German Shorthaired Pointers are medium to large-sized hunting dogs that originate from 19th century Germany. They have long, strong legs and a long muzzle, making them appear like a Roman emperor. These breeds are excellent for literally “pointing” at various animals, which makes them a favorite pick for European hunters. These dogs are also suitable for families, as they have an intelligent and eccentric temperament that allows them to communicate well with their various members. These dogs are high maintenance though! So remember to take them out for a run at least three times a day.
German Shorthaired Pointers are the best watchdogs you can find, but they do require a lot of care and attention, which means they aren’t necessarily the best fit for everyone. Also, pointers have a very strong hunting instinct, so it would be best if you keep them away from cats and other small mammals. Don’t let their serious look fool you, these are mischievous little creatures and will definitely cause trouble if you let them get bored for too long!
Alaskan Malamute
Say hello to the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian and Alaskan Huskies' brother. He’s related to the two on many levels, although the Alaskan Malamute is the most different of the three. They are huge, fluffy, and cuddly animals, often reaching a weight of almost 100 pounds. They have a beautiful coat of fur that's soft to touch and incredible to look at. In terms of temperament, Alaskan Malamutes are much more loving and home-based creatures than either of their brothers.
These canines also have a rich history of living in tough environments, which makes them highly intelligent and resilient. Malamutes absolutely love people and prefer to stay with them as much as possible. One additional bonus is that they are also very quiet and rarely bark, which also means that they aren't the best guard dogs. If you have a loving and comfortable home with children who want a large and adorable pet, the Alaskan Malamute is the perfect dog breed for you.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermanns, also known as Doberman Pinschers in the US and Canada, are medium-large dogs that were originally developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector who was looking for a way to make his life a lot easier. Dobermans are some of the most trusty and terrifying guard dogs, often keeping people with bad intentions away just by the mere sight of them. Two of these dogs can easily take out a grown man, which is why they are considered extremely dangerous in aggressive situations and not to be messed with.
Underneath their heavy bodies, which weigh up to 100 pounds, these dogs have a very good heart and are very loving and devoted to their owners if trained properly. They are very stubborn and tend to have a very assertive personality, but a seasoned dog owner can dominate a Dobermann if he knows what he's doing. Dobermanns are actually considered the 5th most intelligent dog breed according to psychologist Stanley Coren.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was specifically developed in the Chesapeake Bay, which resides in the United States between Maryland and Virginia. These dogs were used specifically for hunting, and are excellent fish hunters, bird hunters, and are even able to rescue people out of water when needed. They are well suited for lake and forest environments and love nothing more than to help their owners hunt a good salmon or bird.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers weigh between 66 to 100 pounds, depending on gender and size, and live between 10 to 13 years. Their coat is extremely well suited for cold water and icy conditions and helps the Retriever stay warm even after being submerged in water. They are bright, intelligent, and quiet dogs that love to live with families. They will never let you down as hunters, and will quickly become a great part of the family.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs often have a beautiful leather coat around their neck, similar to that of a lion, but much smoother. They originate from Scotland and were developed in the early 20th century to act as talented herding dogs in tough conditions. The Shetland Sheepdog is mostly raised nowadays as a farm dog or a family pet, and it behaves extremely well in both cases. This little fella weighs anywhere from 11 to 24 pounds, making him a relatively lightweight dog.
It's important to note that he sheds a lot of hair (more than most other dogs) and does not regrow their hair if they are shaved. They are highly intelligent and stand just behind the Dobermann in Dr. Stanley Coren's dog intelligence scale, which means that your average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than five repetitions and would obey it on the first try almost 100% of the time.