Breeds Of Working Dogs
When we think of a dog, the image of a beautiful puppy playing with a child, lying next to us in the living room, or walking in the park automatically comes to mind. However, some copies have other tasks assigned to them. In this article we will tell you which are the main breeds of working dogs.
What are the “jobs” of working dogs?
That there are working dogs does not mean that they can do any task. Based on their personalities, temperament, and physical characteristics, they are trained for a particular job. The most frequent are:
1. Police
To be chosen and brought into the police forces of a country, a dog must be specifically trained. Their tasks include protecting agents, chasing and stopping criminals, sniffing out objects in search of people, rescuing and saving people in natural disasters, etc.
2. Detection
Because of their exceptional sense of smell, dogs can be trained to sniff and identify an illegal substance, explosives, excrement samples, animal remains, blood and hair samples. There are even detection dogs that find out if a person has cancer or blood sugar levels have dropped dramatically.
3. Therapy
Zootherapy is increasingly used in hospitals and health care centers. The animals are trained and certified to accompany patients with cancer and other terminal illnesses, children with autism, suicidal, depressed, etc.
4. Grazing
They are responsible for carrying different types of livestock (especially cattle and sheep) from one place to another. A sheepdog does not need a specific teaching, since, it is said, “was born for that task” (although in some cases it must be perfected).
5. On duty
These are dogs that have been specially trained to help people with disabilities, such as blind people. In many countries, these service dogs can enter public places (transport, markets, banks) while they are on business hours.
Examples of working dog breeds
Depending on the characteristics of the animal, it can “serve” for one or another task. These are some of the working dog breeds:
1. Alaskan Malamute
Being very fast, it is used to pull a sled (along with others of the same race). It has the ability to carry up to 20 kg of weight for 70 km without tiring or stopping. The Alaskan Malamute has a thick coat to cope with harsh weather conditions. It is called “the engine of the Arctic.”
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
It can be used for different tasks due to its need to be always active. For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog helps with mountain activities, searching and rescuing people, keeping sheep flocks safe in the field, and even pulling carts.
3. Doberman
He is said to be a violent dog, however it all depends on how his training is. It is one of the races chosen by the Police and military bodies for its balanced character, its strength and its muscles.
4. Great Swiss Mountain Dog
This robust dog was used in WWII as a pack and traction animal due to its robustness. But in ancient times they were already used as “war dogs” (by the Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans). They also serve as herd guides.
5. Saint Bernard
When we think of working dogs, this good-natured giant certainly comes to mind. Tireless with its barrel hanging from its neck, this dog began to gain popularity when the monks of the Hospicio de San Bernardo (hence the name) used it to rescue travelers lost in the snow.
6. Border Collie
It is one of the breeds used for herding and, in addition, it is considered one of the most intelligent in the world. He has the ability to control livestock, they say, just with his eyes. Since the 10th century, he has been the best friend of the country man or farmer for his tireless help with the herds.
