Dogs With Jobs 40 breeds with photos and names
Dogs that are classified as service dogs are considered breeds that appeared at the dawn of civilization. Historically, dogs helped people 30,000 years ago. These animals are used by people in different ways: they “work” as rescuers, in the police, army, customs service, etc. From the article you will learn what service dogs there are, breeds with photos, names and characteristics.
Animals used for these purposes have special qualities. They are endowed with excellent mental abilities, the ability to quickly master new skills, as a rule, they have a good sense of smell, excellent natural intuition, and an immediate reaction to unforeseen situations.
History of Service Dog Breeds
Dogs have lived alongside humans since the Neolithic period. Even before our era, people tried to use the animals’ skills for their own interests: dogs guarded houses, livestock, babysat children, etc. Thanks to their increased efficiency and diligence, pets are still able to provide assistance in a variety of matters.
When targeted selection began, specialists tried to cultivate in animals precisely those characteristics that they needed. In the process of work, breeders selected dogs that were most suitable for them in terms of endurance, intelligence, trainability, etc.
There is much historical evidence that service dog breeds were used by the Assyrians, Greeks, and Persians. The animals helped people in military campaigns, guarded their families and homes, and were also used for hunting. Britain was known for breeding dogs that participated in bull-baiting.These animals were distinguished by their enormous strength and endurance, and when dog fights were banned, they became service pets, helping with security and protection.
In the 19th century, the English were among the first to use dogs to help the police. The animals patrolled the streets together with the guardians of order, helping to detain violators. It is known that hounds participated in the capture of the world’s first serial killer, Jack the Ripper, in 1888.
German specialists have achieved great success in the selection of service breeds. It is known that during the First World War, the German army was engaged in training dogs, teaching them to “work” as sentries, guards, messengers, etc. First of all, they used, of course, German shepherds.
In our country, the creation of breeds considered to be service dogs was treated with extreme responsibility. The “Red Star” kennel, which began its activity in 1924, became the birthplace of the famous “Stalin’s Dog” – that’s what black terriers were called in the country. In addition, the following breeds were bred there: Moscow watchdogs, divers, East European shepherds.
Types of Service Dogs
There are a large number of varieties of such pets. The basis for classification was the purpose of each breed.
- Animals are used as:
- Security guards and bodyguards;
- Search and rescue teams;
- Pastukhov;
- Sappers;
- Canistherapists;
- Guide dogs and other assistants for the elderly and people with disabilities;
- Sled dogs;
- Hunters;
- Watchmen.
Guard dogs and bodyguards
This breed group of dogs is capable of guarding apartments, house territories, and various non-residential premises. In addition, such dogs are ready to be guards for a person, becoming very attached to the owner. Pets with long, thick fur are suitable for living on the street.
Search breeds
Search dogs are primarily used by various services: they help search for drugs, lost people, find victims under rubble, etc. As a rule, this type of service dog has an excellent sense of smell. They are strong, hardy, not afraid of strong temperature changes, and can act quickly in any force majeure situations.
Herding breeds
Herd dogs are considered excellent assistants for shepherds. Among them, we can highlight breeds that drive away predators, and there are four-legged ones that are able to drive a herd on their own, even without human supervision. These dogs are able to make their own decisions, they are independent, which greatly helps their service.
Sapper dogs
These dogs are actively used by the military. Sometimes they cope with tasks that are beyond the power of a human. As experts note, to this day it has not been possible to invent a device that can completely replace a dog’s sense of smell. After professional training, a dog will find explosives, even if they are carefully masked with any strong smell, for example, perfume.
Canistherapists
Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs that are used to rehabilitate people after operations, depression, etc. The treatment process is essentially communication between the patient and the pet. It has already been proven that spending time together with a friendly dog has an excellent therapeutic effect.
Guide dogs
These animals undergo special training, after which they are able to help blind and visually impaired people move. Guide dogs are not just pets, they are qualified workers who, upon completion of training, receive a corresponding document – a passport. They are distinguished by their friendly nature and a complete lack of aggression.
Riding breeds
These dogs are used mainly in cold regions. Laikas and huskies are primarily sled dogs. In northern conditions, dogs are an ideal form of transport. They are hardy, do not get tired for a long time, and are not afraid of the cold. They can transport various goods and people in the most difficult areas.
Hunting breeds
A group that united breeds of service dogs of various sizes. Man domesticated canines during the New Stone Age. And at first he used animals as hunting assistants. Dogs helped find prey. Gradually, as selection developed, breeds were developed that were used for hunting specific types of game.
Watchdogs
Dogs used as guards have, first of all, such a quality as vigilance. They are endowed with excellent hearing, and any rustle behind the door will be considered suspicious, they will immediately let the owner know about it by barking. They are usually kept for private houses, for example, dogs with thick fur are suitable for aviary keeping.
Characteristics of service dogs
Service dog breeds have a certain set of qualities that allow them to be used for various practical purposes:
- Working characteristics. Excellent health, hard work, endurance. In addition, these dogs are extremely smart, they are ready to master large amounts of information. Some breeds have a tendency to disobedience, but this helps dogs make decisions quickly, instantly reacting to the current situations.
- Character traits. All dogs belonging to the service group are considered fearless animals. They are always ready to protect “their” person from any danger. Dogs with pronounced guard instincts react with caution to strangers, and are unlikely to approach them at the first meeting. Animals treat their family with incredible devotion and love.
- Exterior. The most important thing for such dogs is to maintain good physical shape. But this fact, of course, depends more on the owner and the conditions he creates. By nature, these pets are distinguished by a harmonious physique, well-developed muscles, and strong bones. They require a lot of exercise. The length of the coat, of course, varies among different breeds: they can be both long-haired and short-haired. However, this fact does not have a significant impact on working qualities.
Of course, different breeds of service dogs differ from each other in many parameters of appearance, but still they are all united by boundless devotion to the owner and a great desire to help him.
Best Service Dog Breeds
Among the breeds used for service, there are those that are considered multifunctional. They can “work” in different areas. For example, German shepherds. These four-legged creatures can be sappers, customs officers, therapists, and guide dogs.
Labradors are popular, first of all, as excellent therapists and guide dogs. These dogs are endowed with extreme friendliness and a desire to help everyone around them.
Rottweilers are more often than other breeds used as bodyguards and protectors. However, such a dog needs a skilled mentor, in order to start “working” he needs to undergo professional training with a dog handler.
Huskies and Laikas are usually used as sled dogs. These animals are not afraid of frosts and can work in a pack.
Australian Cattle Dog
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: Australia
Height: 43-51 cm
Weight: 13-28 kg
Age: 12-15 years
These shepherd dogs have excellent intelligence. They are obedient and love “lessons” with the owner. Representatives of this breed of service dogs can drive flocks without human help, preventing the sheep from getting lost.
Alabai
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Turkmenistan
Height: from 65 cm
Weight: 40-80 kg
Age: 10-12 years
These dogs are ideal for guarding a private home. They are not afraid of the cold, so they can live in an enclosure. These animals are fearless, very vigilant, pay attention to suspicious noise. They are distinguished by their calmness, they know how to maintain composure in any situation.
Alaskan Malamute
Type: riding
Country: USA
Height: 58.5-63.5 cm
Weight: 34-38 kg
Age: 10-14 years
Malamutes are sled dogs. They are willful and tend to be independent. Therefore, the owner of such a dog needs to be responsible, experienced enough, with the makings of a leader. The dog will feel better in a cool climate, and is not afraid of frost at all.
English Mastiff
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: UK
Height: 70-79 cm
Weight: 54-104 kg
Age: 8-10 years
Mastiffs are suitable for guarding any property, however, due to the fact that their fur is short, they are not able to live in an enclosure. Very large pets, which can reach a weight of more than 100 kg. One of the representatives of the breed is an officially recognized record holder.
Argentine Dogo
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Argentina
Height: 60-68 cm
Weight: 40-45 kg
Age: 10-15 years
Argentine Dogos are considered good guards. They are ready to protect not only their home, but also all family members. They are fearless and brave. Initially, dogs helped hunters get food.
White Swiss Shepherd
Type: shepherd, guard, protection
Country: Switzerland, USA
Height: 55-66 cm
Weight: 25-40 kg
Age: 10-13 years
A representative of this breed is not just a real handsome man, but also a wonderful service dog. These shepherds have been used for their main purpose since ancient times. In modern conditions, they have not lost their natural skills and can herd flocks.
Belgian Shepherd
Type: shepherd, search, guard, watchdog
Country: Belgium
Height: 56-66 cm
Weight: 25-35 kg
Age: 12-15 years
There are several types of Belgians . In particular, the most popular type of these shepherds in our country is the Malinois, which is used by the military as sappers and searchers. These four-legged creatures have an impeccable sense of smell, they are very obedient and are ready to learn.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: Switzerland
Height: 60-70 cm
Weight: 30-50 kg
Age: 12-14 years
Ancient people used these dogs to transport goods and herd livestock. Nowadays, the dogs are increasingly kept as “friends”, but with proper training, Sennenhunds can still be used as shepherds.
Beagle
Type: hunting
Country: UK
Height: 33-40 cm
Weight: 9-12 kg
Age: 13-16 years
Very active and mobile hunting dogs. Beagles need an owner who is ready to give the dog enough attention: walks should be frequent. You can also take the four-legged out of town.
Bloodhound
Type: hunting
Country: Belgium
Height: 58-72 cm
Weight: 40-54 kg
Age: 7-10 years
Bloodhounds are known throughout the world as excellent bloodhounds. The folds of skin on the muzzle and long ears help the dog concentrate on the scent, not losing it for a very long time. They need not only physical exercise, but also mental stimulation.
Bobtail
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: UK
Height: 56-60 cm
Weight: 23-42 kg
Age: up to 15 years
Bobtails are considered an old English breed. They are incredibly hardy and, thanks to their thick fur, are able to “work” in any weather. Nowadays, they are increasingly being kept as domestic “fluffies”.
Boxer
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Germany
Height: 50-60 cm
Weight: 28-40 kg
Age: up to 15 years
A representative of the boxer breed is ready to be a guard, watchman and bodyguard. These powerful animals with a recognizable appearance can live both in the village and in the city. They often help the police, sometimes they are used as therapy dogs.
Border Collie
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: UK
Height: 50-56 cm
Weight: 25-30 kg
Age: 12-14 years
A shepherd dog capable of developing great speed. This ability greatly helps the Border Collie in its work. In some countries, the dogs are still used for their main purpose.
Beauceron
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: France
Height: 61-70 cm
Weight: 31.5-49.5 kg
Age: 13 years
Beaucerons are an ancient breed, developed by French breeders. It is considered extremely rare outside of this country. Pets, like all large breeds, reach maturity quite slowly, and are prone to intransigence.
Bullmastiff
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: UK
Height: 61-69 cm
Weight: 41-59 kg
Age: 8-10 years
Four-legged are ready to serve as guards. The Bullmastiff is extremely attached to the place where it lives. This giant is also very affectionate with all family members, especially the smallest ones.
East European Shepherd
Type: security, watchdog, search
Country: USSR
Height: 62-72 cm
Weight: 34-48 kg
Age: 12-13 years
A breed bred in our country. It is considered universal: it can be both a guard and a search dog. It is capable of helping the police, customs service, etc. This requires professional training.
Golden Retriever
Type: therapeutic, guide, hunting
Country: USSR
Height: 51-60 cm
Weight: 25-41 kg
Age: 11-13 years
The main purpose of retrievers is to provide therapeutic assistance to people, as well as to work as guide dogs. Before any dog can begin such service, it must undergo professional training.
Doberman
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Germany
Height: 65-69 cm
Weight: 30-40 kg
Age: up to 14 years
Dobermans are considered popular among dog breeders. They are most often used as bodyguards. This service dog breed is always close to “their” people and is ready to protect them, no matter what happens.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: USSR
Height: 64-75 cm
Weight: 45-145 kg
Age: 9-11 years
A popular breed in our country , an excellent guard. Pets are acquired for life outside the city, since the large dimensions of the animal will not allow it to live in urban conditions. Ideal for rural areas.
Cane Corso
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Italy
Height: 60-68 cm
Weight: 36-63.5 kg
Age: 9-12 years
Cane Corso dogs have a well-developed guard and watchdog instinct. The ancestors of these large pets lived with the Romans. The dogs are not inclined to demonstrate aggressive behavior without reason, but they will always protect their human “pack” when they feel threatened.
Labrador Retriever
Type: therapeutic, guide, hunting
Country: Italy
Height: 54-57 cm
Weight: 25-36 kg
Age: 11-13 years
Labradors were originally used as companions by hunters. Today, they successfully serve as canine therapists and guide dogs. They are distinguished by their openness, empathy, and love for all living things.
Leonberger
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: Germany
Height: 65-80 cm
Weight: 40-76 kg
Age: 7-11 years
The breed has been used as a herd dog since ancient times. These four-legged good-natured creatures can also be wonderful family pets. They love their families very much, especially adore children. They are unfussy, reasonable, and extremely difficult to upset.
Moscow watchdog
Type: guard, security
Country: Germany
Height: 72-78 cm
Weight: 60-90 kg
Age: 10-12 years
A breed well known in our country. The ideal place for the dog to live would be a country house with a large adjacent territory for guarding and walking. These animals love to swim, as their relatives are Newfoundlands.
German shepherd
Type: watchdog, guard, search, shepherd
Country: Germany
Height: 55-68 cm
Weight: 25-40 kg
Age: 8-13 years
A truly universal assistant for humans. Initially, shepherds were used for herding, and later became multifunctional service dogs, working with the military, customs officers, rescuers, sappers, etc.
Newfoundland
Type: shepherd, rescue
Country: Canada
Height: 64-71 cm
Weight: 50-68 kg
Age: up to 10 years
Newfoundlands were originally bred as assistants for shepherds. Later, due to their excellent swimming skills, the dogs began to be used to rescue people on the water. The dogs have a good-natured disposition, aggression is not typical for them.
Great Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Type: Shepherd’s
Country: France
Height: 65-80 cm
Weight: 50-68 kg
Age: 10-12 years
Brave and willful Pyrenean dogs helped ancient shepherds, protecting flocks from wolf packs. These pets have excellent intelligence, as well as a tendency to stubborn behavior. The owner must be demanding during training.
Giant Schnauzer
Type: search, security, watchdog
Country: Germany
Height: 60-70 cm
Weight: 35-47 kg
Age: 10-12 years
It has been proven that representatives of this breed are not inferior to German shepherds in intelligence. However, they are more willful and ready to make their own decisions. They require timely training.
Rottweiler
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Germany
Height: 56-68 cm
Weight: 42-50 kg
Age: up to 12 years
A German breed of dog, specially bred for protection. Due to their well-developed instinct, dogs can guard both the territory entrusted to them and a person. They are distinguished by increased vigilance, courage and bravery.
Black Russian Terrier
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: USSR
Height: 66-78 cm
Weight: 45-60 kg
Age: 7-11 years
A breed that appeared in the domestic nursery “Red Star”. Characterized by excellent reaction, good guard instinct, and stubbornness. These terriers need early training, preferably with a dog trainer.
Samoyed
Type: riding
Country: Russia
Height: 53-57 cm
Weight: 20-28 kg
Age: 10-12 years
Samoyeds are a breed of dogs with a centuries-old history. They have always been used by people to transport goods. The dogs are distinguished by their peacefulness, they adore younger members of the family. They have very fluffy snow-white fur.
Saint Bernard
Type: rescue
Country: Italy, Switzerland
Height: 65-90 cm
Weight: 50-91 kg
Age: up to 9 years
Animals of this breed were able to find people under the snow in ancient times. And today they are used to help rescuers. With his family, the St. Bernard behaves affectionately and calmly.
Siberian Husky
Type: riding
Country: Russia
Height: 51-60 cm
Weight: 15.5-28 kg
Age: up to 12 years
This medium-sized service dog breed is related to sled dogs. It is hard-working and powerful. Nowadays, huskies are increasingly being kept as pets due to their attractive exterior. Pets with heterochromia look especially beautiful..
Scotch Terrier
Type: hunting
Country: Scotland
Height: 25-28 cm
Weight: 8.5-10.5 kg
Age: up to 12 years
Incredibly brave dogs with a strong character. These terriers are fast, hardy and very loyal to people. They are considered excellent hunters. They have a good sense of smell. They can be kept in small apartments due to their size.
Tibetan Mastiff
Type: guard, watchdog
Country: Tibet
Height: 61-80 cm
Weight: 64-78 kg
Age: 6-10 years
These dogs were bred in the mountains of Tibet specifically for guarding. Mastiffs are always on the lookout, especially at night. During the day, they prefer to rest and gain strength for the upcoming “work”. They are balanced, it is difficult to upset them.
Miniature Schnauzer
Type: hunting, search
Country: Germany
Height: 30-35 cm
Weight: 4-8 kg
Age: up to 15 years
Initially, these dogs were bred for hunting. They helped to get rid of harmful rodents. Nowadays , dwarfs , thanks to their excellent sense of smell, find narcotic substances, “working” in the customs service. They need quality training, have a tendency to disobedience.
Sheltie
Type: shepherd, therapeutic
Country: Scotland
Height: 35.5-37 cm
Weight: 6-7 kg
Age: up to 16 years
In ancient times, Shelties were used as shepherds. Nowadays, these friendly pets have become excellent canine therapists. They help in the rehabilitation of a wide variety of patients. Due to their cute appearance, they are also very popular as family “fluffies”.
Schipperke
Type: shepherd, guard, protection
Country: Belgium
Height: 25-33 cm
Weight: 3-9 kg
Age: up to 14 years
Despite their small size, these dogs are considered good guards. Schipperke is a miniature version of the Belgian Shepherd. They are very devoted to their family and are highly trainable. According to the standard, these dogs can only be “black”.
Collie
Type: search, herding
Country: UK
Height: 46-60 cm
Weight: 22-35 kg
Age: 12-14 years
Initially, collies “worked” as shepherds. Later, dogs began to develop search skills: they can find a person by a trail, drugs, explosives, thanks to their excellent sense of smell.
Hovawart
Type: search
Country: Germany
Height: 58-70 cm
Weight: 30-40 kg
Age: about 12 years
This rare breed in our country is used by police to search for people and illegal substances. Hovawarts are distinguished by their calmness and balance. It is almost impossible to upset them.
Thai Ridgeback
Type: hunting, guard, watchdog
Country: Thailand
Height: 51-61 cm
Weight: 28-32 kg
Age: 11-13 years
A breed that is considered universal. Its representatives can be used as guards, hunters. Although these days dogs are increasingly being kept as family pets. The breed is exotic, so the cost of puppies in our country is not small.
Education and training of service breeds
The training of a service dog depends on its purpose. Such dogs, as a rule, undergo training with a dog handler: upon completion of the course, the pet will be ready, for example, to find drugs, detain a criminal, guard various objects, etc. The training course is selected based on the type of activity of the animal. In any case, experience is needed to train such dogs, so the ideal option would be to contact professionals.
If the dog is acquired solely as a family pet, then it will be enough to master the general training course, which will allow you to get an obedient pet, capable of behaving well both at home and on the street.
Which Service Dog Breed Is Right for You?
The breed should be chosen based on the purpose for which the pet is needed. Among service dogs, there are those that are more suitable for protection, there are bodyguards, hunters, searchers, etc.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the pet’s character traits, its level of trainability, and its tendency to stubbornness. Having studied the entire list of service dog breeds and familiarized yourself with their characteristics, you can accurately determine what kind of dog you need.
For example, herding breeds (border collies, collies) are more docile.
They are easy to train and are not stubborn, while Rottweilers and most terriers have a firmer character and a tendency to be willful.
The size of the animal is also important. For city apartments, it is better to choose pets of medium size and smaller, but for living in a private house, a large dog is suitable.
Resume
- Service dog breeds appeared at the dawn of civilization. Even in the Neolithic period, dogs helped people hunt, herd cattle, guard homes, etc.
- Such animals can be classified according to their functional purpose. There are searchers, rescuers, therapists, guides, guards and bodyguards, sled pets, hunters, shepherds.
- Each group of service dogs has special characteristics. For example, search dogs have an excellent sense of smell, guard dogs are highly vigilant, and therapists are very friendly and ready to be with people all the time.
- The upbringing and training of any dog should be done from a very early age. Training dogs that will “work” in a certain area is very different from training an animal that will simply become a pet. Service dogs need to undergo a special course with a dog trainer.
- When choosing a suitable breed, you need to consider several factors: the size of the pet, its character, and the purpose of the purchase.
