For many of us, dogs are friends whose main job is to brighten up our lives—and they’re great at this! However, some breeds are suited to more formal kinds of employment, like rescuing humans or foiling criminals’ schemes. Here are 20 diligent dog breeds that are outstanding in various job roles.
Beagle
Beagles might not look like tough agents of law enforcement, but they actually play an important part in securing America’s borders. U.S. Customs and Border Protection use Beagles to scan luggage for suspicious items—these dogs are called the Beagle Brigade, and they’re great at their jobs thanks to their very sensitive noses.
Golden Retriever
If you’re ever lost in the wilderness, a Golden Retriever might be your best hope for survival. These friendly canines are large enough to cope with even the toughest environments, and their impressive endurance means that they’re able to search for hours without becoming bored or exhausted.
Border Collies
Border Collies were originally popular in the United Kingdom because of their livestock herding talents. However, this classic breed has recently found success in a new field. Due to their emotional intelligence and friendly nature, Border Collies are perfectly suited to working as therapy dogs.
German Shepherd
The powerful German Shepherd is a cop’s best friend. These brave, high-energy dogs are one of the most famous breeds to be associated with law enforcement’s K9 units, where they’re used for both tracking suspects and locating illegal substances. Some German Shepherds can even sniff out explosive devices!
Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native breed—they got it right the first time! Icelandic Sheepdogs excel at herding livestock, but they’re also capable of keeping larger animals like ponies under control. It’s no wonder that the dog is now considered a symbol of its native country.
Belgian Malinois
Several breeds have served in armies, but the Belgian Malinois stands out. The breed’s vigilant attitude and muscular body help it succeed in high-stress military situations. According to the American Kennel Club, a life-sized bronze statue of a Belgian Malinois was erected in North Carolina to pay tribute to this hardworking breed.
Dachshund
The diminutive Daschund might not look like much of a threat, but this breed’s size actually makes it ideal for tackling smaller animals like badgers, rabbits, and foxes. Don’t let those short little legs fool you—Daschunds can run for up to 20 mph, which makes them ideal for chasing down prey.
Great Pyrenees
Sometimes, dogs need to do more than just herd cattle—they have to protect them from predators, too. The massive Great Pyrenees are strong enough to see off any challenge from wolves or even bears. They’re also surprisingly affectionate, so it’s possible to cuddle up with this protective breed when it’s off-duty.
Poodles
Poodles have a reputation as beauty queens, but these dogs combine good looks with intelligence. This makes them a great option for people looking for a service dog. Poodles are less intimidating than larger guide dogs, but they’re still smart enough to provide support to their owners when it’s needed.
English Pointer
Despite its name, the English Pointer is thought to have its roots in Spain. Whatever its origins, this breed is well-suited to hunting birds. English Pointers’ strong work ethic and loyalty come in handy while they’re out on a hunt, and their highly trainable nature is also a plus.
Labrador Retriever
Historically, Labrador Retrievers were used for hunting. However, the same qualities that made them great for fetching shot birds mean that they’re ideal service dogs. Labrador Retrievers are loyal, gentle, and intelligent canines—and the fact that they’re addicted to treats makes training them easy!
Doberman Pinscher
It’s tough to find a more intimidating dog than the Doberman Pinscher. However, this fear factor makes the breed ideal for guard dog duty. Doberman Pinschers will always have your back, and they’re also affectionate enough to make good pets when they’re not on the clock.
Boxer
Boxers offer the best of both worlds: they’re powerful enough to fight bears (one of their historical uses) while being sensitive and intelligent enough to make great service dogs today. With such versatile talents, it should come as no surprise that the Boxer is one of the U.S.’s most popular breeds.
Great Dane
Would you trust a dog to fly a plane? The Red Baron, a notorious World War I pilot, let his Great Dane, Moritz, ride with him when he flew, reports the National WWI Museum and Memorial. We’re not sure what the world’s first canine co-pilot made of the experience, but the breed’s calm, patient nature probably prevented any in-flight accidents.
American Foxhound
American Foxhounds are as American as apple pie—in fact, they have a direct connection to Founding Father George Washington. Washington bred these dogs for their speed and endurance, which made them ideal for catching foxes during Mount Vernon’s traditional fox hunts. Nowadays, this hardworking canine is recognized as the state dog of Virginia.
English Setters
English Settlers are gunhounds, which means that they’re trained to help hunters find the birds that are shot down during a hunt. This breed makes the most of its excellent nose to locate downed birds, then sits on them to stop them from escaping until the hunting party arrives to claim the spoils.
Saint Bernard
The Swiss Alps are treacherous, so we’re glad Saint Bernards are on hand to provide help. This large, muscular dog is built to handle rough terrain. Its thick coats keep it warm no matter the weather, while its friendly temperament is bound to reassure lost travelers in even the most hopeless situations.
American Pitt Bull Terrier
You might associate Pitt Bull Terriers with illegal dog fighting rings, but they’ve recently experienced a redemption arc. They’re a relatively cheap way for American police departments to employ top-tier sniffer dogs for detecting illegal substances. POLICE1 mentions how one American Pitt Bull Terrier helped to discover $7500 worth of drugs in 2017.
English Bulldog
Dogs have served their country by scouting, catching vermin, and detecting bombs. However, some war heroes are prized for their good looks rather than their skills! An English Bulldog called Chesty is the mascot of the Marine Corps, where he holds the rank of Lance Corporal thanks to his distinctively cute appearance.
Bloodhound
With a name like ‘Bloodhound,’ it’s no surprise that this breed has become a key player in the homicide department. Bloodhounds have incredibly sensitive noses (up to 30,000 times better than ours), meaning that they’re able to distinguish between several different human scents while tracking down dangerous criminals.
Up Next: 17 Places in the U.S. Where Even Truck Drivers Won’t Stop
Truck drivers tend to be hardy souls—well-seasoned travelers who aren’t often afraid to rest up or refuel in risky locations. However, there are certain U.S. locations that even the most road-weary trucker refuses to stop at for fear of criminal activity or natural dangers. Here are 17 such locations that even experienced truck drivers approach with trepidation (or not at all).
17 PLACES IN THE U.S. WHERE EVEN TRUCK DRIVERS WON’T STOP
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE
The 17 Unhappiest States in America
The US has hit an all-time low position in the World Happiness Index, tumbling to 23rd in 2024. However, it’s important to remember that location is an important factor; many US states are very happy, unlike the following 17 US states that appear to be the most unhappy.