Dog Breeds

Dog BreedsOur 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 ShepherdAnatolian Shepherd

 

Great PyreneesGreat Pyrenees

 

KomondorKomondor

 

KuvaszKuvasz

 

 

Herding Breeds

Australian Cattle DogAustralian Cattle Dog

 

Australian ShepherdAustralian Shepherd

 

Border CollieBorder Collie

 

Bouvier des FlandresBouvier des Flandres

 

CollieCollie

 

English ShepherdEnglish Shepherd

 

German Shepherd DogGerman Shepherd Dog

 

Old English SheepdogOld English Sheepdog

 

RottweilerRottweiler

 

Shetland SheepdogShetland Sheepdog

 

 

Terrier Breeds

Jack Russell TerrierJack Russell Terrier

 

 

Hunting Breeds

American Pit Bull TerrierAmerican Pit Bull Terrier

 

BeagleBeagle

 

Golden RetrieverGolden Retriever

 

Irish SetterIrish Setter

 

Labrador RetrieverLabrador Retriever

 

PointerPointer

 

Redbone CoonhoundRedbone 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
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.