But there are a several popular
dog breeds that are known for being "made in the USA." In honor of
Independence Day, we bring you nine truly American dog breeds.
Pictures: 11 States With Official State Dogs
Southern Charmer1. Redbone Coonhound
The beautiful Redbone Coonhound is
known for his dark, rich, mahogany-red coat. Colonial settlers from
Scotland and Ireland brought red hounds with them to the United States,
and those dogs are the ancestors of the Redbone. George E.L. Birdsong, a famous foxhunter and dog breeder from Georgia, did the most to develop the breed, which was just recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.
2. Boston Terrier
This fun little dog is, of course, a product of Beantown. His ancestors were probably crosses between Bulldogs and the now-extinct white English Terrier, but the modern Boston Terrier is USA through and through - so much so that the dapper, tuxedo-wearing pup is nicknamed the "American Gentleman."
3. Alaskan Malamute
This canine fur-factory is, as his name implies, native to the 49th
state. His ancestors helped the nomadic early Eskimos transport their
sleds and goods across the snowy, barren landscape. The Alaskan Malamute thrived and became valuable during the Alaska Gold Rush in 1896, when miners paid sky-high prices for sleds and dog teams.
4. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel's
origins are a mystery, but he may well be a descendant of the
now-extinct English water spaniel, which is known to have been brought
to America.
The AWS was developed in the mid-19th century in the Wolf and Fox River
Valley region of Wisconsin. After World War II, interest in the dogs
waned, but Dr. Fred J. Pfeiffer
singlehandedly brought them back, primarily by promoting the dogs as
"distinctively an American production." The American Water Spaniel is
now the official state dog of Wisconsin.
5. Rat Terrier
The sturdy Rat Terrier was bred to be an all-purpose American farm dog whose job it was to kill rats and other vermin and hunt small game. His ancestry is a melting pot of breeds - Whippet and Italian Greyhound blood added speed, while the Beagle brought in scenting ability and a pack mentality. President Theodore Roosevelt was a fan of Rat Terriers, and they were among the many pets he and his family brought to the White House.
Photos: Patriotic Pups: 10 Dogs Dressed Up in Red, White & Blue
Mid-Atlantic Hunter6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
When a British brig wrecked off the coast of Maryland in 1807, two Newfoundland dogs
were rescued. The canines, named Sailor and Canton, had excellent
abilities as retrievers. People in the area bred them to local dogs, and
they became the ancestors of today's Chesapeake Bay Retriever. This hunting dog
is ready and willing to brace the rough, icy chop of the Chesapeake
Bay, and she's capable of retrieving 100 to 200 ducks a day.
7. Plott Hound
The mountains of western North Carolina are the birthplace of the Plott Hound, who was bred to hunt, drive livestock and protect the home. His ancestors were five Bloodhounds who accompanied German immigrant Johannes Georg Plott to America in 1750. The Plott has been North Carolina's official state dog since 1989.
8. Chinook
This rare breed of sled dog got his start when musher Arthur Treadwell Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire, bred a farm dog
of unknown heritage with a "northern" husky, producing a litter of
puppies with tawny coats. One of those pups was named Chinook, and he
accompanied Admiral Richard Byrd (and 15 other Chinooks) on a 1927 expedition to Antarctica.
Society Favorite9. American Staffordshire Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers are
the two main breeds usually referred to as "pit bulls." The dogs were
popular with wealthy Americans and prominent politicians who bet on them
at dog fights.
They were equally popular with farmers and families, who loved them for
their ratting skills and companionship. One Staffordshire named Sergeant Stubby was a World War I hero and the most decorated dog in American military history. In addition, Petey from The Little Rascals and Buster Brown's dog Tige were both Pit Bulls.
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