Whether looking for a working dog or just a dog that will enjoy life on the farm, a breed of breeding or bred breeding mix is probably your best option. In research or a non-breeding breed, there are several dog breeds that are doing well on the farm.
Do not feel like you have to get a purebred dog. Many breed mixtures make excellent farm dogs and are available in shelters, rescues or in local newspapers.
What are the best types of farm dog breeds?
Border Collie
A border collie is a medium sized herd dog, weighing between 27 and 45 pounds. Border Collies are high energy dogs and among the easiest dogs to train. With a double layer, the border collie is naturally equipped to face the elements that it can meet in the life of the farm.
Scottish Collie
He’s just as energetic as the Border Collie, but he’s happy as a working dog and is a natural breeder. Weighing 40 to 70 pounds, and sometimes called an agricultural collie or old agricultural collie, Scottish collies often develop a seemingly intuitive relationship with the farmer.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd, also known as an Australian, is a popular farm dog. Aussies are natural breeders and have a coat that provides the dog with protection from the elements. Weighing 40 to 65 pounds, Australian Shepherds are good guard dogs, good with children and do it well with other dogs in general.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dog, also called blue heeler, is another natural breeder who does well on the farm. The Australian Cattle Dog is a good watch dog and easily trained. The dog, which weighs 30 to 35 pounds, has a short coat that is weather resistant.
Corgi
The corgi is a small herd dog, weighing between 24 and 30 pounds. Corgis have very short legs and a double layer with a weather-resistant layer. Originally bred to drive cattle, hunt vermin and guard farms, flocks of corgi by barking and chewing the heels of cattle.
German shepherd
Considered a herding dog, the German shepherd can be trained as a shepherd and often makes an excellent watchdog on the farm. A large dog, the German Shepherd weighs between 77 and 85 pounds and is a natural, intelligent learner.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog is a non-breeding dog, weighing 80 to 110 pounds. Easily formed, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a weather resistant coat, but cannot be adapted to warmer climates due to the heat sensitivity. A good guard dog, the Bernese dog has a strong pack instinct.
Pyrenees Mastiff
Pyrenees Mountain is an excellent non-herd dog farm and is a guardian of the family, farm, and livestock. With the family, the Grand Pyrenees is calm and faithful, but because of its independent spirit, training is slow. Great Pyrenees men weigh at least 100 pounds and females at least 85 pounds.
Old Sheep English Dog
Another large farm breed on the farm is the Old English Shepherd. The old English sheepdog has a shaggy, double layer with a waterproof layer. Bobtails flock by hitting rather than nibbling. These dogs weigh at least 60 pounds and may reach a weight of over 100 pounds.