Working Dogs

Best Friends and Co-Workers

Dogs have an enormously long record of helping humans. Shepherds have been relying of them for centuries, the police detect drugs with K9 help, and in the snowy parts of the earth dogs are a perfect means of transportation. I had the most wonderful experience with Greenland dogs in the north of Sweden. While we had rented skidoos and took them out for extended adventures in the incredible cold, these motor sleighs stink and are loud, so it's a fun mission impossible James Bond adventure, but you can't really enjoy the magical landscape or the astounding absence of noise up north. And then we found out that really close by a fellow Austrian had a Greenland dog farm and that he offers sleigh rides with them Of course we had to book one and we were simply blown away. Eight majestic, powerful dogs pulling the sleigh, drinking the snow, relieving themselves on the go and just a very subtle breathing, it's still one of our fondest memories of the trip.

I have talked a lot about dogs being our best friends in this blog, about dogs improve our lives and how we can take the best care of our furry companions. Today I want to bring some attention to working dogs, so dogs that support humans in various fields other than making their humans smile and walk them during a nightly thunderstorm.

The list

But it's not just pulling tourists through -35°C, dogs are versatile, highly trainable and can assist humans in an unbelievable number of tasks. Here is a list including especially well suited dogs and a short description of what they can so. Take a gander:

Guide Dogs (e.g., Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers)

What They Do: Assist visually impaired individuals by navigating obstacles, stopping at curbs, and helping cross streets safely.

Why They’re Perfect: These breeds are intelligent, calm, highly trainable, and have a gentle temperament, making them excellent companions and guides.

Search and Rescue Dogs (e.g., German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois)

What They Do: Locate missing people in natural disasters, wilderness, or urban settings using their keen sense of smell.

Why They’re Perfect: High drive, excellent endurance, strong noses, and determination make them ideal for finding people in difficult conditions.

Police Dogs (e.g., Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds)

What They Do: Assist law enforcement in detecting drugs, apprehending suspects, and searching for evidence.

Why They’re Perfect: These dogs are brave, loyal, intelligent, and possess a strong work ethic, making them reliable partners in dangerous situations.

Detection Dogs (e.g., Beagles, Springer Spaniels)

What They Do: Detect drugs, explosives, and other contraband items in airports, seaports, and other security checkpoints.

Why They’re Perfect: Excellent noses, focused demeanor, and ability to work in busy environments make them ideal for detection work.

Herding Dogs (e.g., Border Collies, Australian Shepherds)

What They Do: Help farmers manage livestock by guiding, gathering, and controlling the movements of sheep, cattle, and other animals.

Why They’re Perfect: Natural herding instincts, intelligence, and incredible agility make them perfect for managing flocks with minimal guidance.

Service Dogs (e.g., Labradors, Poodles)

What They Do: Assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks, such as retrieving items, opening doors, or providing balance support.

Why They’re Perfect: Their intelligence, calm demeanor, and ability to learn a wide range of tasks make them indispensable to their handlers.

Military Dogs (e.g., Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds)

What They Do: Perform tasks such as detecting explosives, scouting for enemy combatants, and performing sentry duties in military operations.

Why They’re Perfect: High trainability, strong physical abilities, and courage under pressure make them essential members of military teams.

Look at her zooming!

Sled Dogs (e.g., Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Greenland dogs)

What They Do: Pull sleds over snow and ice, transporting people and supplies in cold, snowy regions.

Why They’re Perfect: Incredible stamina, strength, thick fur coats, and an innate drive to work make them suited to cold, challenging conditions.

Therapy Dogs (e.g., Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Bea)

What They Do: Provide emotional support and comfort to people in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

Why They’re Perfect: Gentle, affectionate nature, and a calm demeanor make them excellent at offering comfort to those in need.

Livestock Guardian Dogs (e.g., Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds)

What They Do: Protect livestock from predators by patrolling, barking, and physically intervening if necessary.

Why They’re Perfect: Strong protective instincts, independence, and size allow them to safeguard flocks effectively without constant supervision.

And one more thing

Just because your dog might not be mentioned above does not mean he or she is not suited for the job. All dogs are different and it depends on many factors, like your dogs behavior in general, your willingness to train and many more.

What did I miss?

Do you have any other jobs for dogs in mind? Tell me in the comments!