10 All-American Dog Breeds

By Jessica Remitz | Pet360.com

July 4th is almost here, which means it's time to break out the sparklers, put on some red, white and blue and celebrate all things American, including some of our favorite, and lesser-known, dog breeds. With the help of the American Kennel Club, we've rounded up ten patriotic dog breeds that are even more American than apple pie itself.

#1 - Alaskan Malamute

The state dog of Alaska, the Alaskan Malamute is the largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, according to AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. Originally used by Inuit tribes to pull sleds with heavy loads, the breed's great endurance and ability to carry large loads over long distances has made them popular choices for long-distance sled races in the Arctic. A large, strong dog with an athletic build, the Alaskan Malamute will do best with an active family that can provide it with plenty of daily exercise.

#2 - Rat Terrier

A recent addition to the AKC's terrier group, the Rat Terrier was one of the most common farm dogs from 1910-1930 in the United States, according to Peterson. Bred to hunt rodents and vermin, Rat Terriers are active, playful breeds that love being a part of the family and will require daily exercise in the form of a long walk or spirited game in the yard. A small breed that comes in two sizes, standard and miniature, Rat Terriers can easily adapt to small living conditions provided they have the proper exercise and activity.

#3 - American Eskimo Dog

Known for its dazzling white coat and innate intelligence, the American Eskimo Dog (also referred to as the American Spitz) was used as a traveling circus performer that entertained audiences across the country throughout the 19th century. Today, the breed is commonly seen as a companion animal and makes an excellent watch dog, Peterson said. Easy to train and friendly with both children and other pets, American Eskimo Dogs require daily exercise and love performing tricks for their people at home.

#4 - American Foxhound

With a history that dates back to the 1700s, the American Foxhound was developed by none other than our nation's father: George Washington. In the 1770s and 1780s, Washington imported hounds from England and France and began carefully breeding and maintaining an American bloodline of dogs that have become today's American Foxhound. A tall breed with long, lean legs and an athletic build, the American Foxhound was bred to run and does best with families that have access to large, open spaces and can provide daily exercise, Peterson said.

#5 - Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed in the early 19th century to withstand the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay to retrieve ducks for hunters. With a short, curly coat that naturally repels water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or Chessie, is a strong swimmer and loves spending time outdoors. Courageous and intelligent, the Chessie does best with active families, according to Peterson.

#6 - Boston Terrier

Nicknamed "the American Gentleman" for its white and black coat that resembles a tuxedo, the Boston Terrier was declared the state dog of Massachusetts in 1979, according to Peterson. Recognized by the AKC in the late 1890s, the very first Boston Terrier was the result of a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier and was known as "Hooper's Judge," after the man who purchased the terrier, Robert C. Hooper. Known for their amiable personality and gentle disposition, Boston Terriers can easily accommodate to apartment living because of their small size.

#7 - Black and Tan Coonhound

A persistent, determined hunter, the Black and Tan Coonhound was developed primarily in the Blue Ridge, Appalachian, Smokey and Ozark mountains for hunting bears and raccoons. Known for their strong sense of smell, Black and Tan Coonhounds trail game much like a Bloodhound (by scent entirely) and will stay on a track no matter what the conditions are, according to Peterson. Outgoing, friendly and relatively quiet in the home, the hunting instincts of a Black and Tan Coonhound will often take control outdoors, making them unwilling to let go of a trail they may pick up on an afternoon walk.

#8 - Chinook

Developed as a sled dog for both drafting and racing in New Hampshire by explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden in the early 1900's, the Chinook was named the state dog of New Hampshire in 2009, according to Peterson. With a double coat designed to keep them warm in freezing temperatures, Chinooks do require regular brushing and will shed seasonable. Known for being fond of children and friendly with other dogs, the breed is also playful, adaptable and active, requiring regular daily exercise.

#9 - Plott Hound

Originally developed to hunt bear and boar, the Plott Hound has a streamlined, powerful body that is built for endurance. The state dog of North Carolina, the hunting instinct of the Plott Hound may make it determined to follow any trail it picks up. The breed also requires regular exercise and is known for being loyal, intelligent and easy to please members of the family.

#10 - Toy Fox Terrier

Another breed that was popular among American farmers for exterminating rodents in the 20th century, the Toy Fox Terrier is a big dog in a small package, according to Peterson. Intelligent, courageous and mischievous, Toy Fox Terriers have a "take-charge" attitude and often likes to explore every nook and cranny of a home. While the breed makes a loving and devoted companion, it does best with older children and may be cautious around strangers initially.

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