There is nothing more blissful than the joy of watching your kids play under the open sky in a beautiful countryside. But as much as these open spaces offer freedom, they come with a lot of risk. Your kid can encounter a lot of potential threats, from wild animals to strangers.
This is where the most loyal companions, dogs, come in. Dogs not only provide companionship to your kids, but they also offer protection. Several dog breeds have innate guarding instincts and a sturdy build that enable them to protect and work on the farms.
Farm dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strong work ethics. They are typically bred for tasks like herding and guarding. Their personalities often include high trainability and protectiveness, and they form strong bonds with their humans.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds that guard kids playing in the open countryside.
Dog Breeds That Guard Kids Playing in Open Countryside
1. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are affectionate and eager to please dogs who make great playmates for energetic children. Australian Shepherds are loyal, energetic, and intelligent herders. They have been herding cattle in the plains of the American West for several years.
Australian Shepherds are a bit reserved of strangers and don’t like to accept strangers as friends. According to Hill’s Pet, they are best suited for country living, where they get plenty of space to roam and exercise. These easygoing fellows love to romp with kids.
Aussies are very protective of their families and territory; they may bark to inform their owners about potential threats. However, Aussies are not aggressive. Thus, they prove to be the best guardians for your kids playing in the open countryside.
2. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are the working dogs known for their affectionate and strong-willed personalities. Originally bred as watchdogs in Turkey, these calm canines have an instinct to protect. These large dogs are quite intelligent and sturdy.
Anatolian Shepherd dogs possess excellent problem-solving skills that help them adapt to different challenges they may encounter on a farm. They are fiercely protective but don’t tend to bark excessively or become aggressive. So, kids playing in the open areas remain safe in their presence.
Their presence can be beneficial in open countryside where a calm and controlled presence is required. Anatolian Shepherds need proper training, socialization, and plenty of exercise to stay happy and content.
3. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a beautiful white dog that was originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains as a livestock guardian. They are loving and affectionate towards their family, including children. Great Pyrenees are one of the most devoted companions that prove to be fierce protectors for kids.
They have strong work ethics and are suspicious of strangers. Pyrenees quickly respond to perceived threats and make excellent watchdogs. The American Kennel Club describes them as smart, patient, and calm dogs.
Great Pyrenees value their alone time and need a space where they can romp and play. These guard dogs are very protective of their loved ones.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are loyal and loving canines who make excellent pets. These intelligent dogs possess strong work ethics and love having a task to do. GSDs are quite versatile and are suitable for the roles of police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs.
These hardworking fellows possess strong guarding and herding skills and can go to any extent to protect their loved ones. Their intelligence, loyalty, and historical background make them reliable partners for guarding kids in the open countryside.
German Shepherds are one of the most popular large dog breeds. They need plenty of exercise and enrichment for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are good-natured, strong, and calm canines. These intelligent dogs possess a thick double coat with a long outer coat and woolly inner coat. Their brain and brawn make them well-suited for multitasking on the farms and pastures.
They get along well with the entire family but are particularly fond of children. Berners look imposing but are not aggressive and maintain an aloof dignity towards strangers. They warn about the potential threats with a loud bark and stand their ground if needed.
They are excellent watchdogs for kids playing in the open areas. Their loud, alarming bark instantly alarms parents and others to come to rescue.
Berners excel at canine sports like agility, herding, carting, and obedience. They have a strong desire to please their owners and want to accompany them everywhere.
6. Leonberger
Playful, gentle, and friendly Leonbergers hail from Germany. Having a lion-like mane around the neck and chest, they move with an easy, elastic gait. Their intelligence and sound judgment make them suitable for the role of watchdogs and all-around workers.
These versatile dogs have an instinct to protect their family and kids. They are very intuitive and form strong bonds with their people. But avoid arguing with others in front of Leonbergers as these sensitive canines will try to intervene and stop the fight.
Their even temperament, friendliness with other animals, protective instincts, and high trainability make them ideal for guarding kids in the open countryside.
7. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are strikingly large and powerful working dogs with a sweet temperament. These devoted companions are known for being patient around children and have a strong affinity for them. Newfies are highly trainable canines who respond well to gentle guidance.
These gentle giants not only make good protectors for your child but also serve as a big pillow where your child can rest their head to get comfort. These noble and hardworking dogs require regular exercise for physical and mental enrichment, but must not be over-exerted.
Newfies are the water dogs, renowned for their excellent swimming capability. They also excel at water rescue operations. Newfies have a lifespan of around 10 years.
8. Kuvasz
Kuvasz is a large working dog from Hungary, having a thick double coat and a strong body. These loyal, bright, and even-tempered canines have strong protective instincts. They make quick-moving and nimble-footed companions.
Their history of defending herds of animals makes them well-suited for guarding kids. Kuvasz are large dogs that require ample space for exercising. Although they are not overly energetic, they need daily walks or activity in open spaces, according to PetMD.
Kuvasz are brave dogs who can be a bit independent, but also have a sensitive demeanor. Due to these reasons, they need a patient and consistent handler for training.
9. Maremma Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdog is a large and muscular dog with a coarse white coat. Originally bred as flock guardians, these canines are independent, intelligent, and a bit suspicious towards strangers. These loyal and devoted companions need a dedicated owner.
Maremma Sheepdogs are gentle and patient with children. These protective giants are ideal for owners living in remote and rural areas with fewer guests and lots of land. They enjoy slow, long walks in remote areas and need lots of space to lie down and stretch out fully.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not walk fast, but possess incredible stamina to accomplish the intended task. They prefer quiet exercise away from the hustle and bustle of city life. These traits make them well-suited for country living.
10. Akbash
Another livestock guardian breed hailing from Turkey, the Akbash is a popular choice among pet parents living in open range and fenced pastures. They quickly react to protect their people, especially kids, from predators and unfamiliar faces.
Akbash are the working dogs that love having a task to do. Their medium-length double coat provides them with adequate insulation against the cold, enabling them to work in harsh weather. They are patient and tolerant around children.
However, supervision is required due to their large size to prevent accidental knocks. Proper training and socialization are required to differentiate between a friend and a foe.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are known for their large size, strong protective instincts, and affinity for kids. Such dogs make an excellent choice for owners looking to guard their kids while playing in open countryside. If you are planning to adopt such a dog, one of the dog breeds mentioned in this article may be the right fit for you.
These dogs have a gentle and calm temperament that allows the parents to leave them with the kids in the open to keep watch. They stand guard against little kids in the face of any danger. However, proper training is quite essential for all of these dogs.
