A country’s native dog breeds are usually a fairly accurate guide to its people’s characters, interests and lifestyles; and this is very much the case in the United States of America. American dogs tend to be very active breeds who love the great outdoors, love to hunt and carry themselves with plenty of confidence and pride.
Dog breeding is regulated in the United States by a number of associations and societies, including the non-profit American Kennel Club (established in 1884), United Kennel Club (est. 1898) and the American Dog Breeders Association (est. 1909).
Table of Contents
Alaskan Klee Kai
Size: Very small/Small
Height: 33-43 cm (13-17 inches)
Weight: 4-10 kg (9-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: standard or full coated; in black and white, grey and white, red and white or pure white
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Companion dog
Personality
Bred as a companion dog from the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, Klee Kais come in three sizes: Toy, which can weigh as little as 4 kg (9 lbs), Miniature and Standard. They are curious, agile and intelligent dogs, although this intelligence can sometimes make them headstrong and stubborn. They are particularly easy to train and excel at dog agility, possessing a jumping ability which belies their small stature.
Alaskan Malamute
Size: Large/Very large
Height: 58-64 cm (23-25 inches)
Weight: 34-38 kg (75-84 lbs)
Coat and Colour: thick double coat; in grey, sable, black or red, always with white
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Sled dog
Personality
The North American equivalent of the Husky, Malamutes were bred for hauling heavy sleds containing equipment, provisions or people across the frozen tundras. As a result they are strong, determined and possess extraordinary endurance. They also have a very strong prey drive and can be a real threat to smaller animals unless trained not to. Fortunately, Malamutes are very intelligent and adaptable so this should not present much of a problem. In the home they are quiet, soft and caring dogs who are very fond of people and make excellent family pets – provided their high demands for daily exercise can be met.
American Bulldog
Size: Large/Very large
Height: 51-61 cm (20-26 inches)
Weight: 27-52 kg (60-115 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and harsh; in all white or white with black, brown, red, brindle or fawn patches
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
American Bulldogs are much larger and more upright than their modern day English cousins, having been descended from the altogether more fearsome (and now extinct) Old English Bulldog. Male American Bulldogs are also considerably larger than females: in extreme cases they may even be nearly twice their weight. They are confident, sociable and lively dogs who are very affectionate towards their families. While the breed is generally non-aggressive, however, their size and potential ferocity means it is vital that American Bulldogs are thoroughly socialised at an early age to accept strange people, dogs and other animals, or else they can become a genuine menace.
American Bully
Size: Medium to Very large
Height: 33-50 cm (13-20 inches)
Weight: 20-60 kg (44-132 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and glossy; in any colour
Life Expectancy: 8-13 years
Type: Companion dog
Personality
The American Bully is a relatively new breed, bred as a companion animal from the American Pit Bull Terrier. They come in a variety of sizes, from “pocket” to “XXL” and are particularly associated with American Hip Hop culture. An adaptable and trainable breed, some American Bullies are happy to be lap dogs in the home. However, the Bully’s temperament is very variable and much depends on its training. Although attempts are continuously made to eliminate aggressive behaviour from the breed it is characteristic of this type of dog and remains a worrying trend of fatal attacks on humans: in 2022, six people, ranging in age from 17 to 62, were mauled to death by an American Bully in the UK alone.
American Cocker Spaniel
Size: Small
Height: 34-39 cm (13½-15½ inches)
Weight: 11-14 kg (24-30 lbs)
Coat and Colour: medium length and thick, with long fringes; in white, black, brown, tan, fawn or red
Life Expectancy: 10-11 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Known in America as “The Merry Cocker”, American Cockers are noted for their happy, level-headed temperaments and their ease of training. They are easily socialised to get used to other people, children, strange dogs and other animals but very much prefer to have company than be left on their own. They are easily stressed out by being alone, strange noises or rough handling. This said, they make for excellent family pets – indeed, both President Truman and President Nixon kept an American Cocker at the White House.
American English Coonhound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 53-69 cm (21-27 inches)
Weight: 18-30 kg (40-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: coarse and short; in white with red tick, blue tick, tricolour or tricolour with ticking
Life Expectancy: 11-12 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Originally descended from the English Foxhound, the Coonhound is an enthusiastic hunter with a powerful sense of smell, strong prey drive and particular gift for “treeing” – that is, chasing animals up trees in order to capture them. In spite of this extraordinary energy, when properly exercised Coonhounds will generally be sedate and very suitable house pets, good-natured and sociable (although they can also be extremely stubborn). They respond particularly well to crate training, which is recommended for this breed. Owners ought to be aware of the symptoms of Bloat, a rare complication to which this type of dog is susceptible, and also make sure their ears are regularly checked for build-ups of ear wax or other debris.
American Foxhound
Size: Large
Height: 53-64 cm (21-25 inches)
Weight: 25-32 kg (55-71 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and hard; in red and white, tricolour, black and tan or blue
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
Another cousin of the English Foxhound, American foxhounds are docile and easygoing dogs who get along well with children and animals, although can be shy or aloof when confronted by strangers. As befits their heritage as hunting dogs, American Foxhounds are very active and energetic dogs who require plenty of exercise in wide open spaces: as a result this breed tends to not particularly enjoy living in towns or cities. They also need to be carefully watched when let off the lead, on account of their strong prey drive.
American Hairless Terrier
Size: Very small/Small
Height: 25-46 cm (10-18 inches)
Weight: 3-6.5 kg (7-14 lbs)
Coat and Colour: hairless or with a short, dense coat; in a variety of colour patterns with white
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Companion dog
Personality
A relatively new breed, first recognised by the US Kennel Club in 2004, American Hairless Terriers are descended from American Rat Terriers, but are bred as lap dogs and companions rather than for their working dog traits. They are playful, energetic, inquisitive and loving animals who make excellent watchdogs. Care must be taken to look after their skin, particularly in especially cool or warm weather.
American Leopard Hound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 53-68.5 cm (21-27 inches)
Weight: 16-34 kg (35-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in blue, black, mouse, red, yellow or brindle; with white or any other colour spotting
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Also known as a Leopard Cur, the American Leopard Hound is descended from Mexican hunting dogs and are outstanding tracking animals, able to follow their prey for many miles. In the home they are affectionate, devoted and very loyal pets, particularly caring towards children. They are also highly intelligent and energetic dogs and will require plenty of exercise and play to keep them from giving into hyperactive behaviour or other destructive urges.
American Pit Bull
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 43-53 cm (17-21 inches)
Weight: 13.5-27 kg (30-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: smooth and thin; in any colour or combination of colours except merle
Life Expectancy: 8-15 years
Type: Working Dog
Personality
One of the most controversial breeds of dog, Pit Bulls are considered to be emblematic of the United States by some, while in many countries they are controlled or banned outright. Pit Bulls are confident, strong and enthusiastic dogs with a zest for life. They are also extremely agile and excellent climbers. A well-socialised and well-trained Pit Bull can be a wonderful family pet. However, their extraordinary strength means that any questionable traits in temperament or character could prove dangerous to human life. They are recommended for experienced and able-bodied dog owners only.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 43-48 cm (17-19 inches)
Weight: 23-36 kg (50-80 lbs)
Coat and Colour: smooth and short; in any colour or combination of colours
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Personality
Close cousins of the English Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffs are confident, courageous and unfailingly loyal dogs. In spite of their occasionally fearsome appearance they are also generally friendly, non-aggressive and family-friendly companions. However, the breed has fallen foul of breed-specific legislation in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Their naturally high energy levels means that they require plenty of regular exercise. Like most dogs of their type, they are recommended for experienced owners and handlers only.
American Water Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 38-46 cm (15-18 inches)
Weight: 11-18 kg (25-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: double coated with a curly exterior; in any shade of brown
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
American Water Spaniels enjoy being the centre of attention and wherever the action is. Like their English cousins, they have a tendency to latch on to one particular favourite person and want to be with them at all times. They are very skilled hunting dogs, excellent retrievers and particularly good at swimming for extended periods. However, thanks to their small size they are also good dogs for people with smaller homes, provided they are able to meet their high exercise requirements.
Australian Shepherd
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 46-58 cm (18-23 inches)
Weight: 16-32 kg (35-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long double coat; in blue or red merle, solid red or black with white markings or tan points, or a combination of all of the above
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
In spite of the name, this dog is purely an American breed, descended from sheep herding Collies imported into the United States from Europe and Oceania during the 19th Century. Today it is one of the most popular pet dogs in America; active, intelligent, playful, adaptable and loyal. The biggest problem with keeping an Australian Shepherd is keeping up with their requirement for regular exercise and activity, without which they can become bored and destructive.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 53-69 cm (21-27 inches)
Weight: 18-34 kg (40-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and dense; in black and tan only
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
Mellow, calm and quiet, Black and Tan Coonhounds make excellent household pets. However, once outdoors they can be overtaken by their powerful hunting instinct, becoming headstrong, independent and stubborn – particularly if it starts to track a scent. Black and Tan Coonhounds can be nervous or shy around strangers and while they are gentle and patient with children, their independent streak can make them unwilling to play with them. They are recommended for experienced and active dog owners only.
Black Mouth Cur
Size: Medium
Height: 41-64 cm (16-25 inches)
Weight: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short; in yellow, fawn, brindle or brown with a black muzzle
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Black Mouth Curs are active and enthusiastic herding and hunting dogs who require a great deal of exercise. Intelligent and energetic, Black Mouth Curs love to work and have a job to do at all times. They are often wary of strangers but are very fond of children, to the point of protectiveness towards them. It is said that Black Mouth Curs respond best to female handlers.
Bluetick Coonhound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 53-69 cm (21-27 inches)
Weight: 20-36 kg (45-80 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in white with mottled blue or black markings
Life Expectancy: 11-12 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Bluetick Coonhounds are best known as a dog used to hunt raccoons, but their friendly disposition can also make them good family pets. Mainly bred as hunting dogs, Bluetick Coonhounds are very intelligent, adept problem solvers and extremely energetic, requiring plenty of regular exercise for both body and mind. On the whole they are recommended for experienced owners and handlers only, on account of their continual need for work or stimulation, relative difficulty of training and powerful hunting instincts. However, well-socialised Blueticks will be wonderful companions, particularly with children.
Boston Terrier
Size: Very small/Small
Height: 23-38 cm (9-15 inches)
Weight: 3-11 kg (6-25 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in brindle and white, black and white or seal and white
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Companion dog
Personality
Originally descended from English Bull Terriers and Old English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers have now lost much of their original pugnacious and aggressive nature and are mainly kept as companion animals. They are hardy, friendly and merry dogs with a decidedly clownish disposition and large personalities. If properly socialised they will happily get along with people, children and other animals, their small size making them ideal dogs for people with limited space. However, their short muzzles and large eyes unfortunately can make them particularly susceptible to a range of sight and respiratory problems.
Boykin Spaniel
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 36-46 cm (14-18 inches)
Weight: 11-18 kg (25-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: medium length, straight to moderately curly; in solid liver or dark chocolate
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Friendly, social and easy to train, Boykin Spaniels make excellent family pets. They love being the centre of attention and are very eager to please, although dislike spending too much time on their own. Their heritage as hunting dogs means that they are very energetic and require plenty of regular exercise. They also need regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
Carolina Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 45-50 cm (18-20 inches)
Weight: 14-20 kg (30-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in yellow, ginger, buff, fawn, black and tan or piebald
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Domesticated wild dog
Personality
Also known as an American or Dixie Dingo, Carolina Dogs are descended from American wild dogs, only accepted as an official breed by the US Kennel Club in 1996. They retain much of the shyness and suspicion of people as their feral ancestors, but once they accept a person all of this disappears and they become gentle and loyal companions who make excellent family pets.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Size: Medium to Very large
Height: 51-66 cm (20-26 inches)
Weight: 18-43 kg (40-95 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short to medium; in any colour or patterned combination
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Originally a hunting and herding dog, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are playful, loyal and affectionate dogs at home but will become hardworking, intense and focused when out in the field. When properly socialised Catahoula Leopard Dogs are rarely aggressive but can be aloof and shy around strangers. Like all working dogs, they are very energetic and active, requiring plenty of regular exercise.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Size: Large/Very large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 30-45 kg (66-100 lbs)
Coat and Colour: woolly double coat; in reddish gold or liver, occasionally with white spotting
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Happy, intelligent and quiet, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are also very affectionate, protective and loyal and make excellent family pets. Rarely aggressive, some can tend towards shyness around strangers. They retain all of the traits that make them excellent hunting dogs, including their energy and stamina, meaning that Chesapeakes require plenty of regular play and exercise to keep them happy. They particularly benefit from regular top-up sessions of obedience training.
Chinook
Size: Medium to Very large
Height: 53-69 cm (21-27 inches)
Weight: 20-41 kg (45-90 lbs)
Coat and Colour: medium length double coat; in tawny with no white
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Sled dog
Personality
The official State dog of New Hampshire, Chinooks were bred as sled dogs for a polar expedition but are now far more common as family pets. They are affectionate, playful and loyal with a particular devotion to the care of children. Like many sled dogs they are happiest when they have a task to do and fortunately they are very easy to train and extremely adaptable. Chinooks love the company of other dogs but can be shy around strange people. They require plenty of regular exercise but are very obedient and seldom – if ever – aggressive.
Miniature American Shepherd
Size: Small
Height: 33-46 cm (13-18 inches)
Weight: 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length double coat; in black, blue merle, red or red merle, with tan or white markings
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Bright, lively, intelligent and hardworking, Miniature American Shepherds are rugged and hardy herding dogs who are also extremely good family pets. They are friendly and excellent with people, children and other animals. Their intelligence and eagerness to please makes them easy to train but, of course, their herding heritage means they need plenty of regular outdoor play and exercise. However, their small size makes them very suitable for people with small homes.
Mountain Cur
Size: Medium
Height: 41-66 cm (16-26 inches)
Weight: 14-27 kg (30-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in blue, black, yellow, brown or brindle
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Bred specifically as a treeing dog, Mountain Curs are intelligent, energetic and hardy dogs with very few reported health complaints for a pure-bred animal. In the home they are rarely aggressive, eager to please and get along well with people and other animals. The only real downside to keeping a Mountain Cur as a pet is their insatiable appetite for work and action; they require plenty of regular exercise and tasks to do. Happily, they are easy to train and very obedient. It is only when they don’t have any job to do that Mountain Curs can become anxious, restless or bored.
Mountain Feist
See Treeing Feist
Olde English Bulldogge
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 41-51 cm (16-20 inches)
Weight: 23-36 kg (50-80 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short; in brindle of red, fawn or black (either solid or pied) or white with black, fawn or red
Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
An attempt to recreate the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, this breed was not officially recognised by the US Kennel Club until 2014. They are exceptionally strong, muscular and agile dogs but with a far friendlier disposition, less aggression and fewer health problems than the breed it sought to recreate. These Bulldogges are generally docile, loyal and intelligent animals who make good family pets. However, due to their energy and strength they are recommended for experienced dog owners only.
Plott Hound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 53-71 cm (20-25 inches)
Weight: 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short to medium length, fine and glossy; in red, tan, black, yellow, grey or blue brindle
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Scend hound
Personality
Confident, alert, athletic and intelligent, Plott Hounds are outstanding hunting dogs with boundless energy and endurance. In the home they are generally cheerful and eager to please their people, although they can be aloof with strangers. Their size and boisterous nature means they are not recommended for people with small children, but when properly socialised Plott Hounds are usually very happy in the company of other dogs.
Rat Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-46 cm (10-18 inches)
Weight: 4.5-11 kg (10-25 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in white, black, tan, chocolate, pearl, blue, lemon or apricot. They are frequently bicoloured or tricoloured, with one colour always being white
Life Expectancy: 15-18 years
Personality
Feisty, intelligent, energetic and full of life, Rat Terriers are easy to train and make for excellent family pets. However, they do require an unusual amount of exercise for a dog their size, as they are possessed of seemingly endless stamina. Ratters also need plenty of play and mental stimulation or else they can quickly succumb to boredom, which can tend to make them destructive, snappy and difficult.
Redbone Coonhound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 53-68.5 cm (21-27 inches)
Weight: 20-32 kg (45-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and dense; in red or chestnut, occasionally with white points or patches
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Like many hunting dogs, Redbone Coonhounds have split personalities. In the home they are kind, docile and even-tempered but when they are outside their instincts suddenly take over and your dog will transform into a energetic and determined hunter, tracking trails and chasing their quarries around fields, through undergrowth and up trees. Hours spent lazing at home followed by intense periods of activity is very much the Coonhound’s preferred rhythm of life, and they will make fine family pets for anyone able to provide it.
Silken Windhound
Size: Medium
Height: 47-60 cm (18½-23½ inches)
Weight: 10-25 kg (22-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length and silky; in virtually any colour, combination or pattern
Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
Graceful, intelligent and unusually long-lived for a dog of their size, Silken Windhounds are very playful, gentle and affectionate dogs who make ideal family pets. They are an athletic breed but, like greyhounds, they prefer to do their exercise in relatively short and intense bursts. They are also extremely keen on ball games and dog agility.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Size: Very small/Small
Height: 20-38 cm (8-15 inches)
Weight: 3.5-11 kg (8-25 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in solid white with black patches
Life Expectancy: 15 or more years
Type: Hunting Terrier
Personality
Hardy, muscular and determined, the feisty and diminutive Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was named in honour of the 26th President of the United States but there is no evidence that he ever personally owned one. Like the similar Rat Terrier, they are spirited hunters who thrive on regular exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. Teddy Roosevelts are also fine family dogs, generally very friendly-tempered, loyal and protective towards their people. In fact, they can develop the tendency to shadow their favourites constantly, never wanting to be far from their side.
Toy Fox Terrier
Size: Very small/Small
Height: 21.5-29 cm (8½-11½ inches)
Weight: 3.5-9 kg (8-20 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short, fine and glossy; in black and tan, chocolate and tan, white and black, white and tan or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Type: Toy Terrier
Personality
Intelligent, affectionate and clownish, Toy Fox Terriers are ideal dogs for older people or anyone with limited space as they require less strenuous exercise than many similarly-sized terriers and are also very easy to train. They are very loyal and loving dogs with funny personalities and make fine companion animals for people with mobility issues.
Toy Manchester Terrier
Size: Very small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 1-5 kg (2-11 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in black and tan
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Toy Terrier
Personality
The teacup-sized Toy Manchester Terrier is only accepted as a breed in the United States, with the UK Kennel Club of the opinion that these dogs are just smaller variants of the (already fairly tiny) Manchester Terrier. As such, their personalities are very similar: feisty, energetic, loyal and eager to please. Owners may find themselves taken aback that such a small dog requires quite as much play and exercise!
Treeing Cur
Size: Medium
Height: 46-61 cm (18-24 inches)
Weight: 14-27 kg (30-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short to medium-length double coat; in any colour, combination or pattern
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
Originally bred for hunting animals as varied as squirrels and raccoons to bobcats and cougars, Treeing Curs are energetic, quick, agile and determined. They are particularly noted for their stamina, versatility and exceptional courage. However, like many hunting dogs Treeing Curs are able to switch off these instincts in the home, where they can make for very pleasant and docile companions provided they have had sufficient exercise.
Treeing Feist
Size: Small
Height: 30-46 cm (12-18 inches)
Weight: 5.5-13.5 kg (12-30 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short; in any colour, combination or pattern
Life Expectancy: 15-18 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Curious, active and eager to please, Treeing Feists are spirited little hunting dogs who were originally bred to hunt vermin and small game but are equally at ease being a family pet. However, it is important to socialise them from an early age to ensure they will get along well with children and other animals. Treeing Feists are very similar to another dog, the Mountain Feist, to the extent that the two have only very recently been classified as separate breeds.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 51-68.5 cm (20-27 inches)
Weight: 23-32 kg (50-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and dense; in bicolour or tricolour (including white)
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
Another hunting dog with a classically split personality: in the great outdoors the Walker is relentless in pursuit and noted for its speed and intelligence, but at home they are mellow, loving, comfort-seekers who love human company and attention. However, they are only recommended for owners who lead active lifestyles, as this breed needs plenty of exercise and to feel as though they have something to do.
White Shepherd
Size: Large
Height: 58-64 cm (23-25 inches)
Weight: 27-36 kg (60-80 lbs)
Coat and Colour: dense, straight double coat; in white or off-white only
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Working Dog
Personality
Originally bred from German Shepherds, White Shepherds retain many of the stock breed’s characteristics: intelligence, fearlessness and courage. They are extremely loyal and protective of their family and it is vital to socialise these dogs from an early age to ensure that this does not express itself in aggression towards strangers and other animals. As such, White Shepherds are recommended for experienced dog owners and handlers only.