13 Most Gorgeous American Dogs Of All Time

• Weight – 40-55 lbs (female), 55-70 lbs (male)
• Height – 17-18 inches (female), 18-19 inches (male)
• Lifespan – 12-16 years
• Temperament – Loyal, trustworthy, alert, friendly, intelligent, athletic, courageous

The American Staffordshire Terrier or “AmStaff” is an “all-American” companion dog. It came into existence in the early 1800s as a result of a cross between the game terriers and bulldogs.

These American dogs were named Yankee Terrier, American Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, and Pit Dog in the late 19^th century.

This dog breed was highly profitable to settlers and farmers and was mainly used for general companionship, homestead duty, hunting bears, pigs, and various other large game animals.

A sizeable number of these dogs were involved in dog fighting. This activity is often considered as the reason for the early purpose or need of the dogs. Farm work and other activities were the second options.

The AKC accepted this breed in 1936, and in 1972, the American breeders coined the name “American Staffordshire Terrier” because of its unique trait compared to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The inclusion of American in the name differentiated this breed from the one developed in England.

• Weight – 25-40 lbs(female), 30-45 lbs(male)
• Height – 15-18 inches
• Lifespan – 10-14 years
• Temperament – Eager to learn, a bit stubborn, charming, kind, gentle, affectionate

The exact history of the charming American Water Spaniel appears a bit murky, but, experts say,  it is mainly in the Midwest the origin of the breed evolved.

Wisconsin declared the American Water Spaniel as the official state dog in 1985.

Mainly bred to work as a family companion, a retriever, and flusher of upland game, the American Water Spaniel performed majestically as a cold water duck dog in the 19^th and 20^th century.

Considered as a cross between the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel, the American Water Spaniel is popular for it’s waterproof, all-weather coat.

The main attraction of this active American dog breed- its inborn trait to easily and effectively retrieve game. The AKC recognized this breed in 1940.

• Weight – 60-65 lbs(female), 65-70 lbs(male)
• Height – 21-24 inches(female), 22-25 inches(male)
• Lifespan – 11-13 years

American Foxhounds are low-maintenance, respected hounds who move well with cats, dogs, and kids.

They are known for their close proximity to Revolutionary heroes.

Hunting was part and parcel of every American’s way of living, the Foxhound was mainly developed and bred as a scent-sniffing hound from France, Ireland, and England in the 17^th century.

Most of the leaders at that time were fond of the American Foxhound.

First American President George Washington was an ardent fan of hound dogs and he had a large pack at Mount Vernon. He was so fascinated by the ability of these dogs that he imported high-quality of hounds in 1770 from England. In 1785, George Washington imported a consignment of French foxhounds shipped by LaFayette, a Frenchman.

It is widely accepted that these hounds were the ancestors of at present American Foxhound.

This simple-to-train and active breed was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

• Weight – 75 lbs(female), 85 lbs (male)
• Height – 23 inches (female), 25 inches (male)
• Lifespan – 10-14 years
• Temperament – Independent, intelligent, trustworthy, patient, playful, easygoing, alert, strong

The Mahlemuts tribe occupied a large part of the upper western region of Alaska. The Alaskan Malamute was given this name in reference to the Mahlemuts tribe who played a significant role in the breed’s growth.

The Mahlemuts are known to have developed this excellent breed to pull loads using sleds.

This dog is part of the Alaskan Arctic breed. The Alaskan Malamutes are related to the Eskimo dogs of Labrador and Greenland, the Siberian Husky, and the Russian Samoyed.

Mainly developed to work as a freighting dog, the Alaskan Malamutes’ strength is unquestionable.

These dogs offered service by delivering other goods and mail. They have played a vital role in the history of the Arctic region.

When expeditions to the Antarctica and Arctic started to gain steam, the Malamutes helped many great explorers including Byrd, MacMillian, Cook, and Peary.

Alaskan Malamutes are fond of the outdoors but can also shine as house pets if early socialization and training are provided.

This breed was finally recognized by the AKC in 1935.

• Weight – 3.5-7 lbs
• Height – 8.5-11.5 inches
• Lifespan – 13-15 years
• Temperament – Impulsive, persistent, stubborn, clever, feisty, bossy, lively, alert, comical

The Toy Fox Terrier came into existence by breeding several toy breeds including Manchester Terrier and with Smooth Fox Terrier.

This dog displays agility and grace proportionate to stamina and strength.

A combination of both a terrier and a toy, both have increased their character and strength.

As terrier dog, these dogs possess courage and intelligence in equal measure. He also showers endless love and he is also diminutive too.

The most recent inclusion to the AKC, they were recognized in 2003.

• Weight – 20-25 lbs(female), 25-30 lbs(male)
• Height – 13.5-14.5 inches (female), 14.5-15.5 inches (male)
• Lifespan – 10-14 years
• Temperament – Compact, playful, funny, easy to train, eager to please, energetic, alert

Cocker Spaniels in the United States are so popular since the early 17^th century. In the early days, the Spaniels were classified as water, and land Spaniels.

Both varieties carried the same bloodlines.

A solid weight range of 28 lbs was the main point of difference between the compact and the bulkier field spaniels.

The amazing Cocker Spaniel has been part of several road shows and they were called so because of woodcock shooting.

The very first Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1878.

The American Cocker is quite different from the English Cocker Spaniel and the AKC recognized the two breeds as early as 1946.

• Weight – 55-70 lbs(female), 65-80 lbs(male)
• Height – 21-24 inches (female), 23-26 inches (male)
• Lifespan – 10-13 years
• Temperament – Sensitive, smart, affectionate, independent thinkers, polite, versatile, confident companion, good watchdogs

This American breed is believed to have been developed from two saved puppies. These puppies were saved from a mid-sea disaster in 1807.

Some believe this incident took place off the main coast of Maryland.

In the 19^th century, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever became famous for its uncanny ability to retrieve waterfowl from the cold waters.

The dog’s coat which has a dense, oily nature, permits the dog to play in weather conditions. This dog’s coat sheds in the spring and needs daily brushing and grooming.

Being part of the obvious Sporting group, this breed was recognized by the AKC in 1878.

• Weight – 12-25 lbs
• Height – 15-17 inches
• Lifespan – 11-13 years
• Temperament – Amusing, bright, friendly, intelligent, lively

The main American native breed, the Boston Terrier is called “American gentleman” due to his simple disposition.

They have black and white eye-catching “tuxedo” markings. Originating in Boston, Massachusetts, he is a cross between the English Terrier and the English Bulldog.

In 1889, the father of the present Boston Terrier dog was put out on display.

They were initially called Bull Terriers and Round Heads before the name “Boston Terrier” stuck.

The Boston Terrier was recognized in 1893 as part of the non-sporting category.

• Weight – 12-25 lbs
• Height – 15-17 inches
• Lifespan – 11-13 years
• Temperament – Amusing, bright, friendly, intelligent, lively

The Black and Tan Coonhounds are easygoing, affectionate hounds who prefer human companions. These dogs are alert and intelligent when working on the trail and lazy by the fireside.

This dog is considered one of the most original American dogs.

An American hound developed mainly for hunting purposes, the Black and Tan Coonhound chases the prey.  This powerful breed has the stamina to hunt mountain lions, bears, and deer.

The Talbot Hound is considered as the forefather of the Black and Tan Coonhound which was famous in England in the 11^th century.

The uber-cool Black and Tan pattern was enriched over a long time and this breed entered the prestigious AKC in 1945.

• Weight – 40-55 lbs (female), 50-65 lbs(male)
• Height – 18-21 inches (female), 20-23 inches(male)
• Lifespan – 12-15 years
• Temperament – Easy to train, love human friendship, loyal, smart, intelligent

The Australian Shepherd dog did not actually come from Australia. Its ancestors were from the Basque section of the Pyrenees.

This part is located between Spain and France.

In the early 19^th century, Basque sheepherders emigrated to Australia and America taking along with them, these cute little dogs.

The Australian shepherd’s dogs were called Californian Shepherds, New Mexican Shepherds, Heelers, Bob-Tails, Pastor Dogs, and Spanish Shepherds.

This dog gained undue popularity with the entry of television, movies, horse shows, and also rodeos became a part of this successful journey.

The Australian Shepherds are known for their trainability and versatility. At present, these loyal dogs work in many areas such as search and rescue, drug detection, therapy, and service.

The AKC recognized this breed in 1991.

• Weight – 50-65 lbs (female), 55-90 lbs(male)
• Height – 22-24 inches (female), 24-26 inches(male)
• Lifespan – 12-15 years
• Temperament – Gentle, calm, patient, non-aggressive, independent thinkers, strong, athletic, steady, dependable

The Chinook was developed by Arthur Walden, of New England.

In 1896, Arthur descended on a journey to Alaska in search of gold. For six years, he traveled across the Klondike.

When Arthur returned home, he became a dedicated musher and developed his own sled dogs.

For a start, Walden used Greenland huskies and mastiff-type dogs. The puppies Arthur developed were known for their friendly, caring nature.  The dog was named “Chinook.”

Arthur’s breeding program gained more success but it was shortlived. The “Serum Run” was the reason.

Arthur and his team of dogs accompanied Richard Byrd’s 1928 expedition. This Antarctica expedition was made possible with the help of Arthur’s 13 dogs.

Arthur passed away in a fire accident in 1947 while trying to save his wife’s life. In 1965, Guinness recognized Chinook as a rare breed with not more than 125 known specimens.

The Chinook is now the state dog of New Hampshire and it became part of AKC in 2013.