#1 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is not only one of the hardest working dogs, it is also the breed that is ranked at number one with the American Kennel Club. He has a great deal of energy and he is built to work. This breed is also very intelligent. When these dogs were originally bred in Newfoundland, they were bred to jump into the icy waters to retrieve the fisherman’s nets. Today, they are often used as service dogs and as therapy dogs.
#2 German Shepherd
The German Shepard is a very hard working dog. This breed is very strong and very intelligent. They have a great work ethic and they were originally bred for herding. Today, many German Shepherds have very important jobs. Some work with the police and the FBI in their K-9 units. Many of these dogs are also in the military and they work with soldiers. The German Shepherd can also get a job doing guard work. While they are great workers, they also make excellent family dogs.
#3 Border Collie
The Border Collie was originally bred in England and Scotland so that they could help their owners herd and control their sheep. Today, they are still used for this purpose. What makes this breed such a great worker is their amazing energy and their stamina. It is the Border Collie’s energy that can be at times frustrating for their owners who aren’t using them as working dogs because they are so energetic and they need to work off some of that energy. As long as they get the exercise and engagement that they need, they make great family pets.
#4 Belgian Malinoi
This breed is not as well known as many of the others. It was originally bred in Malines, Belgium as a shepherd dog. This breed resembles the German Shepherd as they have similar colors, builds, and they both have the distinguished black mask. These dogs are great workers and they are also great protectors. They are very athletic and smart. The Belgian Malinoi often works with the police and search and rescue teams. Due to the fact that they are extremely obedient and agile, they are great at dog sports.
#5 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is often confused with the Labrador Retriever. They were originally bred in Scotland to be working dogs. They are excellent for hunting and retrieving, which is why many owners choose to adopt this breed. Because they were bred to be working dogs, they have a lot of energy and they need work off than energy by walking or running. These dogs are often used as guide and assistance animals. They also make a great family pet. If you are looking for a watchdog, this is not the breed for you. These dogs are just too friendly.
#6 Great Pyrenees
This breed originates in the Pyrenees Mountains. These dogs are very hard working dogs and they are considered to be gentle giants. Originally, these dogs were owned by peasants. Later, King Louis XIV declared the breed to be the Royal Dog of France. Because these dogs are so large, they are excellent workers. They have a very thick coat, which means that they do very well outdoors in cold climates. Because they were bred to be working dogs for peasants, they need a great deal of exercise. If you don’t have a job for them to do all day, you will need to be sure that this dog gets at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
#7 The Giant Schnauzer
#8 Siberian Husky
This is one of the hardest working dogs there is. They are extremely strong, which makes it possible for them to pull sleds for the Siberian nomads. Not only do they pull people, but they pull supplies. They don’t need much food to survive, and their long, thick coats make it possible for them to stay outside for long periods of time in very cold weather. These dogs also have amazing stamina.
#9 The Bloodhound
The Bloodhound has a wrinkled face, a large nose, and long drooping ears, which leads some people to believe that this isn’t the brightest breed of dog. It is actually the exact opposite. These dogs were bred for hunting in medieval France. They have an amazing sense of smell which makes them great pets for hunters. They are capable of trailing deer and boar. They can find their prey on the coldest trail. This dog loves to use his intelligence and his sense of smell to find what he is looking for.
#10 The Bull Terrier
Of the 10 hardest working dog breeds, the Bull Terrier is the toughest. The Bull Terrier is a very hard working breed. He is extremely strong and muscular, which makes him a great worker. These dogs are great for guarding and watching. Unfortunately, they don’t have the best reputations. Whenever there is a strong dog competition, it is almost always a Bull Terrier who wins. These competitions have the dogs pulling heavy objects, and these dogs can do it with no problem.
