The only spotted dog breed on the list, dalmatians have a long history of working with horses and are often associated with firemen. The reason why these heroic pups are firehouse mascots is that they would run ahead of fire engines and horses,
Small and feisty, the Norwich terrier was originally bred to deal with rats. However, their energy and intelligence earned them tougher jobs—like forcing foxes out of their dens during hunts. These days, Norwich terriers are still happiest when they're given a task to complete, like entering a flyball or earthdog competition that puts their energy to use.
Clumber spaniels are hunting dogs at heart, a skill that is sharpened by their ability to stealthily track prey for hunters. These pups are also known for their superb swimming skills.
The national dog of Malta is the pharaoh hound. They're renowned for their rabbit-hunting abilities and tend to be happiest when they're given a chance to use their keen senses of sight, smell, and sound for something productive.
If you have an English setter, then you likely know these working dogs are excellent at finding prey, especially birds. They earned the named "setter" due to the way they sit and mark their quarry, but they're also easily trained to scare birds into flight on hunts.
Often mistakenly thought of as a miniature Doberman pinscher, "min pins" are very much their own breed. These diminutive dogs are so full of energy, they're often called the "king of toys" due to their stately appearance. If you're a miniature pinscher owner,
Silky terriers are often employed as show dogs, and not just because of their graceful looks. This breed is known for being eager to learn; as a result, they've been known to start picking up commands when they're just 8 weeks old.
Originally bred as working dogs, affenpinschers found favor among affluent, 18th-century women looking for companion dogs. The dogs would accompany the women wherever they went, going on long carriage rides and enduring moves with no fuss.
It's believed that the Norwegian elkhounds once worked alongside Vikings during big game hunts. Thousands of years later, they remain true working animals. The Norwegian elkhound's tracking skills are so superior they're often found on search-and-rescue teams,