If you live on a farm, you know it's more than a peaceful picturesque slice of life in the countryside. It takes a lot of work to keep a farm going and you usually need all the help you can get, before many of our cherished dog treats became our family members living at home they were hard-working farm dogs doing their part to keep it all going.
From guarding livestock to hurting other farm animals dogs played an integral role helping farmers maintain order and protecting livestock from predators. But not all dog breeds were meant for the rigors of rural life, there are some dogs who were just born to be in the outdoors and run free. Here are the Top 10 Best Farm Dog Breeds that enjoy the working life.
Standard Schnauzer Dog :
While the Standard Schnauzer may not be the first type of breed that comes to mind when you think of farm dogs. They are actually pretty useful to add around these tough decent-sized pooches help German farmers by guarding livestock in keeping rodents away. They are also very loving and protective of their humans and will stay by your side as you work away on the farm (1).
Bernese Mountain Dog :
Recognizable by their long silky coat Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong intelligent and agile. These traits proved essential in performing the drafting and droving work or pulling a card and moving livestock in the cold mountainous regions in which they originate. They are also known for their skills and obedience agility and herding competitions and make excellent farm dog (2).
Black Russian Terrier Dog :
These majestic black beauties are highly intelligent confident gardeners who aren't actually true Terriers. Relatively new and still a rare dog breed Black Russian Terriers are working dogs who can protect a home or a whole farm play with the families children and excel in agility and obedience competition. Known as the black pearls of Russia Black Keys are people oriented and want to be close to the action at all times (3).
Belgian Malinois Dog :
Not too far off the top of the chart is the Belgian Malinois who love to be put to work. They have a never-ending Drive in confidence that shows in their sweet face popular for search and rescue this medium to large stature dog can handle the workload during the day and help as a family companion when off-duty (4).
Dalmatian Dog :
When a Dalmatian comes to mind we most often think of them riding shotgun on a fire truck in the city. But these energetic pooches can also enjoy the freedom of the countryside in fact these dogs used to run alongside horses and carriages and will protect them from stray dogs and other animals, this makes them perfect as a companion in the countryside (5).
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Komondor Dog :
These big pups look like they have a mop on top of them as they have a long corded coat. But it's that very same coat that helped to protect them from any conditions of weather they might face. Komondor can also blend in with the Sheep they were trained to defend from predators and stress these giant dogs are great protectors of livestock in general as well as their owners (6).
Great Pyrenees Dog :
Dogs of this large breed are gentle giants who are very protective of their humans. This makes them great family pets at home but because these big pups are protective they are great farm dogs as well as they are able to safeguard livestock as intelligent. As they are the Great Pyrenees can also be very stubborn but it's all worth it as they are very trustworthy and will also be there to defend you (7).
Australian Shepherd Dog :
You might think giving their name but these shaggy pups come from Australia but these dogs originally came from the western United States. Some believe Australian Shepherds are descendants from breeds in the Basque countries in Spain and they got their name because they used to herd sheep imported from Australia. Whatever the case these dogs love spending their time outside and are very helpful on the farm (8).
German Shepherd Dog :
A guard dog known for its agility and prowess there's a reason they work with police and armed forces around the globe. This breed is also great for watching over your chickens the German Shepherd is an immensely versatile dog displaying a keen intelligence while dutifully performing its task. This dog's original occupation was to watch over sheep in Germany and his name and he's a popular choice of farm dog through Europe (9).
Border Collie Dog :
Originally from the borders of Scotland these very smart pups were born to herd sheep. They are one of the hardest working dogs who love to please their pet parents Border Collies have endless energy and a strong work ethic. Which might make them the ultimate farm dog there are students and intuition make them easy to train in their gentle and loving nature make them excellent companions at home as well (10).
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