Types of Working Dogs

Everyone knows dogs are a man’s best friend. But beyond the best companionship possible, dogs offer an assortment of services. From tracking down criminals to rounding up livestock, dogs are capable of a variety of tasks. Working dogs have helped their human friends over several centuries, contributing greatly to society in myriad ways.

In 2025, working dogs and the value they bring to various industries has been in the forefront across multiple sectors. Canines help with physical disabilities, support emotional and mental wellbeing, aid researchers in conservation tasks, and perform search and rescue missions. Demand for these hardworking pups and the tasks they perform is on the rise. 

This slideshow covers many intriguing aspects of working dogs. We discuss multiple positions these canines fill across an array of industries. We explore which breeds are best at which job, as well as how rigorous training leads these dogs to be masters of their profession.

Military and Police Dogs

• Military dogs perform roles like detecting explosives, patrolling bases, and suspect apprehension
• Police K-9s assist officers with narcotics detection, tracking, and cadaver searches

Common Breeds for Military and Police

• German shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the most common breeds used
• These breeds are chosen for their intelligence, strength, and trainability

Service Dogs

• Service dogs assist people with disabilities like blindness, deafness, and mobility issues
• They can also detect seizures, diabetes episodes, and psychiatric episodes

Popular Breeds for Service

• Labradors and golden retrievers are popular due to their calm demeanor and intelligence
• These dogs undergo rigorous training to perform specific tasks

Search and Rescue Dogs

• Search and rescue dogs locate missing people in disasters and wilderness
• These dogs can follow scent trails and airborne scents to find individuals

Best Breeds for Search and Rescue

• Bloodhounds, Basset hounds, and beagles are well-known for their scent tracking
• They are trained to find people buried under rubble or lost in forests

Herding Dogs

• Herding dogs move and guard livestock like sheep and cattle
• They are alert, energetic, and capable of independent decision making

Popular Herding Breeds

• Border collies and Australian shepherds are top herding breeds
• Even Pembroke Welsh Corgis are used effectively despite their small size

Drafting Dogs

• Drafting dogs pull sleds or carts, especially in cold climates
• Their work requires great strength and endurance

Top Drafting Breeds

• Breeds like the Siberian husky and Bernese Mountain dog excel at this task
• These dogs helped explorers and remote communities transport supplies

Guard and Watch Dogs

• Guard dogs protect homes and livestock from threats
• Watch dogs alert their owners to suspicious activity with loud barking