In the past, new towns popped up faster than you could imagine. Mining camps or dogtowns did not offer much in the name of luxuries and amenities. These were a special kind of dog that survived the miseries in these mining towns.
They were not the lap dogs who would love being pampered by their owners all the time. In fact, these sturdy fellows were tough yet loyal. These dirt-loving pups knew how to make their way through a salon door, probably with a stolen steak in their mouth.
These pooches not only made perfect family dogs, but also became partners in crime, watchdogs, mood lifters, and probably the only support system for a prospector working underground for several weeks.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds trusted for guarding mining camps.
Dog Breeds Trusted For Guarding Mining Camps
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are hardworking dogs with a deep-chested, athletic build. Their thick double coat enables these tough dogs to perform their duty in harsh weather. Due to their fearlessness, energy, and strong work ethic, they excel at many tasks in the mining towns.
German Shepherds’ intelligence, courage, and devotion make them effective guard dogs. They offer unwavering loyalty and protection to their owners. German Shepherds also excel at other mining tasks, such as the detection of explosives.
It is worth mentioning here that while male German Shepherds are more focused on guarding property and exhibit a territorial nature, female German Shepherds are more inclined to protect their owner. GSDs’ keen senses and high speed make them perfect for security work.
2. Rottweiler
Rottweilers, affectionately known as Rotties, are powerful, protective, and loyal guardians. Due to their high intelligence, they can be trained easily. In the past, Rotties used their guarding instincts to protect the herd of cattle and cattlemen’s money, explains the American Kennel Club.
Rottweilers are smart, tireless, and eager to please workers, who love having a task to do. With all the endurance and strength, these tough canines make a perfect pet for prospectors surviving in mining towns.
While Rotties have an affectionate nature, they are often wrongly perceived as aggressive dogs, probably due to their black coats. However, they are furious as guard dogs. Having a bite force of 328 PSI, Rotties can cause significant damage with their teeth.
3. Doberman Pinscher
This sleek, agile, and powerful working dog was originally bred by a German tax collector, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, explains Britannica. Dobermans are naturally protective—they form a strong bond with their owners and have an instinct to protect them. However, they are aloof towards strangers.
Doberman Pinschers are courageous fellas. They are always on high alert and tuned to every sound and movement around them. These traits make them perfect candidates for guarding mining camps.
Energetic, fearless, watchful, and obedient are the adjectives that best describe this breed’s temperament. These sensitive doggos can risk their lives to protect their loved ones. You would be surprised to know that Dobermans can read human body language.
4. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are courageous protectors with impressive speed. They were originally bred in the 19th century to help gamekeepers protect large estates from poachers. Bullmastiffs have a muscular build and have been serving as “silent guard dogs” for hundreds of years.
As pets, they are gentle giants who are very affectionate towards their owners and children. Bullmastiffs are willing to please and moderately playful. Their sharp sense of vigilance, excellent trainability, and boundless energy make them effective guardians of the mining towns.
Their loyalty, bravery, and watchfulness make them valuable to miners. Bullmastiffs are very active and need around two hours of exercise every day. They benefit from multiple walks and off-lead running in a secure environment.
5. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are agile, friendly, and loyal protectors. Their impressive stamina and endurance make them perfect for guarding supplies and watching over mining camps. Mals were originally bred to herd and guard sheep, explains Omlet.
Their rich history and protective nature enable them to serve as exceptional guardians. Belgian Malinois might show a little affection towards strangers, but are aggressive towards other dogs. They are highly intuitive and instantly bond with their owners.
Mals learn new tricks and cues easily compared to many other breeds, and are blessed with keen noses, which help miners in locating lost gear. They are skilled athletes packed with power. The earthly tones of their coats allow them to camouflage with the environment and surprise predators.
6. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a Latin word that translates to “guardian dog.” These large working dogs are known for their loving personalities and intelligence. Cane Corsos do not trust strangers and are unfriendly towards other dogs and animals. Their temperament is strongly reflective of their history as a guardian.
Miners trusted Cane Corsos for guarding supplies and watching over their cabins. These affectionate fellas also make great companions for them. Their strength and determination make them ideal for a multitude of tasks in mining towns.
These people-oriented pooches possess bundles of energy. They need serious exercise of around two hours every day. This should include a couple of long brisk walks and some off-lead play time. However, they cannot work in high temperatures as they are prone to overheating due to their double coat.
7. Boxer
Boxers are highly intelligent working dogs who have gained popularity as family pets. Their obedience, intelligence, and strong protective instincts make them effective guard dogs. Boxers’ history as hunting dogs empowers them with the strength and stamina required for life in mining camps.
With their muscular build, fearless spirit, and sharp instincts, they quickly earned a reputation as dependable watchdogs who could stand their ground against intruders.
Boxers stand fearless against threats and bond firmly with their owners. These high-energy dogs require two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Boxers love playing and getting involved in everything happening around them.
8. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are white-coated dogs that exude elegance, grace, and majesty. Their large size, formidable presence, and lots of stamina make them effective guardians. Great Pyrenees were bred to be left alone and guard sheep in the mountains.
Miners value these pooches because of their intelligence and independent thinking abilities. You can trust these strong mutts to follow you in the rugged terrains and lead you back out if things go sideways.
Despite their large size, Great Pyrenees don’t have loads of energy. However, they require regular exercise to stay healthy and active. You can provide your Great Pyrenees with two daily walks, 20 to 30 minutes each.
9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
In the rough and tumble world of mining camps, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were prized for their muscularity, sharp minds, and unwavering loyalty. With natural protective instincts and an affectionate personality, Staffies were a staple in frontier communities.
Staffies have an exceptional ability to solve problems. They are fiercely loyal to their owners but are standoffish towards other dogs. Staffies are not inherently aggressive, but they have a stubborn streak. Early training enables them to blend well into miners’ lives.
Staffies are high-energy dogs who require at least one hour of exercise every day. Physical activity can include brisk walks and play time in secure areas. Lack of physical and mental enrichment can result in destructive behaviors.
10. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a strong and imposing dog with a muscular build and a strong-willed personality. These dominant and brave canines act as fierce protectors for their loved ones and form strong bonds with them.
Their power, loyalty, and courage made them valuable to the inhabitants of frontier communities. Originally bred as all-purpose farm dogs, Boerboels could help miners track down runaway livestock and locate lost gear.
Boerboels are energetic dogs who need one and a half to two hours of exercise per day. They enjoy long walks and play sessions in securely fenced areas with their owners. Boerboels are smart and willing to please, so consistent training should result in an obedient dog.
Conclusion
Many dog breeds have been trusted for centuries for guarding mining camps. Breeds like Cane Corso, Bullmastiff, and Boxer make vigilant guardians for frontier communities due to their strength, stamina, and endurance.
Such breeds are usually large in size and have a formidable presence. They help miners in various tasks, including protection, finding the lost gear, and signaling the return of the supply wagon.
