If you are four paws away from your American dream, look no further as we’re unlocking the best of the US with our favorite American dog breeds!
There are thousands of breeds out there, with varying attributes, personalities, coat variations, and a hierarchy of needs making the task of finding the perfect pal for you and your four walls feel near on impossible.
But instead of looking far and wide, why not start with those right on your doorstep? We’re talking about the American born-and-bred pooches.
If American dog breeds are your thing, then do keep reading to find the best and most iconic breeds from the United States.
American dog breeds
1. American Bulldog
Despite their muscular build and sad expression, American Bulldogs are sensitive souls who thrive in the company of their human companion. If you're considering this stubborn breed, make sure your fences can cope with the Bulldog's bounce, as they can reach up to 7ft in the air – pretty impressive, right?
These dogs are more than happy to chill on the couch which is ideal for your days off, but not every day. Make sure you encourage these dogs to exercise, otherwise they’re more inclined to sit and do nothing.
2. American Pit Bull Terrier
These are perhaps one of the first breeds that come to mind when you think of all American dog breeds. And it’s for good reason. These canines arrived in the US around 1845–1860, when the dog fighting practice had a following.
And it's due to their strong jaw, strength and determination that some American cities impose restrictions and bans on the breed. Despite this, public opinions remain split right down the middle, some deeming them dangerous and others adamant they’re the ideal family dog.
3. Chinook
Branded as one of the most intelligent breeds money can buy, who wouldn’t want a cool sidekick with the IQ to match? Chinooks, which were developed in New Hampshire during the early 20th century, are strong, rugged working dogs built to endure but eager to please.
This tawny-colored pup is favored among families on the go! Along with being a smart pooch, they are also said to be amongst the rarest dogs in the world. So if you’re lucky enough to be the proud pet parent of a Chinook, well done you!
4. Alaskan Malamute
Much like a Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute is often compared to a wolf by appearance. Their size, power, and high-spirited demeanor derive from their sled-pulling past. So they’re a cool pup with an even cooler story to tell.
Their serious looks might cause them to look standoff, but in reality, the Malamute is an affectionate and loyal dog who loves playtime with their pack (humans included). They make for good family pets, who enjoy mother nature.
As you might expect, taking on a sled dog is a serious undertaking. These intelligent and athletic pooches can run and run for miles on end, so even an active person might need to seriously boost their daily step count to keep a Malamute happy.
5. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are known best for their looks as they are one of the few breeds prone to heterochromia (eyes of two different colors) and tortoiseshell coats making them an incredibly unique canine.
Originally developed in California, Australian Shepherds tend to get along with other pets in the household and their easy-going temperament means they are one of the best dogs for families.
They were bred to work and require around two hours of exercise a day, so the more outdoors time you can give them the better.
6. American Water Spaniel
Look at these curly-haired cuties! Recognized as the state dog of Wisconsin, the American Water Spaniel remains a rare breed, often unknown outside of the United States.
It’s said the breed was developed by crossing the now extinct English Water Spaniel with the curly-coated retriever to produce a dog small enough to fit in a marshland skiff, but hardy enough to cope with icy water.
Water Spaniel puppies aren’t the easiest to come by. However, if you do find one, your new addition will be strong swimmer with a curly coat and an adorable face. Requiring lots of exercise, these skilled swimmers make for great family companions. Providing you can keep up with your pup, you’ll have a running partner, a loyal companion and a new best buddy.
7. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a skilled hunting dog, with waterfowl at the very top of its list. A medium-to-large-sized dog, they are comparable to the Labrador Retriever with a wavy coat.
Their origins date all the way back to Maryland in early 1800 where they were thought to have been rescued from a ship. Since then, they have been employed in retrieving ducks and acting as hunting and fishing companions – they even have oily, waterproof coats! As such, they don’t require excessive grooming, and are happiest when their high exercise needs are met.
These water-loving dogs are true family members. Affectionate and loving, they get on well with children and most other pets too, so are a wonderful addition to any active household.
8. Coonhound
Believed to have originated in Louisiana, coonhounds are some of the best tracking dogs.
They are best known for their long silky ears which, beyond being a beautiful feature, are designed to brush along the ground stirring up the scents of raccoons as they go. In recent years those very same ears have gone on to break world records with their sheer size. Nothing says cool quite like record-breaking lobes!
Loving a cuddle, and patient with children and all other family members, a coonhound makes for a brilliant family pooch. Their working past means they need sufficient exercise to keep them fit and mentally stimulated. They have goofy, fun-loving personalities but still love a good nap!
There are a variety of coonhound breeds, which include the black and tan, redbone and bluetick coonhounds.
9. Rat Terrier
Mixed from a fox terrier and various other terrier breeds to help control pests, the rat terrier is a busy dog with a high prey drive. While they might be a tricky one for training recall, and they do require at least an hour of exercise per day, the rat terrier is relatively low maintenance in all other areas.
Minimal grooming, a consistent routine and daily exercise are all that’s required to keep this low-maintenance, happy-go-lucky, high-energy dog happy and healthy.
What’s more, their portable size means they can come with you everywhere! Keep a rat terrier by your side and your pet pal will thrive – all while keeping you with a permanent smile on your face.
10. American Foxhound
Being strong-willed, energetic but good-natured dogs bred for the hunt, American Foxhounds can be quite the handful. However, if you’re looking for a four-legged friend to join your adventures, with a commitment to training, you will have a pet pal for life.
These pooches can be devoted and mild-tempered around the right people and they get along well with kids. If they don’t get enough physical stimulation they will develop unwanted behaviors.
You’ll want to teach them the basics and make sure they master them too, but also make sure they they have enough to keep them entertained.
11. Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Introducing the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, which is known best as a big dog in a little package. While this terrier’s lower-set legs and muscular build may stand out from the rest, it remains a recognizable terrier at heart.
It was developed in the US and is said to be a mix of an Italian Greyhound, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, smooth fox terrier, beagle, and whippet.
They may be one of the smaller American dog breeds, but the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is feisty, fearless and always prepared for their next adventure. This pint-sized pooch might be the breath of fresh air your family needs.
12. Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Lanky and lean, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a cur-type hound breed developed when Rev. Earl Phillips, who was writing for a hunting magazine, noticed that brindle dogs were especially good at a type of hunting called treeing, where the dog traps an animal by chasing it up a tree.
So, while cur dogs have been around for hundreds of years for the purpose of hunting, the Tennessee Treeing Brindle is a relatively new breed, first recognized in the 1960s.
Brave, loyal and low maintenance in the grooming department, the Tennessee Treeing Brindle is not a particularly easygoing breed. They are athletic and possess a level of intelligence that begs for stimulation and engagement.
So if you can’t keep them busy or don’t have the time for long walks, runs or games, a Tennessee Treeing Brindle might not be best of the American dog breeds for you.
13. Plott Hound
Bears beware! A large scent hound breed, the Plott Hound originates from North Carolina and is known best for its courage, confidence, and fearless nature. Despite being bred to hunt bears, their passionate personalities make for a super protective dog.
But do take note – this breed is always seeking its next hunting opportunity. So keep them busy with regular walks and runs and avoid leaving young children alone with them.
14. Mountain Cur
Mountain cur dogs take pride in their place at the forefront of every pack. This all-American frontier pup was bred for hunting and treeing, and was essential to their families as a guard dog for themselves and their livestock.
As their name highlights, they are a breed made of living off the beaten track. Courageous, athletic and tough, mountain curs thrive when put to work. So if long treks, mountain climbing, and lots of exercise sound like your type of day out, a mountain cur will be the dog to do it all right by your side.
Provided they get enough mental and physical stimulation, they will be happy and healthy and a joy to be around.
15. Silken Windhound
Silken windhounds are the epitome of elegance. As their name suggests, their silken coat waterfalls away from their faces creating stunning sweeping lines, which are notable features of course hounds.
Silkens are sight hounds, which means they course game and use their impressive speed to keep them in sight.
They are are affectionate and playful, and enjoy short, high-intensity bursts of exercise. Once the workout is complete, they are happiest among their human pack. They are 50% speed demon, 50% couch potato! Their high prey drive means they soon zoom off if they spot a squirrel, but train your silken from day dot and you can both live together in harmony.
17. Catahoula Leopard Dog
If you’re looking for a pup to stand out from the rest, the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog, with its variable coats, and eye color combinations, is a great choice. This multi-purpose muscular breed is fit to work, guard, and protect.
Today, in its home state of Louisiana, these versatile working dogs are still used for hunting, herding, and as guard dogs. They are working dogs, and need a job to do.
Their independent natures mean they require a handler who really knows what they are doing with positive reinforcement for dogs. That said, a Catahoula Leopard Dog who is well trained, well socialized and understands the house rules will be a loyal, loving and unbeatable companion.
18. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier was the first hairless dog breed in America and has earned a special place in our hearts ever since. A Louisiana native, these little cuties measure in at around 12-16 inches tall and have smooth skin that’s warm to the touch. But don’t mistake their cuteness with coyness.
These dogs are fun, loving, and excitable with quite the prey drive. If you can keep up with them, this rare breed is an awesome addition to your pack.
19. Boston Terrier
Its recognizable ‘tuxedo’ markings are first to spring to mind when you think of the Boston Terrier, followed quickly by their lively nature far exceeding any initial expectations of their small frames. But either way you think about it, these handsome little dogs, whilst high-spirited and funny, are calm and dignified when they want to be.
Bostons are a brachycephalic dog breed, meaning they are flat-faced, and can be prone to respiratory issues. Aside from that, they get on well with most kids and are happy in pretty much every environment. So if you ask us, they are the perfect addition to any home.
20. Boykin Spaniel
Heard of a Boykin Spaniel? With its waterproof curly coat and docked tail, the Boykin Spaniel is a hunter’s companion. Back in the day, it was bred for hunting ducks and wild turkeys in the Wateree River Swamp, South Carolina.
It’s said the breed was developed when a man from Boykin, South Carolina, found a little brown spaniel called Dumpy and, finding he was a fabulous gun dog, built a breeding program around him.
In more recent times, this brightest and most energetic of American dog breeds is popular among boaters, kayakers and canoeists due to their water-loving nature. They also make for great family pets, as they are very trainable, fiercely loyal and affectionate.
21. American Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniels are a merry breed, keen to please their owners. They are packed with personality and have been since they were first bred many moons ago during the 20th Century.
The American Spaniel is most recognizable by their cool coat, often groomed in a skirt-like fashion. As long as these family dogs are trained and socialized properly, you’ll have a welcoming and very affectionate dog on your hands.
22. Toy fox terrier
Athletic, inquisitive, partial to a cuddle, and intelligent, the toy fox terrier ticks a lot of boxes. Developed by crossing the smooth fox terrier with toy dog breeds such as the Chihuahua, they’re best known for their noisy nature and their high activity level which may lead them to destructive behavior if they’re not kept entertained.
If you’ve got time to spare, you can create a bond like no other. Toy fox terriers can thrive in busy homes, however, due to their small stature, these toy dogs are not always the best match for homes with small kids.
Want to learn about some breeds from elsewhere in the world? Check out our favorite British dog breeds and Japanese dog breeds
Bethany is an experienced writer who has been writing across the pets and equestrian sector for eight years.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on April 1, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
