20 All-American Dog Breeds

Did you know that several popular dog breeds are proudly “made in the USA”? These breeds, which hail from America, reflect the unique history, culture, and environment of the U.S. From the icy terrain of Alaska to the swamps of Louisiana, American dog breeds have been shaped by the diverse landscapes and needs of their origins. Read on to learn about the fascinating histories and characteristics of these all-American breeds.

Celebrating diversity in American dogs

American dog breeds are as varied as the geographies of the U.S. This diversity is not only reflected in the variety of purebred dogs, but also through the mixed-breed dogs that many Americans welcome into their homes.

In fact, the term “all-American dog” has a double meaning. As described, it can refer to dogs whose roots were established in the U.S., but it’s also a name (coined by the American Kennel Club) given to mixed-breed dogs (aka mutts). Mixed breeds have a blend of various breeds in their genetic makeup, making them distinct from purebred dogs. Mixed breeds find their way into people’s homes through adoption from shelters or rescue organizations.

20 All-American dogs

An all-American dog refers to a breed that was developed in the United States. These breeds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and temperaments, reflecting the melting pot nature of American society. They include working dogs bred for tasks such as herding livestock, hunting companions known for their agility and sharp instincts, and family pets celebrated for their loyalty and affectionate nature.

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1. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute was named after the native Inuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who lived along the Kotzebue Sound in Alaska. Known for their strength and endurance, the breed that takes their name is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds. These dogs enabled the natives to traverse the harsh Arctic landscape and later played a crucial role in transporting mail across the region. Malamutes are intelligent, loving with their family, and quite chatty, letting you know exactly what they want (another treat, please). 

Weight: 75 to 85 pounds

Height: 23 to 25 inches

Common traits: Loyal, playful, affectionate

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2. Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in Utah in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin and her family to create a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. The breed’s name means “small dog” in the Inuit language, reflecting their petite size compared to their larger sled dog relatives. They are intelligent, agile, and affectionate, making them excellent companions for active families. Despite their small size, Klee Kais retain the working dog traits of their ancestors, requiring regular physical and mental exercise.

Weight: 6 to 25 pounds

Height: 12 to 17 inches

Common traits: Loyal, intelligent, vigilant

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3. American Cocker Spaniel

The Spaniel is a breed believed to have originated in Spain (the words “Spain” and “Spaniel” are closely related). In the U.S., breeders refined and developed the Spaniel to create the American Cocker Spaniel, a breed distinct from their European cousins. These dogs are big enough to be sporty but small enough to be loving lapdogs — the perfect combo.

Weight: 20 to 30 pounds

Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches

Common traits: Smart, happy, gentle

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4. American Eskimo Dog

Despite their name, the American Eskimo Dog (aka an Eskie) was not founded by the Inuit peoples. Their ancestors, the German Spitz, originated in Germany and arrived in the U.S. with immigrant families. Over time, the breeds diverged. Today, the American Eskimo Dog and the German Spitz are recognized as separate breeds.

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. This breed combines striking good looks with intelligence — the total brains-and-beauty package. Eskies are alert, friendly with their families, and cautious when meeting new people.

Weight: 6 to 35 pounds

Height: 9 to 19 inches

Common traits: Loyal, smart, versatile

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5. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a unique breed that emerged from a naturally hairless puppy born in a litter of Rat Terriers in the 1970s. This breed was further developed by Edwin and Willie Scott of Louisiana. Known for their energetic and curious nature, the American Hairless Terrier comes in both hairless and coated varieties. The hairless version is especially suitable for allergy sufferers.

Weight: 12 to 28 pounds

Height: 12 to 16 inches

Common traits: Alert, curious, energetic

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6. American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a breed with deep roots in American history, dating back to the early colonial days. In 1770, George Washington, an avid fox hunter, imported several hounds from England to Mount Vernon, VA. And in 1785, the French military officer Marquis de Lafayette shipped him several French foxhounds. He bred these two types of hounds, creating what is now known as the American Foxhound. These dogs are total sweethearts and are known for their endurance and energy. They need a lot of exercise, otherwise they can become depressed and destructive.

Weight: 60 to 70 pounds

Height: 21 to 25 inches

Common traits: Independent, easygoing, sweet-tempered

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7. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, often referred to as the AmStaff, has a history that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when bulldogs and terriers were bred for blood sports in England. In the mid-1800s, after these dogs arrived in America, U.S. breeders developed a larger, distinct breed known as the American Staffordshire Terrier, which was bred to have a calmer and friendlier temperament than their ancestors.

Weight: 40 to 70 pounds

Height: 17 to 19 inches

Common traits: Good-natured, confident, smart

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8. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog breed that, despite their name, was not developed in the Land Down Under, but rather in the American West in the late 1800s. They originated primarily from British-derived herding dogs brought to the West. Today, these attentive, loyal, and energetic dogs excel in various roles, including service, therapy, drug detection, search and rescue, and of course, spoiled family pet.

Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

Height: 18 to 32 inches

Common traits: Smart, work-oriented, exuberant  

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9. Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an American breed developed in the South for hunting raccoons (a common source of meat), fur, and fat for early settlers. Coonhounds emerged from breeding European Foxhounds and Bloodhounds. 

This friendly, sociable breed has a strong prey drive and high energy levels that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Weight: 65 to 110 pounds

Height: 23 to 27 inches

Common traits: Easy-going, bright, brave

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10. Bluetick Coonhound

Developed in the southern U.S., this breed descends from the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne and English Foxhounds. These dogs are known for their striking blue-mottled coat and exceptional tracking abilities. They’re affectionate and loyal, but their intense prey drive requires outlets for their energy.

Weight: 45 to 80 pounds

Height: 22 to 27 inches

Common traits: Devoted, smart, tenacious

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11. Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel, South Carolina’s state dog, was developed in the early 20th century by hunters who wanted a medium-sized dog to help hunt turkeys from boats. Legend has it that all Boykins are descended from a stray brown Spaniel trained by Whitaker “Whit” Boykin, the founding resident of Boykin, a small community in South Carolina. Boykins are intelligent, easy to train, and make excellent family pets due to their affectionate and playful temperament. Just be cautious about letting your Boykin near pet birds, as their natural prey drive (stemming from their turkey hunting history), might kick in. 

Weight: 25 to 40 pounds

Height: 15.5 to 16.5 inches

Common traits: Friendly, eager, lovable

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12. Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog, also known as the American Dingo, is a breed with ancient roots, and is believed to have descended from primitive dogs that crossed the Bering Strait with early humans. Discovered in the wild of the Southeastern U.S., these dogs were later domesticated and studied. This breed is intelligent, loyal, and adaptable. They also have a strong pack mentality, which is necessary for their survival in the wild.

Weight: 30 to 55 pounds

Height: 17.75 to 19.5 inches

Common traits: Independent, loyal, reserved with strangers

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13. Catahoula Leopard Dog

When the French arrived in the U.S., they bred their hounds with dogs already present on American soil, resulting in the Catahoula Leopard Dog, which was named after Catahoula Parish in Louisiana. Known for their distinctive coat patterns and often different-colored eyes, these dogs were initially used for herding and hunting in the swamps and forests of Louisiana. Catahoulas are highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Weight: 50 to 95 pounds

Height: 22 to 24 inches

Common traits: Independent, loyal, watchful

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14. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, affectionately known as the “Chessie,” is a breed developed in the early 19th century for retrieving waterfowl in the challenging conditions of the Chesapeake Bay. Known for their dense, waterproof coat and strong swimming abilities, Chessies are hardworking, loyal, upbeat, and seemingly tireless. They require regular exercise and training to remain mentally and physically stimulated.

Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

Height: 21 to 26 inches

Common traits: Bright, affectionate, sensitive

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15. Chinook

The Chinook is a rare breed developed in New Hampshire in the early 20th century by Arthur Treadwell Walden. Bred for sledding and cart-pulling, Chinooks are known for their strength, endurance, and gentle nature. They have a distinctive tawny coat and a friendly, intelligent disposition. Chinooks are excellent working dogs who aim to please, excelling in various activities such as dog-sledding, agility challenges, search-and-rescue work, herding, and obedience training.

Weight: 50 to 90 pounds

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Common traits: Devoted, smart, patient

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16. Rat Terrier

With a breed name said to be given by Teddy Roosevelt, the Rat Terrier is a small but feisty breed developed in the U.S. in the early 20th century. These dogs are known for their pest-control abilities and were bred to hunt vermin on farms and ranches. Rat Terriers, which come in two size varieties, are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate companions. They excel at various canine sports, including agility and obedience challenges, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged.

Weight: 10 to 25 pounds

Height: 10 to 18 inches

Common traits: Friendly, inquisitive, lovable

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17. Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a breed known for their striking red coat and exceptional hunting skills. Developed in the Southern U.S. in the 19th century, these dogs were bred to track and chase game (particularly raccoons) up trees. Redbones are friendly, affectionate, and mellow at home, but become highly focused and determined trackers on the trail. They have a keen sense of smell and a strong prey drive, requiring regular exercise and training to channel their energy and instincts.

Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

Height: 21 to 27 inches

Common traits: Eager to please, even-tempered, amiable

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18. Toy Fox Terrier

In the early 20th century, American breeders of Smooth Fox Terriers crossed their litter runts with toy breeds, including Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds. The result was the Toy Fox Terrier, a small breed that combines a lapdog’s lovability with a terrier’s tenacity. They’re easy to train and adapt well to various living situations, making them suitable for apartment living or homes with yards. Despite their small size, Toy Fox Terriers are brave, confident, and great alert dogs.

Weight: 4 to 9 pounds

Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches

Common traits: Alert, intelligent, friendly

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19. Texas Heeler

Originating in the Lone Star State, the Texas Heeler is a hybrid breed resulting from mixing the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd. In the 1970s, the breed quickly gained popularity as a reliable working dog on farms and ranches. Known for their high intelligence and strong work ethic, Texas Heelers make excellent herding dogs for ranchers and farmers, as well as loyal companions for active individuals and families.

Weight: 25 to 50 pounds

Height: 17 to 22 inches

Common traits: Intelligent, loyal, active

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20. Treeing Walker Coonhound

This breed was named by Thomas Walker of Virginia, who was a pivotal figure in the breed’s early development in the mid-1700s. The Treeing Walker Coonhound was specifically bred to chase raccoons (and occasionally larger game) up trees, allowing hunters to capture them. With high energy levels and a need for regular exercise, these dogs thrive in active households where they can channel their instincts and enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures.

Weight: 50 to 70 pounds

Height: 20 to 27 inches

Common traits: Smart, brave, courteous

How to adopt an all-American dog 

If you’re looking for a dog with American roots, there are several options to find your perfect match.

• Check out purebred rescues for the specific breed you’re interested in.

• Go to local shelters and rescues to see if they have the breed you’re looking for.

• Use Adopt a Pet’s search feature to search for dogs from shelters, rescues, and individuals.

Additionally, don’t forget about the other type of All-American Dog: mixed breeds. Mixed-breed dogs make up a significant portion of the canine population in shelters and are often overlooked in favor of purebreds, yet they make wonderful pets. With their diverse genetics and rich histories, mixed breeds embody the spirit of resilience and diversity.

Adopting a dog, whether mixed-breed or purebred, is a compassionate choice that saves lives. By choosing to adopt, you provide a second chance to a dog in need and help reduce shelter overcrowding. Adoption fees often cover vaccinations, spaying or neutering, a veterinary checkup, and microchipping, making adoption a cost-effective and responsible way to welcome a new dog into your home.

References

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Klee Kai

Cocker Spaniel

American Eskimo Dog

American Hairless Terrier 

American Foxhound

American Staffordshire Terrier

Australian Shepherd

Black and Tan Coonhound

Bluetick Coonhound

Boykin Spaniel

Carolina Dog

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chinook

Rat Terrier

Redbone Coonhound

Toy Fox Terrier

Texas Heeler

Treeing Walker Coonhound