America is a land of apple pie, baseball, and patriotic celebrations, a melting pot of cultures that make up the mosaic of a diverse nation. But did you know America also is home to several dog breeds that originated in our country?
Each year, Americans celebrate National Dog Day on August 26. It’s a great day for people all across the country to reflect on how puppies bring us joy every day as we bond with our dogs and share a mutual affection.
While not an exhaustive list of all dog breeds originating in the United States, we’ll give a sampling of the wide range of American dog breeds that contribute to our unique heritage as a nation. You’ve heard of some of them for sure, but others you may not have known even existed. Whether bred to be hard-working dogs or primarily as canine companions, learn more about authentic American dog breeds that light up our lives around the nation on National Dog Day.
American Dog Breeds Native to the United States
Americans enjoy all sorts of dog breeds, designer crossbreeds, and what we affectionately call mutts. Check out these native dog breeds exclusive to the United States.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that hails from Maryland and is said to be created from two shipwrecked Newfoundlands mixed with various Coonhounds. Fondly referred to as the Chessie, this breed has a unique set of skills that make it exceptional in the hunting world. Designed to retrieve game on both land and water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the first retriever breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club and enjoys its status as the official mascot of the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the state dog of Maryland. While not as widely known as some of its retriever counterparts, this breed has a lot to offer as a family and field companion. With its strong and loyal personality, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great addition to any household seeking a loyal and trusty companion.
Chinook
Did you know there’s a sled dog that originated not from the harsh climate of the Arctic, but from Wonalancet, New Hampshire? The East Coast has its very own dog breed that thrives in cold, harsh weather conditions and still loves to play through it all. With its lively personality, it’s no wonder it was named the official state dog of New Hampshire in 2009 thanks to a group of lobbying 7th graders from Lurgio Middle School. The people have spoken! However, the Chinook is extremely rare, as it’s estimated that just over 800 exist.
Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels hold the title of the official state dog of South Carolina. Whit Boykin wanted to design a medium-sized retriever that would fit in boats used during waterfowl hunting in the swamps, rivers, and lakes of South Carolina. He crossbred Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and American Water Spaniels to create this lively hard-working breed. Sporting curly coats in chestnut, chocolate, or liver hues, Boykin Spaniel puppies for sale are cherished family pets due to their perfect house dog size, affection for children, boundless play, and retrieval energy.
Boston Terrier
You’ll definitely recognize Boston Terriers and are correct to assume they originated in this large Massachusetts city. Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are recognizable by their short snouts, round heads, large eyes, and tuxedo-like coats. They became popular during the Art Deco movement in the early 20th century because their appearance matched the preferred aesthetics at the time. Boston Terrier puppies for sale are fantastic all-around dogs that are versatile in a variety of living situations. They’re perfect for apartment living and are among one of the top family-friendly dog breeds for children with families due to their lively personalities, small size, and gentle nature.
Mountain Cur
Even though you are pretty sure you’ve never heard of Mountain Cur puppies for sale by name, you will definitely recognize the American classic tear-jerker of a story of a famous Mountain Cur named Old Yeller. Originally hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennesee, Mountain Curs were an integral part of pioneer life, protecting homesteaders from danger and helping to bring in wild game for food. These dogs are extremely smart and require a family that will give them plenty of chances to address their high-energy needs.
Carolina Dog
You may not have heard of a Carolina Dog even if you live in the Carolinas because it was discovered running freely in the 1970s. Given the name “the American Dingo,” it has not had much time to be domesticated as other breeds have been for thousands of years, so these dogs are typically stand-offish around people and pets. Carolina Dogs fastidiously keep themselves clean like cats. These thin, medium-sized dogs can still be found around the Georgia-South Carolina border and as far-reaching as Ohio and Pennsylvania. They’re sadly often mistaken for coyotes, jackals, and wolves. If you own a Carolina Dog, you know they make excellent watchdogs and love their pack family fiercely.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Not many of us may have seen Alaskan Klee Kai puppies for sale in person, but you will recognize their Husky, American Eskimo Dog, and Alaskan Malamute heritage when you look at one. A rare breed with only just over 700 in the world, Alaskan Klee Kais are relatively new, appearing around the 1970s when a woman named Linda Spurlin bred a variety of Arctic sled dogs together. They come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. Alaskan Klee Kais are strong haulers and very active, so playing with them must be a daily priority to get them enough exercise.
American Staffordshire Terrier
An American Staffordshire Terrier is a powerful yet friendly dog also known as an AmStaff. Immigrants brought Staffordshire Bull Terriers over to America in the 1800s, and the breed developed into a unique American dog over time. American Staffordshire Terriers are muscular yet graceful athletes with broad heads and have a strong desire to stay busy and be active since they are working dogs. They are often mistaken for an American Pit Bull Terrier even though they are a separate, smaller breed. They were initially utilized by butchers to help round up bulls and unfortunately for “blood sports.” However, American Staffordshire Terriers are entirely different today and are inherently friendly family dogs that love to be around people.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Another American Terrier with roots in England but developed over time in America is the American Pit Bull Terrier. They share characteristics with American Staffordshire Terriers but are more like cousins to each other. Pit Bulls are more athletic, muscular, and larger than AmStaffs and slightly more people-centered. American Pit Bull Terrier puppies for sale often get a bad reputation due to their past and people abusing this loving dog breed, but raised with plenty of training and socialization, they are one of the friendliest dog breeds around and are great with kids.
Australian Shepherds
Did you know that despite their geographical name, Australian Shepherds as a dog breed developed solely in the American West assisting ranchers? While their heritage is unclear, it is thought that Basque shepherds living in Australia brought them to America in the 19th century where it was bred to be the unique dog breed we know today. Australian Shepherds thrive when they have a “job” to do and plenty of social interaction. It’s no wonder that Australian Shepherd puppies for sale are one of the most popular high-energy dog breeds due to their amazing work ethic, athleticism, and intelligence.
Coonhounds
Coonhounds are a family of dog breeds consisting of hunting dogs bred to chase raccoons and other prey up trees like bears, foxes, possums, cougars, and bobcats. They hail from the Southern US and include Black and Tan Coonhounds, Redbone Coonhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds, Bluetick Coonhounds, American Leopard Hounds, and more. These scenthounds rely on their powerful noses and tireless stamina as reliable, hard-working hunting companions. With deep chests and sounds like baying, howling, and barking, Coonhounds make their presence known out in the woods.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Another native dog breed from Louisiana is the Catahoula Leopard Dog. They’re named after the Choctaw Indian word meaning “sacred lake” and are most likely a mix of Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and local dogs brought by settlers in the 1700s. Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies for sale excel at herding and hunting and require a family that can devote the time and resources needed to train this stubborn, yet hardworking active dog. Their coats come in a variety of eye-catching patterns, making each one unique.
American Hairless Terrier
There are only a few hairless dogs in the world, and America has one of its own. The American Hairless Terrier was developed in Trout, Louisiana in the 1970s when a Rat Terrier litter contained one hairless puppy. American Hairless Terrier owners will tell you this energetic dog breed is also alert and curious, never missing anything around them. Their thin, unprotected skin requires special care to avoid skin infections and sunburn, and they’ll also need cute yet practical clothing to keep them warm in colder months.
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier puppies for sale were developed from Fox and Manchester Terriers in the 19th century brought from England and then bred with Whippets, Beagles, and the Smooth Fox Terrier in America to create a small breed with both hunting instincts and agility. Rat Terriers helped American homesteaders catch small vermin as versatile, reliable, and friendly working dogs. Their compact muscular build allows them to zip around during playtime, delighting individuals and families with their feisty spirits, and their large, pointy ears are designed to hear prey rustling around. Rat Terrier puppy owners know they get the zoomies and can run right after prey and ignore you, so Rat Terrier puppy owners know to use a leash or keep them in a secured area to play.
Pawrade Offers American Dog Breeds For Sale
If you are interested in particular puppies for sale that are native to the United States, our Puppy Concierge team is waiting to help you find your furever friend this National Dog Day. After all, how can you celebrate American Dogs on National Dog Day without a puppy? We’ll hopefully be hearing from you soon!
