Working Dog Group
The expression "working as hard as a dog" didn’t arise out of nowhere. These canines are trained to be more than just a mere companion or pet. Working dogs are perhaps the most physically strained bunch of the dog family. The list of ‘jobs’ working dogs can do is far from limited. Take the rescue dog for example. The name itself denotes the great responsibility of assisting people who are in danger, perhaps in the water after a boat disaster. Detection dogs are used in airports sniffing luggage for prohibited contraband and other illegal substances. It isn’t unusual to find War dogs tracking mines or wire laying. Perhaps the most common working dog profession is the police dog. We see them on episodes of ‘Cops’ chasing down the bad guys, jumping onto their backs and diving in with their teeth all in the name of justice. The reality is, many of these jobs can be dangerous to either animal or man but fortunately, canines have a better track record of escaping hazardous situations more easily. On the positive side of the working dog jobs, there are definitely some “happier” canine careers. Therapy dogs are used for exactly that purpose, therapy for the elderly, the ill and injured and even provide emotional gratification for the dog trainers themselves. 
German Shepherds are known to be family friendly dogs with lots of energy and loyalty in their personalities but they are also incredible guard dogs and boast of great strength, intelligence and obedience. These German originated canines wear many hats in the working dog industry. With the most common being a Police dog, they are also aids to the blind and handicapped and serve as great search and rescue animals. Then there is the ever loving Golden Retriever which has a gentler role to play in the working field but still equally as important. Golden Retrievers are good with people in general so it’s not surprising to find them around children in hospitals or in nursing homes with the elderly. Rottweilers on the other hand are beautiful dogs with a not so beautiful reputation. Perhaps because they are closely associated with police departments, and search and rescue squads, they are used for more aggressive positions however, they can be just as loving a family oriented dog once in the hands of the right owner who will train him to nourish those qualities.
Because one can’t escape who they truly are, this is the same for working dogs. As pets, a working dog must still be given work to do to fulfill its purpose as a working dog. A working dog that is constantly tied, ignored or treated as a piece of the furniture can eventually become neurotic and lethargic. This in turn will lead to destructive behavior or an attempt to escape. The best way to deal with a working dog as a pet is to realize its full potential and engage them in activities that will mentally and physically stimulate their true nature.
Akita Inu
The Akita is a first class guard dog renowned for his loyalty
and obedience to hisowner.
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Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute gets its name from the Mahlemuit, an Alaskan tribe of northwestern Alaska. At first these large and strong artic dogs were bred to haul heavy loads over a long distance.
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Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Native to Turkey over 6 000 years ago, this old breed was depicted in ancient Babylonian sculptures.Quick to learn, the Anatolian Shepherd is independent and is known to be able to make appropriate judgments concerning their duties.
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Bernese Mountain Dog
A friend for life, he is a one-owner dog. They are very loyal and may find it difficult to adjust to a new owner after they are 18 months old. They are extremely sensitive and should be trained gently with positive techniques such as fairness and consistency.
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Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Russian government after World War II. The Black Russian Terrier is powerful, confident and agreeable.
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Boxer
The Boxer is a stocky medium-sized dog who combines power and agility. The Boxer needs lots of human companionship and do not like to be alone for extended periods of time.
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Bullmastiff
When the demand of gamekeeper's dogs diminished, the dark Bullmastiff's popularity increased because it was good for night camouflage. The Bullmastiff is loyal, calm, courageous and loving with its family.
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Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is medium to large in size, compactly built, muscular and graceful this breed reflecting great nobility and temperament. The Doberman Pinscher is versatile, highly intelligent and easy to train but they are not recommended for inexperienced owner.
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German Pinscher
Because of the two World Wars, the German Pinscher was brought near extinction. The German Pinscher is alert, playful, loyal, watchful and fearless.
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Giant Schnauzer
The word “Schnauze” comes from the German and means muzzle. The Giant Schnauzer is known for his strength, his courage and nobility.
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Great Dane
Considered the "Apollo of dogs" the Great Dane is renowned to grow to towering heights.Great Danes are very intelligent and Friendly. They come in a wide variety of colors including golden yellow and blue.
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Great Pyrenees
As long as we can remember this breed has always been present in the Pyrenees Mountains and was originally used to protect livestock! The Great Pyrenees, very wary of strangers and loyal to its masters, makes an excellent protector that can risk its life for them if necessary.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
One of the theories of the origins of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog states that, back to the Neolithic period, there was an indigenous large breed to central Europe. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a perfect working dog: large, strong and muscular.
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Komondor
The Komondor is known for his unusual coat that tends to fall into cords. The Komondor is extremely attached to his family and makes a very good guard dog.
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Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is one of the oldest breeds known today but once faced extinction after the 2nd world war. Independent in nature, the Kuvasz is highly suspicious of strangers and will often make it own judgment about strangers. It is however a fearless and protective dog that will take care of its own responsibilities.
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Mastiff
The Mastiff is a good natured, calm, and intelligent breed. Protection and guard training is needless for this naturally protective breed.
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Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is also called the Neo. It is nice and protective with the family's children.
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Newfoundland
Lord Byron, an English author, once wrote about this breed: “…Courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of a man without his vices.” In 1832, Ann Harvey, her father, and a Newfoundland saved more than 180 Irish immigrants from a shipwreck; it’s a dog with a tendency to rescue people from water.
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Portuguese Water Dog
No information available yet. Please visit http://www.akc.org/breeds/portuguese_water_dog/index.cfm
Rottweiler
The Rotties thrives with affection and attention from its family but he tends to be a one person dog. In the middle ages, the Rottweiler breed was developed in the German town of Rottweil in Wurttemberg as a guard and herd dog.
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Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a very large and strong dog, but displays an easygoing and mature demeanor. Some of the Saint Bernard's talents are search and rescue (he requires no training for this work), watchdogging, herding and carting.
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Samoyed
With his elegant and agile look, it is now one of the most fashionable companion and show breed. A powerful, gentle, magnificent dog with a history of hard work in rough conditions, the Samoyed is definitely a true working dog.
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Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky is researched for its wolf and wild appearance. It is a very friendly and dependable working dog known for its strength and endurance caused by the harsh conditions of the Siberian land. Definitely a team player renown for its unique appearance.
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Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is certainly the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. It is sociable, extremely intelligent and alert.
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Tibetan Mastiff
Also known as Do-Khyi, the Tibetan Mastiff is believed to be the originator of the majority of Molossus and Mastiffs throughout the world. The breed began to disappear in Tibet during the 19th century, but in the mid 1800's, a lot of Tibetan Mastiff was imported to England.
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