The Working Dog Breeds

*Akita*

*The Akita (pronounced a-KEE-ta), the official dog of Japan, varies in size from large to very large and its characterized by a large, curled tail, erect ears and broad head.

*Origin: Japan

*Other names: Akita Inu...Japanese Akita

*Description: Dignified...good-natured...alert...bold...courageous...docile...loyal...fearless...very stubborn...needs firm training from puppyhood, especially in not attacking strange dogs and in holding intruders at bay but not biting them.

*Behavior: Behavior problems may include dominance challenges, territorial aggression, and house soiling.

*Compatible with children: Yes

*Typical Female Weight: 65-90 lbs
*Typical Male Weight: 75-120 lbs

*Average life span: 11-15 years.

Temperament Level	Very High	High	Medium	Low	Very Low
1.Indoor Activity
2.Outdoor Activity
3.Vigor
4.Dominance Toward Strange Dogs
5.Dominance Toward Familiar People
6.Emotional Stability
7.Sociability - Within Family
8.Sociability - With Children
8.Sociability - With Strangers
9.Learning - Obedience
10.Guard Dog Ability
11.Watch Dog Ability

*Alaskan Malamute*

*The Malamute (pronounced MAH-la-myoot) is a large dog breed used by native Alaskans to pull sleds. Owing to its cold weather heritage, the Malamute has a very heavy coat that sheds heavily after the winter.

*Description: Affectionate...friendly...easygoing...high-spirited...bold...loyal...devoted...meeds firm, patient training.

*Origin: United States (Alaska)

*Other names: Mal

*Behavior: Behavior problems may include pulling on the leash, roaming, howling, jumping on people, house soiling, and mischievous destruction. Females may attempt to dig a den in the sofa cushions.

*Compatible with children: Yes

*Typical Female Weight: 75-95 lbs
*Typical Male Weight: 75-120 lbs

*Average life span: 10-14 years.

Temperament Level

Very High

High

Medium

Low

Very Low

1.Indoor Activity

2.Outdoor Activity

3.Vigor

4.Dominance Toward Strange Dogs

5.Dominance Toward Familiar People

6.Emotional Stability

7.Sociability - Within Family

8.Sociability - With Children

8.Sociability - With Strangers

9.Learning - Obedience

10.Guard Dog Ability

11.Watch Dog Ability

*Belgian*

Sheepdog...Tervuren...Malinois

Sheepdog Tervuren Malinois

*The Belgian breed is actually a category for 3 large breeds that are very similar in body shape and temperament...The Sheepdog...Tervuren...Malinois. The primary differences in these breeds are in the coat length and color. The Malinois has a short, dense coat that looks like a German Shepherd's, but is a bit shorter. The Tervuren is a longer haired breed, similar in color to the Malinois. The Sheepdog breed has a long haired black coat. Each has the erect ears and full tail reminiscent of the German Shepherd.

*Origin: Belgium

*Other names:
*Tervuren: Belgian Tervuren...Chien de Berger Belge
*Malinois: Belgian Malinois...Chien de Berger Belge...Mechelaar...Mechelse Herder (Mechelse Scheper)...Pastor Belga Malinois

*Description: Watchful...Attentive...observant...natural tendency to move in a circle rather than a straight line...always in motion...energetic...intelligent...good watch-dogs

*Behavior: Behavior problems may include fear biting, timidity, indoor restlessness, destructiveness when left alone.

*Compatible with children: Yes...it's recommended they be raised with children from puppyhood.

*Tervuren: Typical Female Weight: 40-50 lbs...Typical Male Weight: 55-65 lbs
*Malinois: Typical Female Weight: 60-65 lbs...Typical Male Weight: 65-70 lbs
*Sheepdog: Typical Female Weight: 40-60 lbs...Typical Male Weight: 55-75 lbs

*Average life span: 10-12 years

The Working Dog Breeds continued...next page

6 Classifications of Dog Breeds | Sitemap

*The Working Dog Breeds*

The Working Dog Breeds