The best dogs for the village
Life in the village can be both calm and hectic, but one thing you can count on for sure – your faithful farm dogs will always be there.
If you plan to have livestock on the farm, a working dog is an important helper for grazing cattle and protecting cows, goats, sheep, chickens from predators. These dogs know how to protect barns and feed stores from rodents, and some of them will gladly be with you in the field during the day.
According to Janet Vorwald Doner, noted expert on farm dogs, “dogs that have historically filled similar roles on farms and in the countryside are still the best at the jobs their ancestors once did.” These breeds are very responsible for the assigned tasks and feel good in business. It’s important to keep them active, so give them as much work to do as possible.
A farm dog requires a lot of training, so be patient. Required dog training includes safety, such as avoiding dangerous equipment, establishing territory boundaries, and ensuring proper interaction with the animals and people it works with.
Herding and guard dogs see their work on the farm differently. “Shepherd dogs treat sheep as prey (although they won’t attack them), they collect and guide them,” explains Modern Farmer. “Watchdogs, on the other hand, who are usually raised with livestock from an early age, view the animals as part of their pack and therefore seek to protect them at all costs. Most dogs will only be able to excel in one of these activities.” However, there are breeds that can handle both well.
Breeds of dogs for a farm that work great and live outside the city are further in the article.
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Border Collie
As one of the most popular breeds of farm dogs, the Border Collie has an extremely responsible attitude to work and is an ideal herding dog. These intelligent animals have been specially bred to learn to think for themselves in the process of caring for livestock. In the field, their handlers may not be around, so they must make their own decisions. In addition, well-trained Border Collies want to please their owners and will do as they are told, even when they are several hundred meters away.” Due to their sharp mind, these dogs are easy to train.
Standard Schnauzer (Standard Schnauzer)
It may not be the first breed you think of when you think about farm dog breeds, but these bearded dogs actually have a long history. It goes back to 1492. Considered versatile dogs, they helped German farmers guard livestock and drive away rodents, Vetstreet notes. They are deeply attached to the family. At the end of the shift on the farm, the schnauzer will be ready to take a warm and comfortable place at the feet of the owner.
German Shepherd
This guard dog is known for its agility and prowess. No wonder they work in the police and armed forces around the world. This breed is great for looking after chickens. The German Shepherd is an extremely versatile dog, displaying a sharp mind and being able to perform tasks diligently. Initially, these dogs looked after sheep in Germany – hence the name of the breed. Then they became a popular farm breed throughout Europe, because they are excellent herders and guard the flock and fiercely protect their family.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Greater Pyrenees)
These are time-tested large breed shepherd dogs, whose height at the withers reaches 70-80 cm. They can be considered a livestock guard dog, because they zealously protect small and more vulnerable wards, including members of their owners’ family, without showing any aggression towards them. You can safely trust this beautiful and majestic dog. The great Pyrenees are reserved, but always alert. This makes them excellent country companions.
Since the breed is not always an accurate predictor of a dog’s temperament, it’s a good idea to socialize a candidate puppy for a bit before bringing him home. Use the foresight by installing the necessary fences and carefully studying the nutritional needs of dogs at different ages.
Whether your four-legged helper herds livestock or chases mice out of the barn, it doesn’t take long for you to form a strong and affectionate bond with your farm dog.
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