Did you know that we have more all-American dog breeds as years pass by? The perfect example is the American Bully that obtained AKC recognition in 2013. Other breeds include the Cocker Spaniel, the Alaskan Malamute, and the American Pit Bull Terrier, all of which we are going to cover, as well as a general background of the history of dogs in North America.
You will find the list of American dog breeds below, which keeps growing with the passing of time. You will find a complete breakdown of their characteristics: pricing, appearance, temperament and health profile.
Origins of Dogs in North America
The first dogs arrived in North America 10,000 to 14,000 years ago thanks to the first immigration waves that crossed the Bering Land Bridge. They eventually became native breeds of this region, and at least one of these breeds was with Inuit ancestors and one was with Native American Indians.
Top 18 Best American Dog Breeds
This is the latest list of 100% American dog breeds. We talk about the most important details, to bring you a proper background of each one and help you to see which dog you like the most.
Alaskan Malamute
A powerful and sturdy body that makes it an amazing sled dog and to haul heavy freight. Its soft, coarse, thick and short coat brings it the classical article/spitz look. It is the ideal combination between a big frame and an adorable cover.
The Alaskan Malamute is loyal, independent and smart. Furthermore, it is loving and friendly towards humans, especially children. Therefore, it is an excellent family dog.
You can buy a puppy of this breed for $2,500-$6,000+ USD, being the bloodline of the parents, their health profile, appearance standards and the reputation of the breeder the most important factors.
They are prone to developing the following health issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Haemophilia (A and B)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Hip dysplasia
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo features a well-balanced and compact body accompanied by a fluffy, full and long double coat, being white and biscuit the official colors according to the AKC.
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They are smart, friendly and protective. Therefore, they love attention from their owners and they need it by the lots. They are easy to train and they make exceptional guard dogs.
An Eskie puppy can cost between $1,500-$4,000+ USD. The price will vary depending on the pedigree, bloodline, breeder reputation and ideal temperament/appearance.
They are susceptible to the following health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Hypothyroidism
- Dermatosis
Therefore, it is important to make sure that the parents are free of these issues.
American Foxhound
It resembles the English Foxhound and features a large and compact body, large ears and a usually tri-color and short coat. It can combine different colors:
- White
- Blue
- Tan
- Red
- White & Cream
They are sweet, gentle, friendly, easygoing and affectionate. They are excellent with children, and therefore, they are an ideal family dog. However, they tend to be wary and shy with strangers and that is why they need early and constant socialization.
The price for an authentic American Foxhound puppy can range from $1,100 upwards beyond $4,000 USD. The more expensive puppies come from superior pedigrees and champion bloodlines.
They are a very healthy breed. Nonetheless, like other breeds, they have a tendency to develop certain health issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Thrombocytopathy
- Pelger-Huet Anomaly
American Staffordshire Terrier
This breed features a muscular, powerful and stocky body, accompanied by a wide head and full checks. The real representation of strength and power. Its coat is short and can be blue, fawn, black, brown, liver and red.
An American Staffordshire is good-natured, friendly, playful and smart. They make incredible adventurous companions as well as excellent family dogs because they are friendly and like to express affection.
A puppy will cost you between $1,200 and $2,000 USD. The most influential factors are the pedigree, bloodline of the parents, health profile and the reputation of the breeder.
They are prone to the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Heart disease
Black and Tan Coonhound
A classic American hunting dog, the mix between Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound and the Bloodhound. They are big, strong scent hounds whose large ears and coal-black coat are unique to the breed.
They are excellent working and hunting dogs thanks to their loyal, passionate, friendly and smart temperament. Nonetheless, due to their devotion to work, they are some of a headstrong. Overall, their personality is well balanced.
The price for a Black and Tan Coonhound puppy ranges from $300 to $400 USD. Nonetheless, it can be higher if it comes from a top bloodline.
They are susceptible to the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Ectropion
Boston Terrier
A lovely small dog with pointy ears, round head and a smooth and fine coat that can be black & white, brindle & white and seal & white. The Boston Terrier looks like it is wearing a tuxedo and that is why it receives the nickname of “The American Gentleman”.
Its temperament is gentle, even, affectionate, friendly and smart. Nonetheless, they are also known for being stubborn, which can make training a bit more challenging.
The price of a puppy ranges from $600 to $1,200 USD. It will be more expensive if it comes from a champion bloodline with show quality and free of health issues.
Boston terriers are vulnerable to these health issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Glaucoma
- Corneal Ulcers
- Hemivertebrae
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
A large gundog known as the toughest and most independent retriever. It is muscular and powerful, its head is broad and its double-coat – dense and wooly undercoat and harsh out coat – can be tan, brown, light brown, dark brown, dead grass and sedge.
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It is known for being tenacious, smart, tough and protective. Nonetheless, it is also less friendly towards strangers than other retrievers. However, it is very affectionate and friendly with its family.
A Chesapeake Bay retriever will cost you between $1,400-$6,000 USD. Top prices are for puppies with superior pedigree and champion bloodlines.
They are prone to the following health problems:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Gastric Torsion
- Hypothyroidism
Australian Shepherd
The “Aussie” is a tough American ranch dog with a sturdy body and a straight/slightly wave medium-length coat, which can be black tricolor, red tricolor, blue merle, and red merle.
They are smart, protective and have well-defined herding and guarding instincts since they were bred for helping ranchers. Therefore, they are an ideal working dog, and they can process training quickly.
The price for an Australian Shepherd puppy can range between $650 and $1,800 USD. It will increase depending on the pedigree, bloodline, and reputation of the breeder.
This breed is especially susceptible to these health issues:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
- Colobomas
Plott
The Plott Hound is the state dog of North Carolina. It is similar to other coonhounds but it stands out due to its short, smooth and fine coat, which can be black, black brindle, brown brindle, red brindle, tan brindle, and blue brindle.
It is fearless, protective, kind, bright and loyal. It is wary of strangers but very affectionate with its family. Although it is easygoing with other dogs, it needs early and constant socialization.
The price for a Plott puppy ranges from $300 to $500 USD. The more prestigious the bloodline, the more expensive it will be.
These coonhounds are vulnerable to these health problems:
- Gastric Torsion
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
American Cocker Spaniel
Distinguished by its wavy, short and thick coat, which can be black, light cream, brown or red (but also multi-color); the Cocker Spaniel is an icon of American dog breeds. Its long ears and compact built make it outstanding.
These dogs have a sweet, playful, alert and active temperament, which makes them ideal family and sporting dogs.
A Cocker Spaniel puppy will cost you between $600-$900 USD. The most influential factors are the bloodline, breeder reputation, color, and physical features.
Cocker Spaniels tend to experience the following health issues:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Original from Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, this breed resembles a leopard due to its coat, which can be found in different colors and patterns, which can be black, merle, brindle, yellow and red. It has a muscular and strong build.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is affectionate, loving, independent and determined. Therefore, it requires firm leadership to mold its character.
You are expected to pay between $600 to $850 USD for a puppy of this breed. The better the pedigree and the bloodline, the more expensive it will be.
These health issues are commonly seen in the Catahoula Leopard Dog:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Glaucoma
Nonetheless, they are a generally healthy breed.
Redbone Coonhound
Like all coonhounds, the Redbone Coonhound is muscular, lean and well proportioned. A strong and athletic body. Its coat is short and smooth, and it can be red or red & white.
This breed is affectionate, protective, gentle and easygoing. Nonetheless, they tend to be very vocal, which is a trait you can solve with early and firm training.
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The price for a Redbone Coonhound puppy can range from $500 to $800 USD. The more reputable the breeder, the better the pedigree and the more prestigious the bloodline, the higher the price will be.
These dogs have a tendency to develop the following health issues:
- Hypothyroidism
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Tooth Decay
- Ear Infections
Toy Fox Terrier
These dogs are small yet they have a muscular and strong frame. A short and glossy coat that is mostly white accompanies its athletic build, which can come in different combinations:
- White & Tan
- White & Chocolate
- White & Black
- Tri-Color
They are lively, clever, active and affectionate. Nonetheless, they also tend to be bossy, persistent and impulsive, which are traits you can control with proper training.
The price for a Toy Fox Terrier puppy of this breed will range from $800 to $1,200 USD. Bloodline, Pedigree, breeder reputation and ideal physical features will influence the price.
These toy dogs are susceptible to these health issues:
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Demodicosis
American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized gundog famous for its waved or curly brown coat, which can also be chocolate or liver. It was bred to work in icy waters.
They are smart, alert, obedient, loyal and friendly with humans – especially children – and other dogs. They are ideal family dogs and watchdogs. American Water Spaniel dogs process training quickly and socialize easily.
The price for a well-documented puppy will range from $1,200 to $1,500 USD. It will be more expensive if it has show quality and comes from a champion/top bloodline and a reputable breeder.
These dogs have a predisposition to developing the following health issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
Rat Terrier
An American ratting and hunting dog, known for its petite size and short coat that can be white, black & white, fawn & white, white & chocolate, blue & white or tri-color. Their complexion makes them expert digging escapists.
They are terriers by excellence because they are lively, funny, energetic, feisty and prone to chasing. However, they can also be bossy, which is a trait you can solve with training.
The price can range vastly from $800 to $4,000+ USD. It will be more expensive if it comes from a top bloodline and has a superior pedigree.
They are healthy dogs, but they have a tendency to develop these diseases:
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- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Chinook
It is the rarest of sled dogs and comes from the state of New Hampshire. It is muscular, strong and its coat ranges from reddish-gold to light-honey.
It is playful, affectionate, smart and playful. They are easy to train and make amazing family dogs since they are especially affectionate towards children. They are also versatile and adaptable.
The cost for a Chinook puppy ranges between $1,700 and $2,200 USD. The better the bloodline, the more health certificates/tests and the higher the reputation of the breeder, the more expensive it will be.
Chinooks are susceptible to these health issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Distichiasis
- Seizures
American Pit Bull Terrier
An iconic American Dog. The APBT is a medium-sized breed with a strong and muscular build and a short coat that can be:
- Black
- White
- Brindle
- Blue
- Tan
- Fawn
- Grey
- Red
- Brown
These dogs are playful, smart, protective, fearless and love to please people. Nonetheless, it has a strong prey drive and can be stubborn at times.
The average price for an authentic American Pitbull Terrier ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD. The better the physical features, pedigree, and bloodline, the higher the price.
American Pitbull Terriers tend to suffer these health issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Kneecap Dislocation
- Skin Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Problems
Boykin Spaniel
This American breed is famous for its elegant and beautiful brown coat. However, it can range from chocolate to liver. It is medium-sized and its body is ideal for hunting ducks and turkeys.
The Boykin Spaniel is tough, smart, full of energy, gentle, enthusiastic and affectionate. A great blend of personality traits that make it ideal for families and for hunting.
The price for an authentic and certificated puppy will cost you between $800 and $1,500 USD. The reputation of the breeder and the bloodline will influence the price.
They tend to develop these health issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Skin Allergies
Conclusion
Now you have in your hands a guide to all American dog breeds. As you can see, they have very distinguishable features and they were bred for different purposes, ranging from being sled dogs to hunting and ratting, or simply being ideal companion dogs.
Since you also have highlights of their temperament and health profile, now you can also have a clearer idea about the breed that will meet your needs the best.