Dogs have been popular companions across Europe for thousands of years. This has led to countless breeds emerging in this part of the world, but we’re going to be focusing on Germany for today. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds that come from Germany, along with their original purpose.
German Shepherds
Originally bred as working dogs, German Shepherds have long been a popular choice for active households. With the right training and socialisation, dogs like this can be very protective, making them great at protecting both flocks of sheep and your family.
Rottweilers
Like German Shepherds, Rottweilers were originally bred as working dogs. They would protect livestock and property but were also used to pull carts of meat to markets for their owners. These dogs have a bad reputation nowadays, but they can make great family pets with the right training.
Dachshunds
While more of a fashion item than a working dog nowadays, Dachshunds have a similar heritage to their larger counterparts. Bred to follow scents and flush burrow-dwelling animals out of their homes, these small dogs were very popular with hunters of the past.
Dobermanns
Dobermanns are a newer breed than the others on this list. Having originally been bred in the 1800s by a debt collector, these dogs are ideal guard animals. They are also commonly used by police forces and militaries around the world but can make good family dogs when they have the right training.
There are loads of other German dog breeds out there, and this barely scratches the surface of the dogs you can find from this part of the world. This is a great place to start when you’re interested in European dog breeds.
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