1. Australian Cattle Dog — This breed of herding dog looks like something straight from the Outback. They have a white fur coat dotted with brown or black hair giving the impression their fur is solid colors. These dogs look like the hardy working dogs they are. Bred to herd cattle they are smart and agile. They form strong bonds with their owners and are protective as you would expect from a herding dog. Truly these dogs are Australia in canine form.

2. French Poodle — Poodles have a curly coat of fur which can be sculpted to make all sorts of designs. There is some debate over whether Poodles originally came from France or Germany, but I think they look distinctively French with their flair for style and fashionable appearance. They come in all kinds of colors. The miniature versions were bred to be circus attractions since the breed is smart and able to learn tricks as well as look good. Poodles are the height of fashion and definitely French.

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3. Chinese Chow Chow — Chow Chows are sturdy square dogs built for endurance and strength. They have a thick double coat of fur making them appear to have a mane. They have been used as sled dogs and war dogs in China’s history. Unlike most breeds of dog the Chow Chow is an ancient breed and like China dates back 2,000 or 3,000 years. This long heritage definitely links them to their ancient home in China.

4. United States Redbone Coonhound — Is there any breed more American than a hound dog? A coon hound no less. This dog oozes the American South. This is a breed of hunting dog suitable to take down large dangerous game or raccoons as the name suggests. They are lean and muscular with a red fur coat. Bred to track prey and corner them for their owners, they are pure hunting dogs. No image of the deep south is complete without a coonhound on the porch.

5. Indian Kanni — These sleek elegant dogs look like they belong on the race track but are actually rabbit hunting dogs. The name Kanni refers to the black and tan color of their fur. Other dogs of the similar breed but different colors are called Chippiparai. They are fiercely loyal and protective and are given to new brides as presents for this very quality. They have great speed and endurance and are intelligent, learning hand signals to communicate with their owner while hunting. These dogs look like India. Sleek and regal.

6. Mexican Xoloitzcuintle — These dogs come with and without hair. Pups from the same litter can have either. But the hairless variety is dominant. They have large ears that look like they belong on a bat. They are extremely intelligent and active. They are highly social and do not do well in isolation. They are designed for warmer climates and have a hard time in cold areas. So they do very well in Mexico’s warm weather. This breed is old and dates back to the Aztecs. It represents Mexico’s climate and history very well and looks like Mexico.

7. United Kingdom Fox Terrier — The United Kingdom is a Terrier dog country so it’s hard to choose a breed of terrier to represent the whole country. I settled on the Fox Terrier. Depending on how they are groomed they can have all short hair and look more English, let to have a short shaggy fur coat reminding me of Wales and Northern Ireland, or be trimmed and left with a beard giving them a Scottish flavor. Images of the fox hunt with fancy riding clothes, horses, and fox terriers running in front come to mind. These dogs are as British as Britain.

8. German Shepherd — Germany is a dog country. The number of breeds originating from Germany is huge. But the German Shepherd has to be the most iconic German dog. Originally a herding dog German Shepards have become one of the most beloved species globally. Their personality and utility to any dog-related task have seen them deployed as military dogs to hospitality and disability assistance dogs. You can tell they are one of my favorites. They are easily trained, very intelligent, and protective of their group. Their ability to perform any dog task assigned to them is I think very German. They are truly a representation of Germany.

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9. Swiss St. Bernard — This is the iconic snow rescue dog. Originally bred as rescue dogs for the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Alps these large friendly dogs have endeared themselves to people everywhere. There are numerous depictions of these dogs carrying small barrels of brandy around their necks for rescued people. This is a myth but their status as rescue dogs is well known. They are very friendly, highly social, and extremely calm dogs. They will bark at strangers but aren’t really guard dogs. Their attachment to the Alps is clear and as such, they are certainly Swiss.

10. Hungarian Sheepdog (Komondor) — Hungary is known for its Roma people. These people traveled in wagons and were nomads. They brought the Komondor Sheepdogs with them when they fled the Mongols and settled in Hungary in the 12th century. These dogs have long curly white hair and were used as guard dogs to protect herd animals from predators. Their natural temperament is calm and friendly but they will fiercely protect their family if they feel it is threatened. They are great dogs if trained at an early age but can be dangerous if they are not as their natural protective instincts will kick in. Their adorable appearance can disarm the unwary. I think they look like Hungary.

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