Working Group Ranked In Order Of Breed Popularity
Powerful and Purposeful Companions
↓ Skip directly to Working BreedsWorking breeds were developed to perform practical tasks like guarding, pulling sleds, and water rescue. Known for their strength, intelligence, and protective instincts, these capable dogs excel at jobs while forming devoted bonds with their families.
Key Working Group Characteristics:
- Strong physique with impressive endurance
- High intelligence and trainability
- Natural protective instincts
Ideal For:
These powerful dogs suit confident owners who can provide proper training and socialization. Their size and strength make them best for experienced owners with space to accommodate their needs, though some breeds adapt well to family life with proper guidance.
Understanding Breed Popularity:
A breed's popularity ranking often reflects its availability. More common working breeds like Boxers typically have more breeders than rare breeds like
Komondors.
Browse Working Breeds By Popularity:
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
Rottweiler
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Cattle driving & guarding
Height: 22-27"
Weight: 80-100 | 95-135 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #8
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Cane Corso
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Property guardian
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #14
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Doberman Pinscher
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Personal protection
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 60-100 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #16
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Boxer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Bull-baiting & guarding
Height: 21.5-25"
Weight: 50-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #17
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Draft & farm work
Height: 23-27.5"
Weight: 70-95 | 80-115 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #19
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Great Dane
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Boar hunting
Height: 28-34"
Weight: 110-140 | 140-175 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #21
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Siberian Husky
Origin: Siberia
Purpose: Sled pulling
Height: 20-23.5"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #26
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Mastiff
Origin: England
Purpose: Estate guardian
Height: 27-33"
Weight: 120-170 | 160-230 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #40
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Portuguese Water Dog
Origin: Portugal
Purpose: Fishing companion
Height: 17-23"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy:5/5
AKC Popularity: #45
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Newfoundland
Origin: Canada
Purpose: Water rescue & draft
Height: 26-28"
Weight: 100-120 | 130-150 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #47
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Samoyed
Origin: Siberia
Purpose: Herding & sled pulling
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 35-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #53
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Giant Schnauzer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Cattle driving
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 55-95 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #57
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Akita
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Bear hunting
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 70-100 | 100-130 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #59
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Saint Bernard
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Alpine rescue
Height: 26-30"
Weight: 120-140 | 140-180 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #62
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Bullmastiff
Origin: England
Purpose: Watchdog
Height: 24-27"
Weight: 100-120 | 110-130 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #67
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Great Pyrenees
Origin: France/Spain
Purpose: Livestock guardian
Height: 25-32"
Weight: 85-100 | 100-140 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #74
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Alaskan Malamute
Origin: Alaska
Purpose: Heavy freighting
Height: 23-25"
Weight: 75-85 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #79
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Draft & driving
Height: 24-29"
Weight: 85-110 | 115-140 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #82
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Anatolian Shepherd
Origin: Turkey
Purpose: Livestock guardian
Height: 27-29"
Weight: 80-120 | 110-150 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #86
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Standard Schnauzer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Versatile farm dog
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #91
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