For centuries, every dog breed has been serving mankind. From guarding livestock to herding sheep to fighting in wars, these smart and intelligent dogs have marked their popularity.
Life on the farm, we all know, can be hectic and demanding. But having an energetic and lovely companion from these working farm dog breeds makes the day pass more easily.
Life on the farm comprises many difficult tasks, such as looking after the crops or animals, watering the fields, or cutting and moving crops from one place to another. Apart from the tasks, the risk of robbery at farms is at its peak.
These farm dogs not only aid in performing these tasks, but they are also best known as guard dogs. You can learn more about their domestication before picking one to help you at farms.
Usually, these dogs enjoy life on the farm and outdoors due to various reasons: an environment filled with greenery, fresh air, and other animals. Plenty of outdoor activities that they can participate in without any limitations, such as running after bees or butterflies, etc.
Here we have listed seven top dog breeds excelling in farm, ranch, and agricultural tasks.
Top Dog Breeds Excelling in Farm, Ranch, and Agricultural Tasks
1. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd, originally bred in the US, is known for its muscular and agile characteristics. It has served as an energetic and loyal herder. That is why, in the herding breeds, the Australian Shepherd ranks number one.
Likewise, makes them the right choice for excelling in the fields. They are affectionate and gentle in nature, but not so familiarized with strangers. So, early training and socialization are important for them to keep them controlled among strangers and outdoors.
As the AKC says, Aussies are not for everyone. An experienced owner can get along with them. But someone new to owning a pet might face problems. They are cunning and intelligent, and can easily fool an inexperienced owner.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are known for herding over vast distances. No breed can beat them up because of their determination and resilience. They are loyal, intelligent, and tenacious dogs that excel in farm, ranch, and agricultural tasks. They like to be independent and cannot be trusted to be left around children without any supervision.
Their high level of energy makes them excellent running partners in the fields, and they thrive on working hard. These dogs can get bored easily, so it’s important that you keep them engaged on the farms and outdoors in various activities and exercises.
Australian Cattle Dog belongs to a herding group; however, it does not like to be around other dogs.
3. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog is recognized as a hardworking dog in the roles of watchdog and guarding livestock. It originated from Poland.
It is a compact, courageous, and confident dog breed that requires the supervision of an experienced owner. As Royal Canin says, they require a lot of exercise and little training so that they can be handled by owners who need them for herding.
If you have to take PON to the farms, you have an advantage in their size and their intelligence. They are independent enough to handle tasks such as managing flocks on their own. It is also famous that it can bring the owner to give up on training because they think there’s nobody smarter than them, ironically.
4. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a gentle, affectionate, and loyal breed that originated in Italy. It makes a great family companion because of its protective instincts. It belongs to a working dog group because the main duties of the Bergamasco are to guard and help shepherds in moving and protecting their sheep. Because of its impressive strength and ability, these tasks suited it well.
As the name itself describes, Bergamasco’s role is associated with farming and agriculture; the way it supported humans aided in forming a strong bond. As it is known for its herding instincts, the loyalty towards mankind makes it a loyal guardian.
They require proper training and early socialization so that they act in accordance at fields.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Don’t judge the power and strength of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi by its size, they belong to the herding group. This canine is bred to work with loyalty. They are demanded at farms because of their intelligence and quick speed.
They are affectionate, smart, and alert, and these characteristics make them perfect for running in the fields. The independence in their nature makes them herd cattle all alone.
As you need to prepare them for hard tasks like herding and guarding, they require early and proper training. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are cute and lovely dogs that respond to training in a nice way. So, you will enjoy training them. And the best and easiest way is to first train a dog to stay in the yard.
6. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is one of the best dog breeds that comprises qualities like muscular power, strength, great bite force, powerful jaws, and is best suited for farm work. As we know, farm life is demanding, and having a dog likea Belgian Malinois that belongs to both the herding dogs group and working breed have strong protective instinct.
They are highly intelligent, easy to train, and brave dogs. The tasks that Belgian Malinois can perform at farms are herding livestock, keeping a track of all the small animals, looking for the crops, and detecting any insects, diseases, or pests, etc.
If trained properly, this breed will make your tasks at farm weigh less than usual. To keep them going with you all day long, you also need to let them exercise 2.5-3 hours a day.
In case your dog is not feeling well, we advise consulting a vet. And not experimenting with treatments like CBD dosage on your own.
7. German Shepherd
Until now, we knew the German Shepherd as a brave, courageous, and intelligent dog breed with great speed and high alert quality. But apart from being a working dog, it also belongs to the herding group. The German Shepherd is also recognized as a police and military dog.
However, German Shepherd is not recommended for first-time dog owners because they are smart and could be tricky to handle.
They require rigorous training and socialization that aids in mental stimulation. They were primarily bred for herding sheep, but they also make a perfect fit as a farm companion.
They are prone to performing any task with loyalty, be it guarding at farms or working as a guardian for protecting the owner; they excel at every role. Because of their high alert trait, they are not so good with strangers and can attack them without giving them any chance.
Conclusion
Life at farms can be boring and quiet, energy draining, in extreme weather, when you are alone. At times, you don’t only require a helper to perform tasks, but a loyal companion to be with you. These herding breeds are tremendous at performing their duties, while the owner enjoys their company.
If trained well, these canines not only perform their roles, but they also stimulate the owner’s mind by making the day at the farm enjoyable through playing and enjoying the outdoors. They vary in size and traits, but are driven to their jobs.
You might regret hiring a worker, but not a dog from any of these breeds. But training them right is the key. And the best age to train them is young. As Britannica highlights, when born, puppies are deaf and blind, which makes them solely depend on their owners. At this prime time of development, the way you mould them, they will adjust to your environment.
