If you’re looking to purchase a new dog, choosing among the many breeds available can be difficult.
From big to small dogs, there are dozens of options to consider.
Here are the 20 best American dog breeds based on popularity, appearance, temperament, and other factors that make them great family pets.
With this list as your guide, you should have no trouble finding the perfect dog breed for your household!
1. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a strong, muscular dog originally bred for bull-baiting. They make great family pets and are known for being loyal, protective, and loving.
They need plenty of exercise and socialization but can be great around children and other animals with the right training. The American Bulldog might be the perfect breed for you if you’re looking for a devoted companion!
2. American Eskimo
These pups are originally from Germany but got their name when they became popular in the United States. They’re known for being great family dogs since they’re so good with kids.
They’re also very active, so they need a lot of exercise. If you live an active lifestyle and are looking for a furry friend to join you on your adventures, an American Eskimo Dog might be the perfect breed for you!
3. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a relatively new breed that was developed in the United States in the 1970s. Though hairless, they are not completely hypoallergenic and can still produce dander.
They are active and playful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. They require special care, such as regular baths and moisturizing, to prevent their skin from drying.
Additionally, they have sensitive ears, so owners must watch them when outside to ensure they don’t get too cold or develop ear infections.
4. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a descendant of the English Foxhound and was brought to America in the 1600s. Today, there are two types of American Foxhounds: the show type and the field type.
The show type is taller and leaner, while the field type is shorter and stockier. Both types are bred for their hunting abilities and make excellent companion dogs.
5. American Staffordshire Terrier
Also known as the Amstaff, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, muscular dog originally bred for fighting. Today, they are loving and loyal companions that make great family dogs.
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Amstaffs are also very protective of their families and make excellent guard dogs.
6. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a spaniel breed developed in the United States. Bred to be a versatile hunting dog, the American Water Spaniel can hunt on land and water.
They are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build and a dense, wavy brown or liver-colored coat. American Water Spaniels are intelligent, trainable dogs that make great family pets.
They are good with children and other pets and eager to please their owners. American Water Spaniels need plenty of exercise and love to swim, making them ideal for active families.
7. Australian Shepherd
This breed is a herding dog developed in the Western United States. They are medium to large and have a coat that can be either short or long.
Australian Shepherds are intelligent and trainable, making them great for various activities such as agility, obedience, and flyball. They are also loyal and protective of their family, making them great companions.
8. Alaskan Malamute
As one of the 20 best American dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful dog originally bred for hauling heavy loads in cold climates.
They’re still working dogs today and make great family pets. An Alaskan Malamute is a great choice if you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion.
However, they’re not the easiest breed to train and need plenty of exercise, so be prepared to do some work if you adopt one of these pups.
9. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a classic American dog breed. Originally bred to hunt raccoons, this hound is now a popular family pet.
Though friendly and good with children, they need plenty of exercise and may not be the best fit for a small home. The Black and Tan Coonhound may be the perfect dog for you looking for a loyal and loving companion!
10. Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is an American dog breed known for its blue-ticked coat. The breed is a descendant of the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne hound brought to America in the 1800s.
Bluetick Coonhounds are known for being intelligent, independent, and determined dogs. They are also loyal and affectionate with their families.
If you are looking for a good dog with children and other pets, the Bluetick Coonhound may be the right breed!
11. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a popular American dog breed. They are small but sturdy dogs with short black, brindle, or seal coats. Boston Terriers are intelligent and affectionate dogs that make great family pets.
They do require some exercise and training but are generally low-maintenance dogs. Common health problems for Boston Terriers include allergies, patellar luxation, and heart disease.
12. Catahoula Leopard Dog
As the state dog of Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a multi-purpose working dog originally bred for hunting wild hogs and cattle.
Today, they are still used for hunting and herding but also make great companion animals. They are intelligent, independent dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Catahoulas are loyal and protective of their family but can be aloof with strangers. The Catahoula Leopard Dog might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for an active, versatile dog breed.
13. Boykin Spaniel
One of the 20 best American dog breeds is the Boykin Spaniel. This breed is great for families as they are gentle, loving, and good with children.
They are also relatively easy to train and make excellent hunting companions. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that make great family pets.
The Boykin Spaniel is a dog breed originating in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club, the Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina.
They were originally bred to hunt and retrieve ducks and other waterfowl. The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog weighing between 30 and 40 pounds.
Some potential health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia and eye problems. Overall, the Boykin Spaniel is a wonderful breed that would make a great addition to any home.
14. Miniature American Shepherd
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American dog breed that originated in Louisiana. The breed is named after the Catahoula Parish, where it was first found.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to large-sized dog with a short coat and a leopard-like spotted pattern. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and hunting ability. They are often used as search and rescue dogs.
15. Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is a rugged and tenacious breed originally developed in the southern Appalachian Mountains to help control vermin populations.
Today, they make excellent companions and working dogs and are known for being loyal, protective, and intelligent. They were bred to be hunting dogs and were extremely athletic and agile.
These best American dog breeds are very obedient and trainable. They’re fiercely loyal, protective of their family, and good with other animals, including children. Mountain Curs require a lot of exercise and love being outdoors, and they have a 12–14 year lifespan.
16. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a small- to medium-sized breed originally bred for ratting and hunting. They are tenacious, brave, and energetic dogs that make great companions.
They are also very intelligent and trainable. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation as they will get bored easily.
17. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, sturdy breed with a short white and black fur coat. They are intelligent and active dogs and make great companions for people who live an active lifestyle.
Toy Fox Terriers are also good watchdogs, as they bark to alert their owners of any strangers or potential threats. If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, the Toy Fox Terrier is the perfect breed!
18. Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of dog in the United States. The breed is a descendant of the English Foxhound and the Virginia Hound, known for its ability to tree raccoons.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a versatile breed used for hunting, tracking, and even as a family pet. The Treeing Walker Coonhound may be the right breed if you are looking for an intelligent, athletic dog with a strong hunting instinct.
19. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a versatile and intelligent breed that is great for a family with an active lifestyle. They are loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.
These best American dog breeds are gentle and good with children, making them ideal for families.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are strong swimmers and love to play in the water, making them perfect for homes near lakes or oceans. They have a thick coat of fur that protects them from the cold weather and keeps them cool in the summer months.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require daily exercise and plenty of space to run around, so they are not well suited for apartments or small homes. Their medium size makes them easy to manage without being too overwhelming for first-time dog owners.
Unlike many other breeds, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not need a lot of grooming due to their short coats; however, they will shed heavily twice per year as the seasons change and need regular brushing throughout the year during shedding periods.
These best American dog breeds can live between 10-14 years with proper care, making them one of the longest-living breeds on this list!
Overall, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are fantastic family pets who would make wonderful additions to any home looking for a cuddly companion with many personalities!
20. Carolina Dog
The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized, short-coated dog native to the southeastern United States. These dogs are intelligent and loyal and make great family pets.
They are also good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of strangers. Carolina Dogs are active and need plenty of exercise, so they are best suited for homes with large yards or rural areas where they can run and explore
