5 American Dog Breeds
When you picture dog breeds born in the United States, familiar names like the Boston Terrier or Chesapeake Bay Retriever probably come to mind first. But America has produced plenty of lesser-known breeds with fascinating backgrounds and impressive working skills.
Below are five American breeds worth knowing, along with the history and personality traits that make each one special.
The Chinook
The Chinook is one of the rarest American breeds, only recognized by the American Kennel Club's Chinook breed page in 2010. With only about 600 alive in the world today, they've been named the rarest dog by the Guinness Book of World Records three times since 1965 — at one point, just 125 Chinooks existed.
Developed in the early 1900s, this breed is known for being intelligent, calm, and wonderful with children.
The American Eskimo
The American Eskimo dog is a member of the spitz family, sporting an all-white or white-and-biscuit coat. Despite the name, the breed has no ties to Eskimo culture — it was developed right here in the United States and traveled with circuses during the late 19th century.
These fluffy dogs are sometimes confused with the Samoyed. Look for their signature features:
- A thick double coat
- Distinctly pointy ears
- A curled tail
- Three different size varieties
A relatively new breed, the American Eskimo was recognized by the AKC in 1994.
The Plott
Named after a German immigrant family that settled in America, the Plott is a brindle-colored hound and the official state dog of North Carolina. Historically, these courageous dogs were bred to bay and tree bears and boars.
Like the American Eskimo, the Plott is a newer addition to the registry, earning AKC recognition in 2006.
The American Leopard Hound
Unlike the other breeds on this list, the American Leopard Hound has not been recognized by the AKC — yet it's considered one of the oldest tree dog breeds. Its lineage traces back to dogs brought to the New World by Spanish conquistadors.
These highly intelligent dogs have exceptional tracking instincts and can follow a wide range of prey for miles, including:
- Bears
- Raccoons
- Cougars
- Squirrels
- Bobcats
By temperament, they tend to be laid-back and a bit standoffish with strangers.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Also known as the Cur, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle was founded in the 1960s by Rev. Earl Phillips. These high-energy dogs descend from treeing dogs of the Appalachian and Ozark Mountain regions and were bred to tree game for hours on end.
Still relatively rare, the breed has been recorded in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service since 1995.
Bringing a New Puppy Home
Choosing the right breed means matching a dog's energy, size, and temperament to your lifestyle. Before you commit, it's worth reviewing trusted guidance on responsible pet ownership from the American Veterinary Medical Association's tips on selecting a dog so your new companion is a great fit for years to come.
Curious which breeds are available near you? Stop by to browse our available puppies, explore all the dog breeds we carry, or ask our team about flexible financing and payment options at Petland Pensacola.