When you hear the term ‘farm dog’ you might instantly picture a herding breed like a Border Collie or an Australian Shepherd. While the members of the AKC Herding Group are an excellent choice for farmers, it does take more than moving cattle and flocks to run a farm. Depending on the size and type of farm, a farmer may require a breed that is either versatile or has certain skills. You might be wondering what other employment a dog can have on a farm besides rounding up grazing livestock. Well, it turns out there are several jobs for a dog besides being a stock or drover dog (herders).
After a herder, the second most common farm dog is the livestock guardian. These dogs are meant to scare off predators or rustlers looking to steal livestock. They are bred to become active members of a herd or flock by living among them. While to some it might seem unnecessary to keep a dog outside 24 hours a day, honestly a working guardian wouldn’t have it any other way. Everything from their sizes, coat types, and temperaments was specifically developed to handle this line of work, and some have been doing it for centuries.
Next would be your drafting dogs (cart pullers). While this occupation is not as common as it used to be, drafter dogs aid farmers by pulling carts, wagons, and even sleds. These dogs are muscular and athletic, and they are often on the larger side. A farmer can rely on these dogs' ability to move items around the farm or cart products to markets.
Last but certainly just as important is your rodent control. Yes, members of the Terrier Group tend to fill these roles on a farm. They prevent rats, mice, and other pests from taking up residence in barns and farmhouses where they can eat and potentially contaminate grains and other feed or even spread disease to farm animals. Some terriers are also skilled at herding and guarding chicken coops from small predators.
Humans have greatly relied on farm dogs to do jobs that we can’t physically or mentally handle all day and every day. For centuries, dogs have played a key role in revolutionizing the agricultural world, helping farmers grow crops, protect and manage livestock, and ultimately get their products out to the rest of the world for use.
Here is a look at some popular farm dogs in addition to the members of the Herding Group.
American Bulldog
- The American Bulldog is a large-sized breed that weighs between 60-100 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 10-12 years
- The American Bulldog was developed to be an all-purpose farming and ranch dog. They worked as livestock guardians, herders, and catch-dogs.
- The American Bulldog might have a tough exterior, but they are big softies when it comes to their families. They are quite clownish when happy and are often gentle around children who are taught to respect a dog’s boundaries.
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Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- The Anatolian Shepherd Dog s a large-sized working dog that weighs between 80-150 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 11-13 years
- The Anatolian Shepherd is an independent working dog that requires little instruction on how to do their job. They have developed a natural instinct to herd and guard livestock.
- Since 1994, they have become heavily involved in Cheetah conservation in Namibia. Introducing the Anatolian as livestock guarding has greatly reduced the need for ranchers to use lethal methods to protect their flocks from the big cats.
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Bernese Mountain Dog
- The Bernese Mountain Dog s a large-sized working breed that weighs between 70-115 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 7-10 years
- The Berner is a versatile and powerful Swiss breed. They are built for hard labor and aid farmers in the day-to-day functions of running a farm. They work as drovers, guardians, and drafter dogs.
- While the Berner was built for hard, they are generally calm, affectionate, playful, and friendly. They are also protective, yet gentle with children and other pets.
- If you have ever enjoyed imported Swiss chocolate or cheese, you can most likely thank a Bernese Mountain Dog for their contribution to the product. Thousands of Swiss farmers actively rely on Berners to work on their dairy farms.
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Boerboel
- The Boerboel is a very large-sized mastiff-type breed that weighs between 150-200 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 9-11 years
- While the Boerboel (pronunciation - Bor-Bull) may not appear to be your typical farming dog, their name comes from a Dutch word meaning “farmer”.
- The Boerboel originated in South Africa where many Dutch, German, and French resettled in the mid-1600s. Settlers bred their European dogs to the native dogs to develop a multi-purpose breed that could herd livestock and act as a guardian and a hunter.
- While the confident and powerful Boerboel might be intimidating, to their families they are big ol’ teddy bears at their core. They are very affectionate and protective of their humans, especially children.
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Giant Schnauzer
- The Giant Schnauzer is a medium to large-sized breed that weighs between 55-85 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 12-15 years
- The Giant Schnauzer was developed in mid-1800s Germany. They worked as drovers and livestock guardians for farmers residing in the Bavarian Alps.
- While all Schnauzers originated from the same area, it is important to note they are not the same breed. The Giant, Miniature, and Standard varieties were developed separately and hold their own breed standards.
- The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent and alert dog that exudes a bold presence.
- The AKC has assigned the Giant Schnauzer to the Working Group. However, they are eligible to compete in Herding Trials.
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Great Pyrenees
- The Great Pyrenees is a large-sized breed that weighs between 85-100+ pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 10-12 years
- While the Great Pyrenees is a calm but powerful working dog. They are popular livestock guardians willing to protect their flock from predatory animals or rustlers looking to steal from farms.
- At first glance, the Great Pyrenees might not appear to be a fast breed with its cumbersome frame and abundant coat. This ever-vigilant guardian is not only graceful in their movement but can move swiftly when the need arises.
- The Pyrenees has a profuse double coat that is considered weatherproof, protecting them from rain and snow.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large-sized breed that weighs between 85-140 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 8-11 years
- The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the “Swissie” is the largest and the oldest of the four Swiss Alpine breeds.
- The Swissies are a multi-purpose working breed that can be employed as a guardian, drover, and drafter.
- While the Swissie has a protective nature, they are family-oriented, faithful, playful, and friendly.
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Jack Russell Terrier
- The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog that weighs between 13-18 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 13-16 years
- While the Jack Russell Terrier is not meant to be a herder or livestock guardian, they can fill a very specific role on a farm as vermin control. The tenacious JRT will keep a barn, shed, and home rodent and critter-free.
- They are intelligent, inquisitive, and have an abundance of energy which can sometimes get them into trouble. It is important to teach a JRT not to harass any livestock and to provide them with both a stimulating mental and physical outlet.
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Kerry Blue Terrier
- The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized breed that weighs between 33-40 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 12-15 years
- While the AKC has assigned the Kerry Blue Terries to the Terrier Group, they are also eligible to compete in Herding Trials. They are currently one of two Terrier breeds that are eligible to compete.
- All Kerry Blue puppies are born with a black coat. Around 18 months, most Kerries will begin to fade to a shade of blue, gray, or silver.
- The Kerry is one of the most versatile terrier breeds. They can be trained to hunt small game like rodents and birds, they can retrieve on both land and water, and they are vigilant herders and watchdogs.
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Komondor
- The Komondor is a large-sized breed that weighs between 80-100+ pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 10-12 years
- As with any Hungarian breed, the plural version of Komondor (ko-mon-dor) ends with a ‘K’ (Komondorok)
- The Komondor is an ancient and native breed of the Hungarian region. They have been protecting livestock for farmers for ten centuries.
- While the Komondor can help move herds and flocks when the need arises, their primary job is to protect livestock from predators or rustlers.
- The Komondor is one of seven breeds that can have a corded coat. While it may appear to be a fashionable choice, it does serve a purpose in protecting the inclement weather and from predators. Cording should start no later than 2 years old and you must be dedicated to their upkeep.
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Kuvasz
- The Kuvasz is a large-sized breed that weighs between 70-115 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 10-12 years
- As with our previous breed, the Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahz) is another livestock guardian for Hungary. As with any Hungarian breed, their name will end in a ‘K’ for the plural version (Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock).
- The impressive Kuvasz is affectionate, devoted, and easily trained. With early socialization, they can be wonderful family companions with children and other pets.
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Leonberger
- The Leonberger is a very large-sized breed that weighs between 90-170 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 7 years
- The Leonberger (Pronunciation - Lee-uhn-berger) is truly a gentle giant. They are loveable family members who are great with kids, other dogs, and friendly when meeting new people.
- While the Leo can be an overly friendly breed, they also take their job as watchdog very seriously. They are considered so smart with an ability to use sound judgment in everything they do.
- The Leo was not initially bred to be a working dog but as a companion in the homes of kings, tzars, and also the first president of France. They would later go on to work on farms and pastures and help pull carts. They are also excellent swimmers, making them a great breed to work in harbors and dockyards.
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Norwegian Elkhound
- The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized hound breed that weighs between 48-50 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 12-15 years
- The AKC has assigned the Norwegian Elkhound to the Hound Group. However, they are eligible to compete in Herding Trials.
- The Norwegian Elkhound is a legendary breed of Norse and Viking history. They are considered to be one of the oldest European breeds with records and remains that date back to 4,000 to 5,000 b.c.
- While their appearance is more spitz than a hound, the Elkhound needed to be a breed that could do it all. Their strong athletic bodies and fearless attitude made them superior guardians, trackers, haulers, voyagers, and devoted companions.
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Rat Terrier
- The Rat Terrier is a small-sized breed that weighs between 10-25 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 12-18 years
- The Rat Terrier is a small member of the Terrier Group that comes in two sizes: Miniature (10-13 inches) and Standard (13-18 inches).
- The Rat Terrier is an inquisitive, energetic, and affectionate family companion that is wonderful with children.
- This tough little dog can be a farmer’s best friend. While most farm dogs are either drafters, drovers, or guardians, the determined Rat Terrier specializes in rodent control. Not only will they keep your barn and grains rat and mouse-free, but they will even protect chicken coops from smaller pesky predators.
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Rottweiler
- The Rottweiler is a large-sized breed that weighs between 80-135 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 9-10 years
- The Rottweiler is a member of the AKC Working Group, but they are eligible to compete in Herding Trials.
- The Rottweiler is a descendant of drover and livestock guardians who traveled with the Roman Empire’s army across Europe. They needed to be durable, confident, and protective, which are still key traits in the breed we know today.
- The Rottie has a muscular and powerful presence, and their movement should appear effortless.
- While the Rottie can be a bit aloof when meeting new people, they are generally goofy and playful family companions.
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Samoyed
- The Samoyed is a medium-sized breed that weighs between 35-65 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 12-14 years
- The Samoyed is a member of AKC’s Working Group. However, they are eligible to compete in Herding Trials.
- The Samoyed were originally bred in the fridged and harsh climate of Siberia by the Samoyede people. They were initially watchdogs and reindeer hunters but eventually became their herders and guardians.
- The Sammie was developed to have a thick, all-white coat that functions as a barrier from high winds, ice, and cold temperatures that can drop to negative 60 degrees.
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed that weighs between 30-40 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 12-14 years
- The AKC has assigned the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to the Terrier Group. They are eligible to compete in their Herding Trials.
- The Wheaten is a versatile Irish farming dog. Their chore list included everything from hunting rodents to herding and protecting chicken coops.
- The Wheaten is known for their friendly and merry attitude. They are affectionate companions that are wonderful with children.
- The Wheaten is considered a low-shedding and allergy-friendly breed.
Browse available Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies for sale
Standard Schnauzer
- Is a medium-sized breed that weighs between 30-50 pounds
- Has an average life expectancy of 13-16 years
- AKC has assigned Standard Schnauzer to the Working Group but, they are eligible to compete in Herding Trials.
- While they come in three sizes, the Standard Schnauzer is the original from which the Giant and Miniature were later created. It is important to note that while they may share similar ancestry, each variety is genetically recognized as their own breed.
- The Standard Schnauzer is an all-purpose farming dog that excels as ratters, herders, hunters, and watchdogs.
Browse available Standard Schnauzer puppies for sale
If you’re looking for the perfect puppy to add to your family, browse our available puppies for sale or contact us today!
