Top 5 Dog Breeds Ideal for Farm Living
Most dogs can learn to live on a farm; however, some breeds will adapt to farm life better and faster simply because they were bred to work with livestock.
The right dog breed for a farm depends on the type of livestock, the size of the farm, and the overall climate. Here is a closer look at the 7 best dog breeds for a farm.
Australian Cattle Dog
Known as the Blue Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized canine. As the name suggests, it originated in Australia and was used to herd cattle.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a hard-working breed. It is also durable and can withstand the scorching hot Australian climate. Therefore, this is the perfect dog for large farms with dense livestock populations.
How convenient!
The Australian Cattle Dog has a sturdy and muscular body. Usually, it is 17 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. The coat is short and dense, and it can be red or blue-speckled.
Australian Cattle Dogs are highly energetic and intelligent. Hence, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are obedient and have an unmatched work ethic.
Perfect!
The Australian Cattle Dog is true to its herding instincts and may direct its chasing and controlling urges to other pets and even small kids. This can be managed with proper training and socialization.
With positive reinforcement, Australian Cattle Dogs are easy to train. They often participate in dog competitions, such as:
- Agility
- Obedience
- Herding trials
The average lifespan of the Australian Cattle Dog is 12 to 15 years. The breed is prone to several health conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Deafness
Overall, the Australian Cattle Dog is our top pick as the best farm dog. It is loyal, hardworking, and suitable for hot climates and large farms.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding breed native to the border region between England and Scotland. It is believed to be one of the smartest canines in the world and is often used as a working dog on ranches and farms.
The Border Collie is around 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs between 30 and 45 pounds. It has a lean body with a long, either rough or smooth coat. The coat can be:
- Black and white
- Red and white
- Blue merle
The hallmarks of the breed are work ethic, intelligence, and athleticism. The Border Collie is trainable and excels in dog sports. As an intelligent breed, this dog can accomplish pretty much everything.
But is it a good pet when not working on the farm?
Yes, the Border Collie makes an excellent pet dog. It is loyal and affectionate as a companion. The breed is a great match for active individuals and families.
Amazing!
However, you must invest time into training and socialization as this dog may try to herd other pets and small children. This dog also needs tons of physical and mental stimulation.
The average lifespan of the Border Collie is 12 to 15 years. The breed is prone to several health issues, such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
All in all, the Border Collie is the perfect dog for farms and ranches. The breed is highly trainable and hard-working. While originally used to herd sheep, it can also work with other livestock.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large and powerful breed coming from the Pyrenees Mountains (between Spain and France). The dog’s initial purpose was guarding livestock. Even today, this dog is commonly used on ranches and farms.
The Great Pyrenees is a sizeable dog - stands between 25 and 32 inches tall at the withers and weighs around 100 to 160 pounds. It has a calm demeanor and watchful facial expression. The double coat is thick and white, with or without tan, gray, or reddish-brown markings.
How regal!
In terms of temperament, the Great Pyrenees is gentle but alert. The dog is affectionate and protective of its human family. While not aggressive, it is naturally inclined to protect and will bark to alert of potential dangers.
Training a Great Pyrenees can be a challenge, especially for inexperienced handlers.
So, what is the solution?
The recipe for successful training includes the right training approach (positive reinforcement) and consistency. It is also important to start training at an early age.
Unlike most working dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees is not overly active. Yet, it still requires regular physical activity and mental stimulation.
The average lifespan of the Great Pyrenees is between 10 and 12 years. The breed is susceptible to certain health conditions, such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (GDV)
- Osteosarcoma
In a nutshell, the Great Pyrenees is the ultimate livestock guardian. The dog is fit for ranches and farms. When not working, this canine makes an excellent family pet.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the canine world. Originally, it was developed in Newfoundland, Canada, and used a working dog - to help fishermen. However, today, Labrador Retrievers are loving pets.
The Labrador Retriever is between 21 and 24 inches tall and weighs between 55 and 80 pounds. Therefore, it is considered a medium to large dog. It has an athletic build and a friendly facial expression. The coat is short and dense, and it can be:
- Yellow
- Black
- Chocolate
Labrador Retrievers are famous for their friendliness. They are affectionate and easy-going. Plus, they love children and are ideal for families with kids.
Sweet!
The breed is eager to please and smart. That makes training easy and quick. Labrador Retrievers are great in dog shows like agility and obedience. On the farm, they serve as versatile and hard-working dogs.
Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy various activities but particularly love playing fetch, thus being true to their retrieving instincts. Like all dogs, Labs require mental stimulation, too.
The average lifespan of the Labrador Retriever is between 10 and 12 years. The breed is susceptible to various health problems, like:
- Hip dysplasia
- Weight gain
- Eye problems
- Cancer
Overall, we sincerely recommend the Labrador Retriever if you need a playful yet hard-working farm dog. The breed is versatile and perfect for any farm or household.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big canine from the Swiss Alps. Initially, it was used to help farmers with daily tasks, like guarding the livestock and pulling carts. Today, thanks to its gentle and affectionate nature, it is a great family pet.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy dog that weighs 70 to 115 pounds and stands between 23 and 28 inches tall. It has a tri-colored coat (black, white, and rust) and a friendly facial expression.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s temperament hallmarks are affection, gentle nature, and playfulness. The breed is very fond of children and quite patient. Therefore, it makes an amazing family dog.
Awesome!
While stubborn at times, the Bernese Mountain Dog is relatively easy to train. However, it is important to start early and invest time in socialization. Due to the trainability, the dog often competes in dog sports like obedience and agility.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are less active than most working dogs. However, they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay sharp and happy.
The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 6 to 8 years. The breed is prone to health issues, such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat (GDV)
- Certain cancer types
All in all, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a great farm and family dog. The breed is a dedicated watchdog. It excels at herding and can help with heavy-duty tasks like pulling carts.
Conclusion
All of these dog breeds are ideal for farm life simply because they were bred to herd or guard livestock. Some of their hallmark qualities include intelligence, loyalty, protective instincts, energy, and adaptability.
However, just because the breed’s original purpose was farm-related does not mean you do not have to invest time into training and teaching chores.
