| Herding and working dogs are actually two different | | | | full grown. When working with these working dogs it |
| categories in the American Kennel Club but have only | | | | is important to note that they are generally very |
| been divided into the two groups since 1983. | | | | gentle dogs although them may be aggressive or |
| Previously the herding group was included in the | | | | possessive around strangers. Dogs such as the Akita |
| working group category since these groups have | | | | that has been bred to both hunt and protect will |
| many of the same traits and attributes. Both groups | | | | need additional socialization and training at an early |
| have been bred to work closely with humans and to | | | | age to prevent aggressive tendencies as they |
| be good, solid and dependable companion dogs. | | | | mature. These dogs need to be very obedient simply |
| Working Breeds In generally the working breeds tend | | | | because they are so large and could potentially hurt |
| to be large dogs that have been bred to pull carts, | | | | someone even by simply jumping up. Usually very |
| pull sleds, guard and even perform various rescues. | | | | easy to train they require consistent and firm training |
| Breeds in the working group include: · Akitas | | | | with lots of positive praise and attention. Generally |
| · Bernese Mountain Dogs · Boxers · | | | | these dogs will be natural watchdogs although they |
| Bullmastiffs · Great Danes · Doberman | | | | are not necessarily effective guard dogs. Some, such |
| Pinchers · Great Pyrenees · Newfoundland | | | | as the Doberman Pincher and the Rottweiler are |
| · Rottweiler · St. Bernard · Siberian | | | | excellent as both watch and guard dogs with the |
| Husky There are also several other breeds including | | | | proper training. Professional trainers can be very |
| the amazing Komondor, known for its long, ringlet | | | | effective in training and working with guard dogs. |
| style coat. All of these breeds of dogs are large, | | | | For best results when training herding & working |
| usually weighing in excess of 60 pounds, with many | | | | dogs, proper rest is important. Use a high quality dog |
| of the larger males reaching over 150 pounds when | | | | bed for added comfort. |