Farm dogs are hardworking, hardy, durable, working animals. Depending on the type of work that they are used for, they may need to be highly protective, entirely independent, or capable of standing up to the largest and toughest of livestock and predators. They will have to put in a great deal of arduous work. While some prefer and even benefit from living outdoors, others prefer to join the family in the evening.
There are different types of ranch dogs, including herding dogs, ratters, and dogs that guard livestock. Each has different skills related to their task, though some breeds are considered multi-purpose canines because they meet all the requirements of each category.
Here are the top 15 farm dog breeds that are well-suited for ranch life.
The 15 Best Farm Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
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The Border Collie ticks just about every box there is if someone is looking for a herding dog. They are incredibly smart animals, capable of picking up dozens of commands. They can respond to whistles, shouts, and calls, and they have an endless pit of energy that they can draw from. Incredibly affectionate and a great addition to the family, Border Collies just seem to “get it” and instinctively know what is expected of them.
2. Great Pyrenees
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Great Pyrenees are big dogs used as guard dogs. They are intelligent and can be easily trained, but they are prized for their independence, so they have a bit of a strong will. A Pyrenees is not only protective of their cattle but also of their human family. They do tend to roam, though, and may push their physical borders, so it is a good idea to have fencing installed.
3. Corgi
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The Welsh Corgi or Pembroke Corgi is one of the shorter herding dogs. This clever breed is surprisingly fast and strong. Although primarily considered a herder, the Corgi is also protective of their land and family, so they’re a multi-purpose dog that can perform the required tasks of several ranch dogs.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
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The Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler, is an effective and well-known herder. They got the name Heeler because of their tendency to gently nip at the heels of large cattle, a tactic that helps them control their charges. They also make a great guard dog and respond well to training, typically able to pick up new commands quickly. They’re also hardy and will work well in any weather conditions.
5. Australian Shepherd
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Despite their name, the Australian Shepherd actually hails from America, where they were bred as a sheepdog or herder. They genuinely enjoy spending time outdoors, and like the Border Collie, they will work for hours on end without needing a break. They are also similarly intelligent and can be taught a host of commands and jobs. Be prepared for your Aussie to try herding up the kids if they’re kept as one of the family and not working.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
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The Anatolian Shepherd is a shepherd by name but a guard dog by nature. They’re strong and tireless and are more than happy working as a companion dog to their owner. They will fiercely protect their handler and their herd from wild predators. Train an Anatolian Shepherd when they’re young, and once they know what is expected of them, they will work independently without the constant need for guidance and commands.
7. German Shepherd
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We have become accustomed to seeing German Shepherds as police dogs and working with the armed forces. But this breed makes an exceptional ranch dog and has all the skills to be a multi-purpose worker. They’re protective of their animals, are a capable herder, and certainly have the jaws and teeth to kill rodents and small animals. These dogs are clever and easy to train by experienced hands too.
8. Rottweiler
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The Rottweiler is a German dog that makes an exceptional multi-purpose farm dog. Their size, stature, and bravery mean they can hold their own even with larger cattle. They also have a commanding bark, which is enough for most animals to listen. However, the Rottweiler needs an experienced handler, somebody who knows how to be the pack leader. Otherwise, they can become aggressive.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a cattle dog that is highly skilled in guarding their herd. This breed is incredibly rugged and was bred to protect cattle in mountain regions. They don’t do well in hot climates, though, and much prefer cold and wintry conditions. They shouldn’t be used as a herding dog because they have a strong pack instinct. That said, they can be a bit of a roamer if left to their own devices.
10. Old English Sheepdog
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Old English Sheepdogs are herders. Rather than nipping at the heels of cattle, though, they literally throw their weight around and bump into the cattle to encourage them in a particular direction. This breed can grow to a sizeable weight of 100 pounds or more.
11. Dalmatian
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We have become accustomed to seeing Dalmatians in police and fire stations. The reason for their use in this role is that they are intelligent and trainable. They are also fearless, courageous, and brave. They are primarily used as protectors on ranches, but they are also great companion dogs. The Dalmatian requires human company and does not fare well if left to live outdoors alone.
12. Komondor
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The Komondor has a distinctive look and is commonly referred to as a “mop dog.” Their dreadlocks help protect them from cold and wet weather, though they may struggle in the heat. This breed is a guard dog and will protect their herd, human family, and territory. As with all guard dogs, they should be socialized early and often to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
The Shetland Sheepdog, which also goes by the names of Sheltie and Scotch Collie, is a tireless herding dog. Although they are not used as often, they are as intelligent as the Border Collie. Their staggering intelligence means that while the Sheltie is traditionally employed as a herder, they can be trained to perform virtually any number of tasks and will also make a great companion dog on the ranch and in the home.
14. Jack Russell Terrier
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The Jack Russell is, in some respects, a typical small dog. They think that they are much larger than their diminutive size, and they have a bark to match their ego. The Jack Russell is an exceptional ratter, while their playful and inquisitive nature means that they are a great companion dog and will fit in just as well at home as at the ranch. This breed can be a bit of a challenge, though, and is likely to get into a lot of mischief. Their digging ability means that they’re difficult to keep in a single location.
15. Rat Terrier
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The Rat Terrier is a ratter that doubles as an excellent companion dog. They are feisty, energetic escapologists and are capable of digging and jumping over surprisingly high barriers. They love to play and treat just about everything as a game. They do require experienced handling, but there is barely a situation that they aren’t willing to get involved in.
Choosing the Best Ranch Dog
Ranch dogs have a lot of roles to fulfill, from herder,companion, and guard dog to rat catcher. At least a certain degree of advanced intelligence is required from a ranch dog; otherwise, they won’t learn what is (and isn’t) expected of them. Hopefully, this list has given you a few ideas of the best farm dog for you, but there are dozens of other exceptionally capable working dogs that can become an integral part of your ranch team.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
