This just in - dogs were originally bred for more than giving kisses and snuggling their owners! Who knew? From hunting, guarding, herding, and pest control these furry friends have a lot of skills. Does your pup have a hidden talent? Read on to learn about the jobs of some popular breeds.
Border Collie
Job: Herding cattle and sheep
Key characteristics: Agile, energetic, intelligent, and very trainable
Ways to engage: Border Collies live their best life herding livestock on a farm. Agility training is a great alternative to keep these dogs happy and engaged.
Cane Corso
Job: Protector & bodyguard
Key characteristics: Intelligent, loyal, and assertive
Ways to engage: Brisk walks or runs to sustain their health and muscle mass, obedience training, and protection sport
Basset Hound
Job: Scenting & hunting
Key characteristics: Agreeable, patient, and loyal
Ways to engage: Obedience training, hunting, and trail walks
Rat Terrier
Job: Hunting vermin
Key characteristics: Short stocky frame and friendly
Ways to engage: Daily walks with a lot of time to sniff, fetch, and prey drive games
Dalmatian
Job: Guarding horses and coaches
Key characteristics: Protective, bright, and active
Ways to engage: Running and hiking - Dalmatians need regular mental and physical exercise to keep them happy and out of mischief.
German Shepherd
Job: Herding, guarding, and scenting - German Shepherds today have a lot of jobs in law enforcement and the military.
Key characteristics: Courageous, agile, and muscular
Ways to engage: Agility training, tracking, and dock diving
Labrador Retriever
Job: Search-and-rescue, service dogs, and drug and bomb detection
Key characteristics: Friendly, outgoing, and energetic
Ways to engage: Fetch, dock diving, and hunting
Newfoundland
Job: Life-saving abilities and often referred to as a “nanny dog” for watching over children
Key characteristics: Kind, devoted, and patient
Ways to engage: Swimming, agility, and obedience training
Standard Poodle
Job: Hunting
Key characteristics: Smart, athletic, and proud
Ways to engage: Hunting, retrieving, and dock diving
Great Dane
Job: Guardian
Key characteristics: Patient with kids, people-pleasers, and patient
Ways to engage: Obedience training and a lot of socialization with other animals and people
We hope you enjoyed reading and if there is a breed we didn't list that you'd like to share information about, let us know!
If you have a working dog, check out our Working Dog Gear at dogIDs.