water spaniel

can be called a “cub.”

©Steve Bruckmann/Shutterstock.com

With their dark, wavy, hair, the American water spaniel makes this list! They are originally from Wisconsin and love to work outside alongside their owner. This breed is known to be wildly protective and possessive of their human family. Although they look quite small, American water spaniels can weigh 45 pounds and live up to 14 years.

7. Alaskan Malamute

husky alaskan malamute pomski puppy funny jump run with toy on grass

Alaskan Malamutes are related to Tibetan mastiffs.

©Alina Ziabrieva/Shutterstock.com

As the name suggests, this large dog breed is from the United States. Alaskan Malamutes often get mistaken for Huskies because of the similarities in their coats and overall appearance. They are known for being strong, hard-working, and trustworthy dogs. Alaskan Malamute is a great breed for people living in a colder climate.

8. Australian Shepherd

why do dogs hump

Australian shepherds are known for their intelligence.

©gesango16/Shutterstock.com

While their name has you thinking otherwise, Australian shepherds hail from California. Many cowboys had these dogs by their side as they rode around the Western portion of the United States. With beautiful, mottled coats, Australian Shepherds are ideal for herding cattle and other livestock.

9. Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and tan coonhounds are notoriously for wandering away from their home.

©WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock.com

Their large, floppy ears are just one of the features that make this American-born and bred breed adorable. Black and tan coonhounds love chasing rodents up trees and have been used for hunting for decades. They have a ton of energy and can be a bit much for families with babies and toddlers. Once children are old enough, this dog breed will quickly become their best friend.

10. Bluetick Coonhound

A Bluetick Coonhound dog standing outdoors with a happy expression

Bluetick coonhounds are one of the goofiest dog breeds.

©Mary Swift/Shutterstock.com

Another dog breed from Louisiana is the bluetick coonhound. This larger dog breed can weigh up to 80 pounds and will keep you active outdoors for hours on end! Bluetick coonhounds have a reputation for being friendly, impressive hunters who love to keep you on your toes. If you’re looking to adopt a bluetick coonhound to have as a family dog, it’s essential to socialize with them from an early age.

11. Boston Terrier

Boston terriers obey commands more than 50% of the time and are moderately trainable.

©natali.lymarenko/Shutterstock.com

With the nickname “American Gentlemen” because of the tuxedo appearance of their coat, Boston terriers are yet another dog breed that’s from the United States. Because of their snouts, Boston terriers are prone to respiratory issues. Still, these small pups love to be active with their family.

12. Boykin Spaniel

boykin spaniel puppy

The vast majority of Boykin spaniels have brown eyes.

©Zadranka/Shutterstock.com

Experts at hunting in the swamps of South Carolina, Boykin spaniels are gorgeous canines with wavy, brown hair. Like other spaniels, this American-bred breed loves to explore the outdoors, stay active, and stay close to their owner’s side. Boykin spaniels go back to the early 1900s and are almost entirely found in the southeast region of the nation.

13. Carolina Dog

Carolina dog lying on white background

Carolina dogs have been domesticated since 1970.

©Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

Yellow dog, American dingo, and Dixie dingo are just a few other names for the Carolina dog. This breed has short, cream-colored hair, and pointy ears, and is newly domesticated. Because of this, they appear rather shy and timid. It can take longer for this breed to warm up to humans and other pets. Once you gain their trust this dog will consider you part of the pack.

14. Catahoula Leopard Dog

An adorable Catahoula Leopard puppy lying on the lush green grass of an outdoor yard *Labraheeler

A Catahoula

leopard

puppy weighs roughly 60 pounds by the time they’re five months old.

©iStock.com/Wirestock

The Catahoula leopard dog is the state dog of Louisiana. It is a breed born and bred in America that is often utilized for its hard-working attitude. Catahoula leopard dogs are strong, muscular, energetic canines that are known for their endurance. They’re natural hunters and herders, making a large yard essential for anyone who adopts one of these adorable pups.

15. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever outdoors with tall grass.

This breed is famous for its amazing ability to hunt.

©Kerrie T/Shutterstock.com

With the appearance of a scruffy chocolate Labrador, the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a large dog breed native to the United States. This is the only type of retriever that’s from America. With no shortage of energy, this canine will keep you active. They love all sorts of outdoor activities including hunting, swimming, and playing with tennis balls. They live to be up to 12 years old and can weigh around 80 pounds when fully grown.

16. Miniature American Shepherd

american shepherd vs australian shepherd

This breed loves spending time exploring the woods with their favorite person.

©MirasWonderland/Shutterstock.com

Next, the miniature American shepherd is one of the smallest dogs on this list, weighing between 20 and 40 pounds. While their pocket-sized appearance may make you want to bring them with you everywhere you go, these pups love to run! Anything to get out their excessive amount of energy will keep them happy. They’re incredibly trainable and can be utilized for a variety of activities including herding and obedience training.

17. Mountain Cur

Mountain Cur Brindle Mutt in red bandana

Mountain cur dogs are one of the most affectionate dog breeds.

©Caitlin Trickett/Shutterstock.com

One of the earliest working dog breeds in America is the mountain cur canine. It’s hard to find a dog breed that loves spending time outdoors more than this one. They adore other animals, and people, and have quality time with their pack. They can live up to 16 years, have several color variances, and are quite courageous.

18. Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier

Rat terriers tend to have a double-layer coat.

©iStock.com/sjallenphotography

This breed is from the farmlands of the Midwest! These petite pooches were incredibly common on family farms in the early 1900s. This breed can live up to 18 years and is alert, lively, and always ready to play. Despite their size, some rat terriers have the feisty attitude to make great guard dogs!

19. Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier running with dirty tennis ball

Toy fox terriers are extremely fearless despite their small size.

©everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

Another terrier that’s on our list of dog breeds born and bred in America is the toy fox terrier. These pint-sized pups have plenty of personality and aren’t afraid to show it. They are direct descendants of Smooth Fox Terriers. Toy Fox Terriers are easy to train and love to learn new commands throughout their 14 years of life.

20. Treeing Walker Coonhound

A Treeing Walker Coonhound dog outdoors.

This breed has a great sense of smell and can run after rodents with swift speed.

©Mary Swift/Shutterstock.com

Last but not least, the treeing Walker coonhound is a dog breed born and bred in America. Dogs that “tree hunt” specialize in chasing animals such as raccoons up a tree for the canine’s owner to easily shoot them down. Treeing Walker coonhounds are adaptable and typically pick one person to have as their favorite. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © LNbjors/Shutterstock.com

Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Share on:
About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.