Dog Breeds

Our trusty canine companions can make great farmhands!

Just a few of the chores that dogs can participate in include:

  • Guarding livestock.
  • Herding livestock.
  • Pulling carts.
  • Keeping watch over the household.
  • Controlling rodents and other vermin.

Also, if you enjoy hunting, your pointer, retriever, or hound might be an important assistant.

While we appreciate the value of dogs as companions, in this guide we will focus strictly on breeds that can find work on a homestead, farm, or ranch. Read on to learn more about the history, uses, temperament, health, and pros and cons of your favorite dog breed.

Livestock Guardian Breeds

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees

Komondor

Komondor

Kuvasz

Kuvasz

Herding Breeds

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Border Collie

Border Collie

Bouvier des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres

Collie

Collie

English Shepherd

English Shepherd

German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Rottweiler

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

Terrier Breeds

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Hunting Breeds

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

Beagle

Beagle

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Irish Setter

Irish Setter

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Pointer

Pointer

Redbone Coonhound

Redbone Coonhound

Helpful Resources

Iams Dog Breed Selector Tool
If you need help selecting the right dog breed for you, give this tool a try. Breeds can be sorted specifically by activity, such as hunting, herding, and watchdog.

Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds
Looking for more information on the breed or breeds of your choice? This is probably one of the best dog breed encyclopedias in existence.

Stockdog Savvy

Stockdog Savvy
Specifically interested in herding dogs? This training guide includes an appendix with concise descriptions of many breeds, both common and rare. Read our full review.