7 Best Dog Breeds for Farms

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Dogs have lived alongside humans since their early domestication. We have used them for different tasks and jobs, and one of the things dogs excel at is farm work. There are over 400 internationally recognized dog breeds. Some are carefully developed to become the best possible dogs to have on a farm. Dogs can protect the farm and its residents, herd livestock, or exterminate rodents. Here are the best 7 dog breeds for farms.

1. Border Collie

If you need a herding dog, there is no better breed than the amazingly intelligent Border Collie. These smart dogs were carefully bred for herding, and they are the best at that job. Borders are considered the smartest dog breed in the world, and if you are looking for a versatile farm dog, look no further than the Border Collie.

Borders can perform different tasks. They are the only breed intelligent enough to herd geese. If you have a couple of minutes, look for online videos of Borders herding geese. It is a fantastic thing to see, and it is pretty clear why these dogs might be the right choice for you.

2. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is one of the largest Terrier breeds. If you are looking for a protector and vermin controller, the charming Airedale might be right for you and your farm. These dogs have a natural prey drive, and they will instinctively hunt rodents. You will love this versatile farm dog, and they will develop a powerful bond with you.

Terriers are generally a bit stubborn, and you might have to invest a bit more time to train them. They are highly energetic, and they can withstand a whole day of hard work without a problem. With a little bit of training, Airedales can learn to drive livestock.

3. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is known for its luscious coat and intelligence. They make wonderful and active family pets, but they are still fantastic workers. Even today, Australian Shepherds are one of the first choices for farm work, especially herding. These dogs are related to the Border Collies, so you shouldn’t be surprised they are incredibly good at farm work.

If you want to get an Australian Shepherd, talk to a few breeders specializing in breeding working Aussie Shepherd lines. The working Aussie has a determined and obedient character. They are ridiculously energetic, and they need all sorts of jobs and activities to be happy.

4. Australian Cattle Dog

If you need a dog that has to drive livestock over long distances, there is probably a no better choice than the Australian Cattle Dog. These dogs are protective and determined, making them ideal for large farms with plenty of cattle that need driving.

Australian Cattle Dogs drive cattle by nipping and biting at their feet. This type of behavior can be translated to the human family, and it has to be controlled not to escalate. These dogs are protective. That might be a good characteristic in a farm dog, but their protectiveness can get out of hand. Make sure your dog is socialized well from the start.

5. Kangal

If you are looking for a dog that will protect livestock from predators like cheetahs, wolves, bears, coyotes, or jackals, the mighty Kangal is the obvious answer. This ancient dog breed protected livestock for thousands of years. These dogs are generally pretty lazy, but they are active when they need to be. They have the strongest bite in the whole canine kingdom.

Kangals are large and powerful, and they have an unparalleled protective instinct. They are not afraid to go against the most dangerous predators in the wild. If you need farm protectors, these dogs will do more than just a good job. Plus, they will try to knock a predator out before they start biting them. It is a protection technique no other dog breed uses.

6. Belgian Shepherd

Belgian Shepherds are police and military dogs. It would be impossible to do those jobs if they weren’t capable of following complex orders or weren’t intelligent. Luckily, these dogs are all that, and they make fantastic farm dogs. Belgian Shepherds make amazing herding dogs, but they are great farm and livestock protectors as well.

Belgian Shepherds have four varieties of the breed. According to the FCI, Malinois, Groenendael, Laekenois, and Tervuren are a part of the same breed. Whatever the classification might be, these dogs share the same characteristics and make wonderful working dogs.

7. Jack Russell Terrier

If you already have a herding dog on your farm and you need a dog that will act as vermin control, the charming Jack Russell Terrier might be a great choice. These small dogs show that farming dogs don’t have to be large to be successful at their jobs. Jack Russells have a natural hunting instinct, so you can be sure no rodents will get by them.

If you love animals and have other pets at home, Jack Russell might not be the best choice. You might see your bunny as a pet, but your Jack Russell will see it as potential prey. It is crucial your dog is properly socialized from the very beginning. They need to understand who is a part of the family and who is not.

World Dog Finder team