American Dog Breeds

Some American dog breeds actually originated in other countries, like Russia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Mexico. Starting in the 19th century, many of them caught the attention of breeders in the United States for various reasons, and began being bred in the country.

Want to know which these canine varieties are? Discover these American breeds and their most notable characteristics!

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is actually native to the United States, where it began developing after 1800, once herding dogs arrived from Australia. Thanks to the popularity horseback riding gained after World War II, the breed kept being bred until it established the standard known today.

It's a medium-sized dog with a light build and an active temperament. Its coat can be smooth or wavy, in reddish, black, or copper tones, paired with a white patch on the head.

• Characteristics and Behavior of the Australian Shepherd

American Staffordshire Terrier

Sometimes called the "Amstaff," this American Terrier breed has a medium, strong, imposing body. The ears are semi-drooping and the body short, though solid. The coat is short and glossy, with a harsh texture. It can come in various shades, though the most common combination is black and white.

• Complete Information on the American Staffordshire Terrier Breed

Boston Terrier

Know the Boston Terrier? It's among the small American dog breeds and is considered ideal if you live in an apartment. It has a short, muscular, well-defined body with a square jaw.

The Boston Terrier's coat is short and glossy. The coat comes in color combinations, like black and white, brindle and white, among others. It's a lively, playful breed.

• Temperament and Care for the Boston Terrier

American Foxhound

Among American hunting dog breeds is the Foxhound, a hound-type dog originally bred for tracking game. Today, it'll be an excellent companion for you if you enjoy outdoor activities, since it loves physical exercise.

The American Foxhound has a body with slender limbs and an agile look, with an elongated, elegant neck. The coat is medium-length and comes in every color, either solid or patched.

Black and Tan Coonhound

This breed, little known, was bred as a working and tracking dog. It's highly adaptable, able to live well in both hot and cold climates.

Are you a runner? This breed is ideal for you, since it covers a lot of ground with the strides of its long legs and muscle power. The coat is short, dense, and deep black, with some reddish areas on the muzzle.

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel breed was also used during hunts, but its job was to retrieve game. Thanks to this, it has a compact body and, despite its lovely looks, is quite a fast dog.

You'll recognize it quickly by its drooping ears, adorable facial expression, and long, glossy, silky coat.

• Complete Information on the American Cocker Spaniel Breed

American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is another breed bred in the United States as a game retriever. Its size is medium, with a muscular, well-defined body, along with long, drooping ears.

This breed is gentle and affectionate, ideal if you have a family with children. The coat comes in defined, abundant curls, either chocolate or dark chestnut.

American Akita

The American Akita is a companion dog native to Japan, but the breed developed in the United States during World War II, establishing a variety distinct from the one that existed in Japan.

It's among the large American dog breeds and is known for its heavy, solid look, though quite friendly. You'll recognize it by its thick double coat, in reddish, brindle, or white tones.

• Character and Behavior of the American Akita

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

This is a little-known American breed, native to the Chesapeake Bay. Originally, it was used to hunt waterfowl, but today it makes a good companion dog for you, especially if you like exercising.

This retriever is medium-sized and strong. Its coat is short and woolly, fuller on the tail. Coat shades can be brown or black, either solid or with some white patches on the chest.

• Characteristics of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

American English Coonhound

Also called the Virginia Hound, the American English Coonhound is an agile breed once used as a hunting dog. With its light, agile body, it's a great companion if you enjoy sports.

The breed has thin legs, a lean build, and drooping ears. The coat is short and can be brindle or chestnut, combined with white patches.

American Mastiff

The American Mastiff breed is native to England, but its population declined sharply during World War II and it nearly went extinct. Breeders in the United States revived it, and today it retains the same characteristics as before, though it's friendlier than its ancestors.

This is a large dog with drooping ears and a strong body. It has a short coat that comes in light shades, except for a black mask on the muzzle, around the eyes, and on the ears.

American Leopard Hound

The last on this list of American dog breeds is a breed well established in North Carolina. It was used to guard livestock and as a hunting dog, though today it works as a companion animal.

The coat color of the American Leopard Hound varies widely, and it's hard to pin down a single standard, but the body is lean, with thin legs and drooping ears.