The 18 All-American Dog Breeds That Will Captivate Your Heart

American Bulldog

The bulldog originated in England centuries ago where they were used to guard property, drive cattle, and fight in barbaric blood sports. Bulldogs came to the United States in the 1700s where they also were used on farms and ranches for livestock work and as guardians. Around the time of World War II the breed was almost extinct, but breeders revitalized it and created a standard for the American version.

These dogs are athletic, stocky, and muscular, yet they also can be quite friendly and clownish. They are prone to overheating, so care needs to be taken when they’re exercising, especially in hot conditions.

American Hairless Terrier

The American hairless terrier came into existence when a hairless female puppy named Josephine was born in a litter of purebred rat terriers. Josephine’s owners, Edwin and Willie Scott of Louisiana, made it their mission to see whether they could produce more hairless puppies by breeding Josephine to other rat terriers.

The American hairless terrier was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016 as part of the Terrier Group. It is the first hairless breed to be developed in the United States. 

These little dogs are athletic and love to play. They are also smart and like to have a job to do.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan malamute is a sled dog breed that's believed to have descended from wolf-dogs of thousands of years ago. The name comes from the Mahlemiut, Inuit people of Alaska who developed a dog that could haul heavy loads over long distances and in harsh conditions.

The Alaskan malamute has a thick double coat and a long tail that curves over their back to keep them warm. These dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and chatty.

This American dog breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1935. 

American Eskimo Dog

Despite its name, the American Eskimo dog breed was created not by indigenous people but by German immigrants to the U.S. who brought their German spitz dogs with them in the early 1800s. The highly trainable, striking white dogs proved extremely popular, and many even performed in circuses and other traveling shows.

During World War I when there was a prejudice against Germany, the German spitz name was changed to American Eskimo dog. Today's Eskies are still charming and clever companions that love to have fun.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd's name is a complete misnomer; the breed was developed in the United States, not Australia, making this an American dog breed.

The Australian shepherd breed got its name because its predecessors passed through Australia. People from a region near the Pyrenees Mountains brought their shepherd dogs to Australia when they immigrated there. Then, some California ranchers got their hands on some of these herders and developed the Australian shepherd we know and love today.

The Aussie is extremely smart, athletic, energetic, and personable. 

Boston Terrier

The Boston terrier was created in—you guessed it—Boston, Massachusetts. A dog named Judge, who was a cross between a bulldog and the extinct white English terrier, was sold to a Boston man.

Judge was fairly small at around 30 pounds, but he was quite muscular. He formed the foundation of the Boston terrier breed. Through selective breeding, dogs that were even smaller and with a sweeter face arose to give us the breed we have today.

These dogs are great family companions who don’t take up too much space, so they’re great for those living in apartments or condos.

Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin spaniel is an American dog breed that was developed in South Carolina around the turn of the 20th century by breeders who desired a fairly small dog with which to hunt turkeys from boats. According to legend, all Boykins are descended from a small mixed-breed stray that was trained by Whitaker “Whit” Boykin.

These cheerful, outgoing dogs get along well with other dogs and possibly the family cat if taught to respect them, but pet birds cannot be considered safe around a Boykin. Boykins love people, including well-mannered children.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay retriever was created in the region around the Chesapeake Bay, an estuary that reaches through Maryland and Virginia. The Chessie, as the breed is often called, was developed by duck hunters to be an excellent hunter and swimmer—and a tireless retriever of ducks.

Newfoundlands, Irish water spaniels, and hounds are likely in the genetic mix. This dog has webbed feet to help them swim, along with a coat that repels water and keeps them warm.

Chesapeake Bay retrievers are active and need physical stimulation. They enjoy playing fetch, going on long walks, and participating in dog sports, as a few examples.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

A hardy dog breed developed in the South as an all-purpose farm and hunting dog, the Catahoula leopard dog is named for its place of origin: Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Today, the Catahoula is the official state dog of Louisiana. 

Although Catahoula leopard dogs are working dogs, they are also devoted family companions. Most get along well with respectful children when raised with them. But due to their hunting instincts, they might not get along well with other pets.

Toy Fox Terrier

The toy fox terrier was developed in the United States in the 1930s by combining smooth fox terriers with toy breeds, including miniature pinschers and Italian greyhounds.

This is a sweet, fun, and friendly dog. However, toy fox terriers also are small and fragile, so they are not recommended for families with rowdy children. These dogs are energetic and playful, but thanks to their size they can live in a small home.

American Foxhound

As the name implies, the American foxhound is an American dog breed, but the breed’s origin was in England. English foxhounds were brought to America in the 1600s, and the dogs were bred with other European hounds so they would be able to handle the terrain and be more effective hunting companions. The AKC recognized the American foxhound breed in 1886.

These dogs have a lot of energy, so they need active families that will give them the chance to let out their energy every day in positive ways. This is not a good choice if you’re looking for a lap dog; instead, they like to work. And they don’t like being alone.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire terrier is a type of pit bull, and is also known as the Am Staff. Like other American dog breeds, this one can be traced back to England. The British Staffordshire bull terrier went to the United States in the 1800s, and breeders eventually made this distinct breed. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1936.

American Staffordshire terriers possess several appealing qualities: they are generally quiet, friendly, and adaptable. They also have a moderate energy level and their grooming requirements are easy. However, they can be stubborn and protective, so proper training and socialization are necessary.

American Water Spaniel

The origin of the American water spaniel isn’t totally clear. It’s believed that the English water spaniel, curly-coated retriever, and Irish water spaniel may have been used to develop this breed.

These dogs are capable of retrieving in water and on land. Breeders worked hard to keep this breed alive after its numbers declined when hunting became less popular. It was recognized by the AKC in 1940 and became Wisconsin’s state dog in 1985.

This is a great choice for those who love spending time outside with their dogs. They’re eager to please but can be stubborn, and can be reserved around strangers.

Black and Tan Coonhound

Frontiersmen crossed European hound dogs to create the black and tan coonhound, another American dog breed. They were used for hunting game for settlers who were moving west and south in post-Revolutionary America. In 1945, the breed was registered by the AKC.

These dogs enjoy spending time outside, but have a strong prey drive that needs to be considered when they’re around wildlife and other pets in the home. They’re easygoing, affectionate, and smart, but can also be independent.

Bluetick Coonhound

This American dog breed is older than the founding of the United States. The bluetick coonhound is a large scent hound that can be used for hunting. It took until 2009 for the AKC to recognize this breed, even though it was recognized by other kennel clubs like the United Kennel Club for decades.

Pet parents who are thinking about getting a bluetick coonhound should know that this dog has a lot of energy and needs to be able to exercise for at least one to two hours daily. They also need to be trained and socialized so they don’t run off while following a scent.

Carolina Dog

Also known as “American dingoes” or “Dixie dingoes” because of their resemblance to the Australian dingo, Carolina dogs may have come to the United States through the Bering Strait, when merchants would travel to North America from Asia. Some dogs escaped and became feral, and Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin rediscovered the breed in the 1970s.

These dogs make great family pets. They are gentle, loyal, protective, and playful, and will bond with adults and kids. They can even make good watchdogs. But they do have a strong prey drive that may make them unsuitable for homes with other pets.

Mountain Cur

The mountain cur was a part of the frontier family in North America. Early settlers used these dogs to help hunters get small and large game, from rabbits to wild boar. But not much is known about this dog breed’s origins.

Because of their high prey drive, mountain curs aren’t the best choice for homes with other pets. But when it comes to interacting with people, these dogs are affectionate and adventurous. They prefer having a job to do.

Rat Terrier

The rat terrier is an American dog breed that was created by combining various breeds, such as the old English white terrier, bull terrier, fox terrier, and Manchester terrier. They were used for hunting pests on farms, where they also served as watchdogs. The breed was also developed further through the 1900s.

This breed is best for active families because these dogs have a lot of energy and like to work. They can run fast and jump high, and have a high prey drive, so a fenced-in yard is best. Though they’re intelligent, they can be stubborn, so training them could be challenging.