Some dogs are built for
long days spent working in the field hiking or running around a spacious
backyard. If you're a country mouse who's looking for the right pup to fit your
lifestyle, consider one of these "Top 10 Dog Breeds Deemed Perfect for Country Living".
A versatile hunter known for its scenting power and intelligence. The German Shorthaired Pointer is enthusiastic about work and makes a loyal family watchdog. They’re proficient with trailing, retrieving and pointing a variety of game
including quail, raccoons, possum, waterfowl and deer. A natural athlete the German Shorthaired Pointer will need plenty of exercise while their short coat
requires minimal grooming (1).
A
lovable house pet and competitor in many sports including herding and obedience. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi thrives in the country because of their skills as a
cattle driver and all-purpose farm dog. The breed is bold, friendly and
responds well to training but due to its instincts may try to hurt you (2).
Known as
the workaholic of the dog world. The Border Collie is the world's premier sheep
herder with extraordinary instinct and working ability. Due to their herding
tendencies Border Collies do best with older well-behaved children and our
loyal family dogs, but may be reserved with strangers. The breed is very
intelligent and its energy requires exercise beyond just to walk around the
block. They thrive when they have a job to do and space to run (3).
The Bluetick
Coonhound is known for its skill in trailing and treeing raccoons and other
small game in forest and surrounding countryside. They can stay on the most
intricate tracks making them prized companions for active sporting families
sturdy and athletic. Bluetick Coonhound do best with the job which can include
hunting, obedience, or agility training. Their short coats require minimal
grooming and brushing (4).
A
breed that also lives for its job Australian Shepherds are known for herding
livestock and working as an all-purpose farm and ranch dog. Due to their
energetic nature Australian Shepherds need a lot of daily activity and will fit
best in a home with lots of space to run or play daily while. They can be
reserved with strangers they are friendly with people and always want to be
near their families (5).
Australian Cattle dogs are ready to work all day and love wide open spaces in which to do
so. They’re high energy, intelligent dogs that excel in herding, obedience or
agility training. Their strength and courageousness allow them to easily
control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. They bond closely to
their family members, however they may be wary of strangers and will need an
owner with a firm hand in training. Who can establish themselves as the pack
leader (6).
A
true fox hunter the Parson Russell Terrier can also be found working in stables
across the country. They alert, confident, and possess a great deal of strength
and endurance. Friendly and affectionate in the home parts and Parson Russell Terriers do best with more mature children. As they do not tolerate rough
handling from toddlers. Their coat can be wire haired or smooth and is white,
white with black, or tan markings or tri-color (7).
A powerful dog
first bred for their herding and guarding instincts by breeders in Germany. Rottweilers
make suitable police dogs, herders, service dogs, obedience competitors, and
devoted family companions. They require plenty of exercise but minimal grooming
upkeep, while they love their families. Rottweilers are protective of their
territory and will not welcome strangers until they're introduced. They require
a strong hand in training and lots of early socialization (8).
Dalmatians have
worn a variety of hats throughout their history. Including war dog, draft dog,
shepherd, firehouse mascot, bird dog, trail hound and retriever. The breed was
also the original coaching dog responsible for running alongside horse-drawn
carriages and protecting them from thieves. Active, energetic, and
people-oriented Dalmatians are perfect for a life in the country with a family.
Their short coats require regular brushing to help minimize year-round shedding (9).
No
list of country dogs would be complete without one of America’s most beloved
breeds. The Labrador Retriever bred primarily to perform as a game retriever
labs are a favorite of people that participate in field trials and hut tests. Their
calm temperament is also suitable for many different activities beyond hunting
making them excellent family dogs. They thrive as part of an active family and
require regular exercise as well as regular grooming (10).