Rural living offers numerous perks to humans that urban living lacks. From the fresh, unpolluted air to the abundance of space for the kids to play outdoors, living in the countryside is worth it! If you think that you can’t have a dog living with you in the rural areas, you’re wrong!
Dogs are those pets that are easily adjustable and can stay in urban spaces as well as rural areas without showing any tantrums. However, there are some dogs who are more adjusted to rural life than urban life.
In this article, we shall talk specifically about the dogs that thrive in rural living spaces. They are great guard dogs for your livestock and will be a great fit to go around and watch your hens and cattle. With a lot of energy and enthusiasm, they will happily roam in your farmland, ensuring no one intrudes on it.
So, what’s the wait? Let’s check out the Best Big Dog Breeds for Rural Living that will make your life in the countryside safe yet thrilling.
7 Best Big Dog Breeds for Rural Living
1. Giant Schnauzer
As the name suggests, this is a gigantic dog that is super robust and active.
Originally bred in Germany, it is known for its hyperactive energy and zestful temperament. Thanks to its extensive stamina, it is considered to be a great fit for rural areas where there are long distances to move around and wander.
This large dog breed is around 95 pounds in weight, and its height can go as much as 18 inches. With these dimensions, it is a good fit to keep farmland secure. As a matter of fact, this dog was originally developed with the sole purpose of working on farms.
However, they are not all about work! These AKC-recognized dogs know how to have fun. They are lovely family dogs and with a friendly nature, they get along with all family members easily.
Oh, and let me mention one more thing. If you are a first-time dog owner and are sorta overwhelmed by its gigantic appearance, don’t worry! It is a great choice for first-time pet owners as they are easy to train and mostly obey their human fellows.
Whether you reside in a thriving and bustling metropolitan city or a quiet countryside, Purina says this dog is a great pet to have!
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Another amazing dog that thrives in the rural setup is the Bernese Mountain Dog.
What makes it so apt for the countryside is the fact that it was actually bred for herding sheep. It not only performs the farm work exceptionally well but also pulls carts and protects the property efficiently.
With a weight of around 75-115 pounds, these herding breed dogs are pretty sturdy. Bred on the mountains, they have a thick coat that protects them from extreme weather conditions. Hence, even if you reside in a cold countryside area, they will easily become your partners during outdoor adventures.
These dogs are really intelligent! Also, they are workaholics. Thus, this is a great combo that makes them excellent farm workers.
And, if you expect that with all these qualities of a big, giant dog, it would be a rude one, let me tell you that this is the most affectionate dog you will ever come across. As family dogs, they not only protect the members of the clan but also keep them entertained.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the popular guys that are easily adaptable to both urban and rural setups.
What makes them appropriate rural dogs is their powerful body and strong muscles. Weighing around 60-90 pounds, they are sturdy enough to deal with the hardships that come with a rural lifestyle.
Originally bred as herding dogs, they have a strong protective instinct to protect the livestock and the farm. They know how to control the naughty sheep and keep the entire herd in control.
Bred in Germany, they are medium to large in size, and their proportions make them ideal dogs for search and rescue missions. Hence, the police in rural areas mostly use their services to find lost humans and things.
Despite being agile, they are super intelligent and smart. However, you need to keep them engaged. Give them enough physical exercise during the day to keep them mentally stimulated. A long walk in the outdoors or a quick run will help calm down their energy.
4. Komondor
Want to know about a dog that gives security to the sheep while looking like one of the flock?
Well, here we are with the famous Komondor.
What makes it so popular amongst the pet owners is its appearance. It has taken after a sheep. The long hair spread across its body is fluffy to the core and gives the dog the appearance of a sheep.
But, don’t take this dog lightly!
It has got the attitude of a hero. With a height of 27.5 inches, it deters the intruders from afar.
It knows how to protect the flock fiercely. It is super protective in nature and ensures the property it is in charge of doesn’t get damaged by an intruder.
It’s just that this affectionate breed is way more intelligent than you expect. It comes with a stubborn streak, so OMLET suggests using positive reinforcement methods of training.
Despite being popular, they are rare. Hence, they are expensive, and their upkeep comes with a heavy cost!
5. Catahoula Leopard Dog
When compared to most other dogs, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a massive, independent, and gorgeous-looking dog.
They are known for their beauty.
But don’t think this dog is all about looks! It is also the hardest-working dog you will ever see. Being a multi-purpose working animal, it performs a variety of functions and is extremely adept at learning new skills. It is agile, and this feature makes it a dependable pet.
Country living dog lovers prefer keeping Catahoula Leopard Dogs compared to other breeds, as they consider it the best dog to control and protect livestock. With a weight of around 50–95 pounds, this dog is difficult to ignore.
As per this Reddit Thread, it is a versatile dog, and proper training can make it even more beneficial for the pet owners.
6. Maremma Sheepdog
Originating from Italy, the Maremma Sheepdog not only protects the livestock but also deters intruders strongly with its massive frame. CKC notes that its weight, which is around 66-180 pounds, and a height of 23-29 inches, is enough to keep the strangers at bay.
This string dog is pretty loud! If you are aiming to get a quiet dog, this one is surely not for you. Its noise is a unique challenge that you may have to deal with if you pet it. They love to bark at anything and everything.
Yet, they are fiercely loyal.
These working dogs are task-oriented and would do the assigned job with utmost dedication and honesty. Once they mingle with the family members, they will go to great lengths to guard them.
With proper care, daily exercise, and consistent training, this breed will not disappoint you and may even bring some prizes home from agility competitions. As per HillsPet, this dog is born to perform tough tasks and outdo its competitors.
7. Doberman Pinscher
For a rural set-up, the Doberman Pinscher is a great dog, thanks to its fierce personality and protective nature. When it comes to protecting the flock, there is no one better than this dog.
This active dog is super energetic. On top of that, loyalty is ingrained in it. Hence, it turns out to be the best dog to have in the rural environment that will guard the livestock and property at its best. These dogs are well-suited for an active lifestyle. With a weight of around 60 to 100 pounds, they are sturdy enough to scare off strangers.
These are people-oriented dogs. They thrive in company and act better when they are close to their human fellows.
However, one thing you need to take care of is their activity requirements. They need to be kept active, and therefore, you have to give them enough exercise opportunities for the day. If you don’t do that, they may end up showcasing destructive behavior.
Conclusion
Active, agile, and strong dogs thrive well in rural areas. They are sturdy enough to protect the livestock and are quite active. These big dogs are hardworking. Performing tough tasks comes naturally to them. Rather than lounging and relaxing, they prefer doing a hard task.
So, what are you looking for? Get your hands on the right big dog breed for rural living, and trust me, it’ll be one decision you’ll never regret
