We’re all familiar with Poodles, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, but rarely does anyone know a thing or two about Chessies, Eskies, or Malamutes. The difference between these dogs is that the first ones are very popular in America while the other three ARE from America.
As you can conclude yourself, today, we’re talking about American dog breeds, and why you should own them instead of some other dog breeds.
Surprisingly, there are lots of unknown dogs from America that can be pawmazing pets. The only thing wrong with them is that they’re not as popular as German Shepherds or Huskies, for example.
These 12 American dog breeds will truly amaze you with their personality and lovely appearance. After this article, you’ll be like: Poodle, who?
1. Alaskan Malamute
Let’s meet one of the oldest sled dogs in the world. The Alaskan Malamute is a purely American dog breed that has been here for quite a while. These arctic dogs are distant relatives of Siberian Huskies, and as such, they share coat colors with Huskies.
And, yes – I know what you’re going to ask me. They shed like Huskies, too!
Alaskan Malamutes are hard-working dogs that put their family first. These pups will protect you no matter what. You can doubt everything, but you can’t doubt their loyalty.
At the end of the day, your Malamute pup will love to snuggle with you. They’re friendly and peaceful. Since their cousins, Huskies, are not aggressive, you can expect the same behavior from Malamutes.
2. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers belong to the group of popular small dog breeds. People love them, families enjoy their company, and even other dogs want to be friends with them! Yup, Boston Terriers are pretty pawmazing! No wonder we call them “American Gentlemen”!
Even though Boston Terriers are not blessed as being hypoallergenic pups, they’re still a delight to dog owners who dread grooming. And, they’re also a sight for sore eyes! Boston Terriers are truly beautiful. They can fashion a coat in many colors. My personal favorites are red Bosties and blue Bosties!
If you follow the Bostie’s growth chart, you’ll notice that these small pups will not grow past 25 pounds of weight. They’re compact-sized, agile, and carry lots of energy. However, there isn’t much difference between male vs female Bosties. You’ll get a pawfect buddy no matter which one you pick!
3. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
These uncommon pups may resemble Labrador Retrievers, but they’re not any type of Lab at all. Think of Chessies as Labrador cousins from Maryland and Virginia, with Newfie and Irish Water Spaniel lines in their genetic pool. Like all retriever dogs, they look alike, but there are many differences between them.
These are strong gun dogs that usually weigh up to 80 pounds. Still, they’re quite fast, agile, and skilled at catching any sort of prey. But, Chessies are no “all work and no play” dogs. They enjoy cuddling with their owner and receiving affection.
What’s so special about Chessies is their waterproof coat. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers sport several brown shades of coat. Sadly, it’s not hypoallergenic, but it’s still pretty to look at. And, no – they are not that difficult to groom.
All in all, Chessies are surprisingly great family pups with the loyalty that a German Shepherd would envy. If you want a Chessie, then these breeders should be on your speed dial!
4. Rat Terrier
When former President Teddy Roosevelt helped with naming these American pups, he never thought they’d gain such popularity. Rat Terriers are feisty little guys that are becoming quite the rage, thanks to their temperament and pleasing appearance.
These are also one of the smallest dog breeds, especially their toy versions. Toy Rat Terriers are even more popular for their compact size.
Rat Terriers were first bred at the turn of the 20th century. Their purpose was to kill rats, and believe me when I say they had quite a problem with rats back in those days. Rat Terriers have earned their place as one of the most hard-working terrier dogs of all time.
You’ll recognize a Rat Terrier for its spiked-up triangular ears that hear everything as well as their long and pointed muzzle. These dogs come in a bunch of coat colors, and they are all approved by the AKC!
5. American Eskimo Dog
You know a dog is 100% American when it has “American” in its official name, right?
Oh well… we can joke as much as we want, but American Eskimo dogs are absolutely American, just as any other pup on this list. But, they’re not as common as Staffies or Pitties. These are stunning dogs you don’t see every day, and when you do, you stop for a moment to admire them.
American Eskimo dogs come in three sizes: toy, mini, and standard. Even the biggest of the three is considered a small dog since it doesn’t weigh more than 25 pounds.
If you think that Eskies come from Alaska, you’re completely wrong. You can blame German farmers who came to the Midwest of the States for this new dog breed. German Spitz dogs were used to breed Eskies. The practice showed as a successful one, and the new breed stuck around.
However, because Germany had pretty bad publicity after World War I, the name was changed from German Spitz dogs to American Eskimo dogs.
Today’s Eskies are cheerful dogs that adapt easily no matter where they live. They’re loyal, love showing affection, and seem like ideal dogs for families with kids.
6. American Staffordshire Terrier
I know what you think of American Staffordshire Terriers. They’re dangerous, right? Well, that’s actually not true about AmStaffs!
These are absolute sweethearts, and one of the kindest canines in the world. They’re even sweeter than German Shepherds, for example! I mean, the German Shepherd’s aggression is often discussed, but AmStaffs are nowhere near that.
AmStaffs are kind-natured and calm. They rarely show signs of distress or if something doesn’t feel right with them.
These dogs were purposely bred to be superstars of blood sports. Thankfully, that practice is almost completely gone and AmStaffs can show their real face, which is absolutely angelic!
7. Cocker Spaniel
While we see no difference between male and female Cocker Spaniels, there are significant dissimilarities between English and American Cocker Spaniels. Of course, we’re going to focus on our Cocker buddy from America. Let’s see why they’re so special.
American Cocker Spaniels are the smallest of all sporting dogs, but that doesn’t diminish their value. They’re still excellent hunting dogs and loyal sidekicks on everyday adventures.
Many people choose American Cocker Spaniels as family dogs because of their gentle nature. They also believe that Cockers are hypoallergenic. Sadly, Cockers don’t have hypoallergenic genes. But still, they shed only a bit, which makes them good dogs to own if you don’t have time for grooming.
What you may not like about this popular dog breed in America is the fact that they are very vocal. American Cocker Spaniels tend to bark a lot, and if that’s something you won’t appreciate, don’t get one!
8. Beagle
People always have a hard time figuring out the differences between Beagles and Basset Hounds. Other than both being scenthounds and mostly tri-colored, there aren’t many similarities between these two dog breeds.
There shouldn’t even be a doubt about which dog to pick between a Basset vs a Beagle since they’re two separate breeds.
Beagles are small dogs and excellent family pets. They’re known to be quite curious and adventurous, but still pretty down-to-Earth, and calm around kids and other dogs.
What you probably didn’t know about these pups is that they date back several centuries in the past. It’s still unknown when Beagles were first bred. Somehow, the breed managed to survive and climb up the ladder of the most successful hunting dogs.
Beagles are blessed with a long lifespan. You will enjoy many years with your little buddy if you take good care of him.
9. American Hairless Terrier
Born and raised in Louisiana, this pure American gentleman will win you over with its charming looks and undeniable charisma.
Meet the American Hairless Terrier – a dog breed you probably didn’t know about.
Although they look a lot like big and fat Chihuahuas, they’re not the same. I mean, this is an American dog breed after all, right?
The American Hairless does share some personality traits with Chihuahuas, i.e., they have the same energy levels and alertness. However, they seem to be sweeter than Chis, and friendlier towards little children.
What’s so pawmazing about American Hairless Terriers is that they don’t have any hair that sheds. Well, obviously! This makes them hypoallergenic dogs. I predict these pups will climb up the ladder and improve their pawsition of popular dog breeds in the States for several rankings.
10. Toy Fox Terrier
Yes, these guys used to chase foxes down their holes, but no… they’re not related to foxes in any case. Here’s the Toy Fox Terrier – a small and sassy Terrier dog you should meet.
So far, we’ve had lots of terrier dogs. By the end of this article, you’ll realize that American dog breeds are mostly terriers of all sizes. I can’t blame them. Terriers are highly versatile and adaptable pups.
The Toy Fox Terrier is the typical terrier pooch from the textbook. They’re bouncy, energetic, alert, and lively. Toy Fox Terriers are superstars of the dog show ring with their great skills, agility, and fast speed.
Even though they’re classified as snuggly pups, Fox terriers don’t like hanging out with kids and cuddling up with them. Considering their temperament, they’re more dogs for adults; not children or families with little children.
11. American Pitbull Terrier
Name anything sweeter than a Pitbull’s smile. Go on, I’ll wait…
Yes, you’ll have to work pretty hard to think of anything cuter than that huge grin. So, why could someone hate Pitties? Why do they have such bad publicity?
Pitbulls and dogs that look like Pitbulls were always considered as dangerous and aggressive. But, there’s not a single bad bone in a Pitbull. These are calm and kind dogs, with a pretty normal behavior pattern. So, there is nothing unusual or undesirable as you can see.
Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club still doesn’t recognize Pitbulls as an official breed. However, that doesn’t deny the fact that the APBT is a wonderful pet. Sure, Pitties shed, and aren’t considered to be hypoallergenic, but that’s still not that big of a deal.
There are many things that make Pitbulls amazing pets. Other than their sleek coat in many shades like the unusual gray Pitbull, it’s their muscular build that makes them so attractive.
Pitties are definitely a delight to own. On top of everything, Pitties are also blessed with a long lifespan.
If the AKC saw how amazing Pitties are, maybe they’d place them among the official dog breeds for once.
12. Chinook
The Chinook sounds like a pretty rare and rather unusual-looking dog. Well, that’s about right. You don’t see Chinooks every day on the streets. But, they’re not THAT unusual in terms of appearance.
When I first saw a Chinook, I thought it was a hybrid dog. However, that’s pretty far from the truth. Chinooks are purebred dogs, used mostly during the Gold Rush in Alaska. They have proven themselves as hard-working doggos, and they still serve as a working force in rural areas.
To introduce you closer to this American dog breed, let’s say that Chinooks are as big and strong as Mastiffs. They’re muscular and well-built, but still quite agile.
As you can imagine, Chinooks are dogs that get along with kids very well. That’s the case with all large dog breeds, i.e., Newfoundlands are gentle giants and kind to everyone.
Chinooks can easily obtain any function you give them from herding tasks to search and rescue missions.
Once you get a Chinook, you’ll be surprised by the intelligence this dog carries.