Back Stories: How Working Breeds Came to Be

(L to R) 1st Prize winner Doberman Pinscher, Artist Unknown, Bronze, 9 ¾ x 10 ½ inches; Luska, Maud Earl (English, 1864-1943), Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 inches; Doberman in a Landscape, Artist Unknown (early 20th century), Oil on canvas, 8 x 10 inches, Signed indistinctly lower left; Play Time!, Otto Erelman (Dutch, 1839 - 1926), Oil on panel, 20 x 24 inches; Doberman Head Study, Artist Unknown, Plaster, 16 x 12 inches

For thousands of years, humans and dogs have shared a relationship built on mutual trust and benefit. While people provided shelter, sustenance, and love, dogs offered devotion, protection, and steadfast companionship. This bond has not only endured but deepened across cultures and generations.

Among the many types of dogs who share our lives, those now known as working dogs stand out for their intelligence, strength, vigilance, and unwavering loyalty. They serve as guardians of livestock and property, police and military partners, sled-pullers, and rescue heroes. They excel in demanding roles that require focus, endurance, and an unbreakable bond with their human companions.

But how did these working dogs come to be? Let’s take a look at the history of some of the more well-known breeds. 

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher was first developed in the late 1800s in Germany by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector and dogcatcher in the town of Apolda. Needing a loyal, protective, and intelligent dog to accompany him on his tax collecting rounds, which were often dangerous, he began selectively breeding dogs to create the ideal personal guard dog.

Although the exact combination of breeds Dobermann used to create his famous guard dog is unknown, several breeds are believed to have contributed to the modern Doberman: the Rottweiler for its strength and guarding ability as well as the iconic black-and-tan coloring; the German Pinscher for alertness and size; the Weimaraner for endurance, tracking, and the scenting ability; the Greyhound or Manchester Terrier for speed and sleek appearance; and possibly the Great Dane for size and working drive. The result was a medium-large, powerful, sleek, and highly intelligent dog, known for its versatility and fearlessness.

Following Louis Dobermann's death in 1894, German breeders continued refining the breed, enhancing both its physical appearance and temperament. The breed was named Dobermann-Pinscher in his honor, and in 1908, the American Kennel Club recognized the Doberman Pinscher (minus the hyphen and second n) as an official breed.

Sled Dogs 

Sled dogs are more than just working animals. They are symbols of courage, endurance, resilience, strength, and teamwork, as well as the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Their ability to thrive in extreme cold has made them essential companions for people living in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

The origins of sled dogs stretch back over 9,000 years, with archaeological evidence indicating that Indigenous peoples of Siberia and the Arctic first domesticated dogs for pulling loads across frozen terrain. These early sled dogs were crucial for transportation, hunting, and survival, enabling humans to traverse vast, unforgiving landscapes.

One of the earliest and most iconic sled dog breeds is the Siberian Husky, known for its speed, stamina, and friendly nature. Similarly, the Alaskan Malamute is another of the oldest Arctic sled breeds, first developed by the Mahlemut Inuit for hauling heavy loads over long distances. Another well-known breed is the Samoyed, originally bred by the Samoyede people of Siberia for pulling sleds, herding reindeer, and keeping their humans warm by sleeping beside them in tents.

Among these remarkable breeds, the Siberian Husky has a particularly rich and fascinating history that spans over 3,000 years. Originating with the Chukchi people, the Siberian Husky was developed to pull sleds across long distances in the frigid, remote regions of northeastern Siberia, now part of Russia. These dogs were vital for daily survival, helping their people travel and hunt across the vast Arctic tundra.

The Chukchi selectively bred Huskies for their endurance, cold resistance, and above all, their gentle temperament, particularly around children. Unlike many other working animals, Siberian Huskies were expected to live indoors with families, making a calm and friendly disposition essential.

The unique charm and nobility of the Siberian Husky caught the attention of the Western world in the late 19th century. One such dog, Luska, was imported to England in 1895 by an explorer returning from Siberia. Luska was soon purchased by The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and exhibited in the Foreign Dogs class at dog shows in Leicester, Birmingham, and Earl’s Court in London.

Saint Bernard 

The Saint Bernard is one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable working breeds, famed for its heroic role as a rescue dog in the snowy passes of the Swiss Alps. The breed is deeply rooted in the history of the Great Saint Bernard Pass, a treacherous mountain route linking Switzerland and Italy, rich in legend and strategic importance. Historical accounts of the pass date as far back as 57 B.C., when Julius Caesar attempted to conquer the Alpine tribes during the Gallic Wars to secure safe passage through the mountains.

The ancestry of the Saint Bernard likely traces to mastiff-type dogs brought to the Alps by Roman legions over 2,000 years ago. These Roman dogs interbred with local mountain breeds, resulting in large, rugged canines adapted to the harsh alpine climate.

The breed’s documented history begins in the 11th century, when Archdeacon Bernard of Menthon founded a hospice, a refuge for travelers at the top of the Great Saint Bernard Pass. The pass was known for its dangerous conditions, and the hospice became a lifesaving sanctuary. The large dogs kept by the monks, originally called Hospice Dogs, were later renamed Saint Bernards in honor of the hospice’s founder and its location.

Initially used as guard dogs for the hospice, these powerful and intelligent animals were soon trained to locate and rescue travelers lost in snow storms or buried by avalanches. The dogs' keen sense of smell, resistance to cold, and strong instincts made them uniquely suited for alpine rescue. They often worked in pairs: one would stay with the stranded traveler for warmth, while the other returned to alert the monks for help.

One of the most celebrated Saint Bernards in history was Barry, who lived at the hospice from 1800 to 1812. Legend credits Barry with saving more than 40 lives, and his heroic legacy remains a symbol of the breed’s courage and compassion. Barry’s preserved body is on display at the Natural History Museum in Bern, Switzerland, a tribute to his enduring legend.

By the 19th century, the Saint Bernard had gained international fame, particularly in England and the United States, where the breed became popular not only as a working dog but also as a gentle and affectionate family companion, admired for its loyalty and kind temperament despite its imposing size.

From arctic tundras and icy mountain passes to big cities and quiet farms, working dogs have stood faithfully beside humanity for centuries. Bred for strength, intelligence, and devotion, these dogs continue to perform vital roles, such as guarding, rescuing, pulling, and protecting, while capturing our hearts with their courage, loyalty, and companionship. 

The stories of these noble dogs are woven into human history. They are more than helpers. They are partners, heroes, and beloved companions whose contributions continue to shape our lives and the world around us.