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
Great Pyrenees
Komondor
Kuvasz
Herding Breeds
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Border Collie
Collie
English Shepherd
German Shepherd Dog
Old English Sheepdog
Rottweiler
Shetland Sheepdog
Terrier Breeds
Jack Russell Terrier
Hunting Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier
Beagle
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Labrador Retriever
Pointer
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
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.
