Since the history of farming, many dogs have extended a paw to humans, and these dog breeds have adapted so well to country living environments. There are working dogs charged with herding livestock, haunting for possible pests, warding off hungry prey, protecting the farm, as a whole, and performing other farm-related tasks.
Can any dog be a farm dog?
Dog breeds have various classifications according to their characteristics and abilities, so not all dogs can be farm dogs although they may be trained to be one. If you are thinking of getting one for your farm to help with livestock herding and guarding, then go get one from the working farm dogs.
Working dogs are adept at tending your farm, be it filled with goats, sheep, chickens, or cattle. You can be assured that they will be protected from rodents.
Even though most breeds are no longer employed in the farms these days, these dogs do not lose their instincts to herd just like their ancestors. Working dog breeds have very strong work ethics and can thrive in every work they are assigned to do.
If your purpose of getting a dog is to oversee and guard your farm then you should get a guarding dog instead. There is a significant distinction between guarding dogs and herding breeds.
Guarding dogs see farm animals or livestock as part or members of the pack so their approach will be to protect them at all costs. Meanwhile, working dogs see this livestock as prey yet they work to guide them.
What is the best dog breed for a farm?
Here is a list of the best farm dog breeds for you to choose from. All these dog breeds are fit for life in the countryside.
1. Jack Russell Terrier
Also known as the Parson Russel Terrier, this herding dog was developed to hunt sneaky mice, foxes, and raccoons. Do not be fooled by the charm of this small dog because the Jack Russell Terrier can be as clever as large canines.
Developed in England, these dogs were made to hunt foxes. Farmers are happy to bring this breed to their farms to ward off pests and some possible prey. As these dogs have a strong prey drive, no one can easily locate their targets through their strong sense of smell.
Jack Russell Terriers are a pack of energy which means they will need many physical and mental exercises, more than the average walking. While their size may be ideal for apartment dwellings, their lifestyle says otherwise, as they will need much space to exercise.
If you plan of getting this for a pet, think before deciding because this breed can be too much to handle for first-timers. Despite their charm and intelligence, this very clever dog is difficult to train.
2. Border Collie
A combination of the dogs brought in by the Romans and Vikings when they invaded Britain, the Border Collie was purposely bred to be effective herding dogs. Their compact bodies covered in black, red, blue merle, or red merle coats are perfectly fit for herding: small yet fast and strong to traverse in the rough and rocky Scottish highlands.
As a herding breed, the Border Collie was tasked to herd sheep and control them. These dogs use their intense gaze to control the flock.
Being a working breed, Border Collies have a lot of energy to shed, making them suitable for homes with active owners. These workaholic dogs love working in ranches and farms, and they are still utilized effectively in these places up to this date.
These intelligent dogs are easy to train, but their curiosity can be a cause of destruction while training. They can also become escape artists which is still attributable to their curiosity.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
Another on the list of farm dog breeds is the Australian Cattle Dog. Bred by crossing Collies and Native Dingos plus other herding breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is also known by other names such as the “Queensland Heeler” or “Red Heeler”.
Australians bred these dogs to serve in large ranches. Do you know these dogs have played a significant role in the expansion of the Australian beef industry?
Australian Cattle Dogs are smart and sturdy dogs that excel at chasing, hunting, and moving livestock. Having lots of energy and strength, they will be needing much space for them to exercise.
4. German Shepherd
Classified as a working dog breed, the German Shepherd, is one great choice if you are looking for a good farm dog. Aside from being excellent herding dogs, they are also protective of their owners.
Their strong sense of smell can help them to locate with ease hiding rodents, and with their mighty jaws, they can effortlessly kill these smaller animals.
Training is much easier as these dogs love to pick up new commands and execute them independently. Their intelligence is definitely a plus.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Whenever you hear the word Corgi, you sure would remember those famous pets of Queen Elizabeth II. These cute pups were brought by the Vikings to Wales sometime in 1100 AD.
Even if they are small dogs, that does not stop them from being productive and useful working farm dogs. On the farm, they help farmers herd cattle and aid them in pest control, as they are known to be fast vermin hunters.
As a herding dog, the Corgi is one active dog that needs daily doses of exercise. With its popularity, many have embraced the Corgi as a good family dog.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
Native to Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd was bred to guard livestock and become a shepherd’s excellent companion dog. They were specially created to camouflage livestock, so predators and other wild animals find it hard to notice them from among the group. That way, protecting livestock will be easier for them.
As said, this large, intelligent, and loyal dog is meant to protect but is not as good as a herding dog. It also follows that this breed is territorial, so it is very important to train these dogs to know the real threats.
Fencing your yard is recommended if you have this breed as they can expand their protected territories even beyond the boundaries.
7. Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog’s origin can be traced back to ancient Rome and is believed to have descended from the Tibetan Mastiffs. These dogs were originally bred to protect the flock of goats, sheep, llamas, penguins, and geese.
Their duty as guard dogs is to keep these animals safe from wolves and fight against these predators with all their might, earning them the nickname “wolf slayers”. Not only are they good guard dogs for animals but also humans.
Intelligent and independent, these dogs are full of determination and energy to meet any degree of challenge they meet along the way. Because they were trained to protect, these dogs are also inherently territorial.
Being devoted to their jobs, they fit well in farm life, where they can be of use more to protect livestock. Just give the Maremma Sheepdog enough space for himself, as they prefer to be just by themselves rather than keeping you company.
8. Scotch Collie
While primarily bred as a herding dog, the Scotch Collie has been utilized by many as a hunting dog. Originating from Scotland, this breed is also called the Rough and Smooth Collie.
Because of their loud bark, they make excellent watchdogs. Alongside this dog’s duty as a traditional herder, he can also be trained to pull carts and fetch items.
Whenever these Scotch Collies exhibit excessive barking, the remedy is consistent training to curb that behavior. Apart from barking, you need to deal with chewing and digging behaviors too, which may be remedied by the same degree of consistency in training.
9. Rottweiler
Another addition to your list of the best farm dog breeds is the Rottweiler, which descended from the Mastiff type of dog called the Molossus. Originally developed to drive cattle to market, these dogs were later utilized to pull carts for butchers.
Apart from farm work like herding, Rottweilers are also great at pest control, killing rats and possums. Their loud bark can also intimidate possible intruders.
If you talk about bravery and loyalty, Rottweilers are oozing with it, which is why aside from being good farm dogs, they have been known to be the earliest canines to serve both the military and police forces as police dogs.
At home, this breed has proved itself as a great family dog, guarding its families and friends. However, first-time owners should be aware that these dogs are immensely strong and sturdy. They need to be properly trained to behave well.
10. Australian Shepherd
If you think this dog breed originated in Australia, you are wrong. The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, hails from the United States in 1940, during the Gold Rush.
Bred as herding dogs, the Aussies, as they call them, can direct a flock of sheep with their gaze, bark, or nip. These no-nonsense dogs are a big help in tending farm animals because they love to work.
Up to this day, these hardworking Aussies remain to be loyal companions and are protective of their families. While they get along well with kids, on one hand, they can be aloof with strangers on the other.
An equally active breed like the rest of the farm dog breeds, they also share the same amount of exercise requirement, or else, they will get bored and become destructive. Aussies are no couch potatoes, so you need to keep them busy.
11. Great Pyrenees
Originating from the Pyrenees Mountains, the mountainous region, which separates Spain and France, the Great Pyrenees used to be a farm dog but later on, its status was elevated to that of a royal dog after they were declared such in 1675. Following that declaration, these dogs were used as estate guards.
It is obvious how this dog got its name. It is called “great” because it is huge. Developed as a guard for livestock, the Great Pyrenees dogs are naturally protective.
But unlike other guard dogs, the Great Pyrenees are well-mannered, gentle, and affectionate towards their families, making them excellent family dogs. In Europe, including the United Kingdom, they go by the name Pyrenean Mountain Dog.
When training these dogs, bear in mind that harsh punishment is of no use, so better reward them instead for good behavior. Training may be hard even if the Great Pyrenees are intelligent because these dogs have a stubborn streak.
12. Standard Schnauzer
Originating from Germany, the Standard Schnauzer guarded livestock and farm families, utilized as herding dogs and pest control agents, and protected farmers as they traversed toward the market. All these tasks the Standard Schnauzer does earn this breed the title of an “all-purpose dog”.
After a long day’s work, the Standard Schnauzer would gladly curl up next to you on the couch and just be a lovely pet. That makes this dog very versatile — a hardworking dog by day, then a sweet and affectionate pet at night.
Like most guard and herding dogs, they can be territorial. They are intelligent and inquisitive with lots of energy and are somewhat stubborn at times, so you need to provide these dogs with the right amount of exercise and training to correct their behavior.
13. Airedale Terrier
The largest among the terrier dog breeds, the Airedale Terrier is hailed as the “King of Terriers”. They are a result of breeding dogs such as the Otterhound and the Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier.
Bred also to be an “all-around farm dog”, this breed is not just excellent in hunting and sports but also in farms. Because of their natural prey drive, they can easily catch vermin.
The Airedale Terriers were good at driving livestock and protecting their land. Given that they are high-energy dogs, plus their size, they do not fit in apartments as they will be near a large, fenced yard to exercise.
14. Dachshund
Another farm dog of German descent is the Dachshund, also known as the “badger dog”. This dog’s paddle-shaped large paws aid in effectively digging badgers.
These scent hounds do not only target badgers but also rabbits, mice, foxes, and tunneling animals. For that reason, farmers preferred these dogs to hunt for vermin.
Aside from that, they can also be trained to become efficient watchdogs. To date, Dachshunds have excelled in various fields like small-game hunting and show rings, and have become one of the great family dog breeds ever raised.
15. Dutch Shepherd
Also called the Dutch Herder, the Dutch Shepherd has been utilized in the Dutch countryside to perform basically all kinds of farm tasks. Aside from herding dogs, they also pulled carts, worked as watchdogs, and ensured that chickens were kept away from the gardens. Thus, these dogs have earned praise for their versatility.
Dutch Shepherds also make excellent companion dogs and are affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. These dogs strikingly resemble their cousins (Belgian Shepherds and German Shepherds), but they are highly trainable compared to these two.
16. Bernese Mountain Dog
Coming from the canton of Bern in Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog is another working dog known for its versatility. These working dogs were not merely used in herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding the farm but also as loyal companions to their beloved owners, making them one of the best farm dogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog can easily be distinguished from the other three Swiss Mountain Dogs with their long hair. Despite being a sturdy and large breed, these dogs are calm, easy-going, and friendly.
17. Miniature Pinscher
Still originating from Germany, the Miniature Pinscher, more fondly called the “Min Pin”, was primarily bred to hunt rats in stables and homes. They were believed to be directly related to Dobermans except for their size, but they are actually not because Min Pins are a distinct and independent breed.
On the farm and at home, they can be excellent ratters and watchdogs. Should they notice something off, they will surely sound the alarm.
18. Old English Sheepdog
Among the farm dog breeds, the Old English Sheepdog has the most uncertain data regarding its origin. Known to be large athletic canines, they are known to compete in agility, obedience, herding, and confrontation trials.
These shaggy-coated dogs have been known to be farm dogs who helped drive sheep and cattle to the market. To date, these loyal dogs have lived in homes providing human companionship.
Their thick corded coat is suitable for colder climates and protects them from harsh environments. Entrust your livestock with them, and they will seriously do their job without being supervised.
Because they are not much in numbers, these dogs need to be given proper care as they can be prone to certain health problems.
What dog breeds are not good as farm dogs?
While you have been searching for the best farm dogs for you, there are some precautions also in choosing. Avoid dogs bred mainly as companions. What you should look for are working breeds.
Companion dogs as the classification describe them, are not the athletic and robust type. These dogs are meant to stay with you and serve as lap dogs at home. Among these breeds that may not fit as farm dogs are the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese.
Summary
Life in the countryside is not always laid back and relaxing. Sometimes, you also get the hustle and bustle to a different degree from that in the metropolis.
There is always one animal that you can count on whenever you plan to engage in farming, and that is the farm dog. This dog can give you a helping hand and lots of loyalty.
The best herding dogs can only be themselves should they be allowed to stay on the farm and do their job. Having more energy than others, these dogs need to be given lots of mental and physical stimulation. If they are not on the farm then be sure to provide the necessary exercise requirement before they get to exhibit behavioral problems.
Related topic: 15 friendliest dog breeds fit for any household
*photo by PetrBonek – depositphotos
