5 American Dog Breeds You Need To Know

If you're into dog breeds, you likely know that many of the kinds that we know and love in America today originated from elsewhere in the world. Many came from Europe or Asia. Most of these breeds came with settlers and immigrants and have continued from then. However, you should know that there are some American dogs, bred right here on US soil. 

Many of these dogs would make excellent additions to your family! Here are five breeds of American dogs, in particular, that you need to know.

An All American Dog: Boston Terrier

Developed in Boston as the name implies, Boston Terriers are quintessential true American dogs. They have a calm demeanor and elegant fur coat. Some people have remarked that Boston Terriers are wearing tuxedos due to the white and black markings on their fur. These dogs are excellent with children because they are not aggressive and have a significant amount of energy. Many kids love having them in the household because the dog can compete with their energy level!

Boston Terriers were the result of an English Bulldog and white English Terrier back in 1889. Today, Boston Terriers are one of the sought after pets in North America, ranking consistently around 20 or so in popularity (Labradors are the most popular). If you're looking for a very American dog, you'll want to check out a Boston Terrier.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is another American dog that, as its name implies, originated in Maryland in the late 1800s. Rumor has it that this dog breed originated from two shipwrecked puppies. However, nobody has ever been able to confirm that with any historical texts. 

We know that this dog breed can withstand harsh weather conditions with its very dense and oily fur texture. These dogs were hunting dogs initially, and they would retrieve their prey from the Chesapeake Bay, which helped early settlers in this country survive. 

Nowadays, this dog breed is the delight of people all across the US. These dogs are good with children, although they tend not to be the best around very young children (as in infants and toddlers). They are very loyal and agile. They are trainable dogs that are affectionate in many ways. While they may not be hunting like they used to, they are an American dog breed that you can find in many homes all across this nation!

Cocker Spaniel

Spaniels arrived with the earliest settlers back on the Mayflower. Over the years, these dogs have evolved on US soil to the point where we consider them to be American dogs. There is a similar breed, called the English Cocker Spaniel, but that breed is distinct enough that the American Kennel Club considers them to be different.

Cocker Spaniels were used initially for woodcock shooting (hence the name) and are one of the more popular dog breeds. They are relatively compact, with a substantial life expectancy of 10-14 years. These pets are eager to please people and respond well to training. Due to their demeanor, they are excellent family dogs and work well with children.

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound has a rich history that makes it an all American dog. Early colonialists needed to hunt, so Foxhounds were commonplace all across the colonies. George Washington had a large quantity of them at Mount Vernon, located 13 miles south of modern-day Washington, DC. He continuously sought to improve them, importing hounds from England and France. The hounds on his estate are the founders of what we know today as the American Foxhound.

These dogs are incredibly easy to train, and they are very energetic. American Foxhounds fit in with families of all sizes. Their energetic natures mean that they work exceptionally well with children! They are also relatively low maintenance.

American Eskimo Dog

One of the more cuddly and cute American dogs, the American Eskimo Dog, has a beautiful white coat and a smile that will melt people's hearts. These dogs originated from the Spitz family of dogs and were commonplace in many early German immigrant communities all across the US. Due to their agility and color, eventually, these breeds made their way into the circuses. 

You can find the American Eskimo dogs in many homes across the United States. While it is not the world's most popular dog, ranking 122 out of 195, it has a reasonable life expectancy and is very social. If you undertrain them or "leave them out" of the family, they will tend to develop problematic behaviors. They are kid-friendly as well. Their social nature makes them a fantastic addition to any home!

There Are Many American Dog Breeds

While many dogs in America come from other parts of the world, some breeds started in the US. In other cases, dog breeds have evolved in the US to the point where they are no longer comparable to their counterparts in other parts of the world. While this list explored five American dog breeds, there are undoubtedly many more American puppies and adult dogs that you can pick up from an all American dog rescue! 

What Is An All-American Dog?

An all-American dog belongs to a breed that has roots here in the United States. Typically, the dog breed was created here or evolved over centuries to the point where the American variant is no longer indistinguishable from the original kind.

Are American Bulldogs Good Dogs?

For the most part, yes. American bulldogs tend to be energetic, loving dogs that are fiercely loyal to their family. However, they can be aggressive if not trained early and right. Therefore, it's vital to train these dogs, so they don't have issues later.

Do American Dog Ticks Bite Humans?

Yes, unfortunately, they do. American dog ticks will bite humans, and they can carry infectious diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. To minimize the probability of being bitten, keep the grass well-trimmed, and make sure you are well-covered. The tick must make contact with your skin to latch on to you.

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