PicoPets

Working Breeds

Strong, Intelligent, and Ready for Any Task

Working Breeds are known for their strength, intelligence, and dedication to various jobs, from guarding and pulling sleds to search and rescue. These breeds, which include the Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Boxer, and Siberian Husky, have been bred to perform tasks that require both physical and mental endurance. Working breeds are loyal, protective, and capable of learning complex tasks, making them ideal companions for experienced dog owners who can provide the leadership and stimulation these dogs need. Their size, strength, and energy levels mean they thrive in active households or environments where they have a job to do.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Working breeds are highly energetic and require significant physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. These dogs thrive in environments where they have a purpose, such as guarding, herding, or pulling. Regular exercise is essential to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Long walks, running, agility training, or even weight-pulling activities can help satisfy their energy levels. Mental stimulation through obedience training, puzzle toys, and structured play is also important to engage their intelligent minds.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Tug toys for strength-building and interactive play
  • Agility courses to challenge their physical abilities and coordination
  • Fetch toys, particularly durable ones, to burn off energy
  • Puzzle toys that engage their intelligence and problem-solving skills
  • Puzzle toys to stimulate their sharp minds
  • Scent-tracking games to activate their natural working instincts
  • Long walks, hikes, or weight-pulling activities for endurance and fitness

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Working breeds are typically loyal, protective, and bond closely with their families. They are often naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs, but early socialization is essential to prevent overprotective or aggressive behaviors. When properly socialized, working breeds are confident, well-behaved companions who interact well with both people and other animals.


They are often great with children and enjoy being part of family activities. However, because of their size and strength, supervision is important when interacting with smaller children or pets.

Loyal + Protective

Confident + Social

Great with Children

Breed-Type General Temperament

Working breeds are intelligent and driven, needing firm, consistent leadership. Without proper training or stimulation, they may become bored and destructive, barking or chewing excessively. Positive reinforcement with clear boundaries helps them stay focused. These breeds thrive on tasks and challenges, and can become anxious if left alone or inactive for long periods.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Destructive behaviors when bored
  • Excessive barking or vocalization
  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Clinginess or anxiety when left alone

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

PicoPets

Common Breed Health Goals

Working breeds are generally healthy but can be prone to certain health issues, particularly related to their size and high activity levels. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in larger breeds, as is arthritis as they age. Heart conditions can also be a concern, particularly in breeds like Dobermans and Boxers. Weight management is crucial to avoid putting excessive strain on their joints. Regular grooming, especially for thick-coated breeds like the Siberian Husky, helps maintain skin and coat health.

PicoPets

Suggested Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor joint and heart health, particularly for large working breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent joint issues. Joint supplements can also be beneficial to support mobility, especially as working breeds age. Additionally, working breeds benefit from consistent dental care, including brushing and dental chews, to prevent gum disease and oral health issues. Regular grooming and coat maintenance are essential, particularly for breeds that work in extreme climates.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

4: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

High hydration needs, particularly for active or working dogs in hot environments.

High hydration needs, particularly for active or working dogs in hot environments.

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune function, but regular immune support helps maintain overall health.

Average immune function, but regular immune support helps maintain overall health.

4: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Prone to joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, requiring regular joint support and monitoring.

Prone to joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, requiring regular joint support and monitoring.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Good digestive health, but a nutrient-dense diet is necessary to support their energy levels.

Good digestive health, but a nutrient-dense diet is necessary to support their energy levels.

5: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy demands due to their working nature, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet.

High energy demands due to their working nature, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet.

4: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Highly intelligent, requiring regular mental stimulation through training and problem-solving tasks.

Highly intelligent, requiring regular mental stimulation through training and problem-solving tasks.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but breeds like Boxers may be prone to respiratory issues that require monitoring.

Generally healthy, but breeds like Boxers may be prone to respiratory issues that require monitoring.

3: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Average skin health, but breeds with thick coats may require extra grooming to prevent skin problems.

Average skin health, but breeds with thick coats may require extra grooming to prevent skin problems.

4: Heart Health + Circulation

Regular cardiovascular support is important for working breeds, especially those prone to heart conditions.

Regular cardiovascular support is important for working breeds, especially those prone to heart conditions.

3: Infection + Resistance

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps keep them healthy during periods of intense activity.

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps keep them healthy during periods of intense activity.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Working breeds often live long, healthy lives with proper care, benefiting from joint and heart support as they age.

Working breeds often live long, healthy lives with proper care, benefiting from joint and heart support as they age.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their high energy needs and prevent common health issues, Working Breeds can benefit from targeted supplements that promote joint, heart, and overall health:

  • PicoMyte: Supports joint health and mobility, crucial for preventing or alleviating hip and elbow dysplasia in large and active working breeds.
  • ReMag®: Promotes muscle function and recovery, helping working breeds stay flexible and strong after intense physical activity.
  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and helps reduce inflammation, ensuring that working breeds remain resilient and healthy, especially after strenuous tasks.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides antioxidant support for long-term cellular health, promoting longevity and vitality in high-performance working dogs.