10 Best Farm Dog Breeds for Work and Companionship

For centuries, dogs have helped humans with farm work. Many dog breeds adapt well to rural countryside life. Some breeds have been developed specifically to excel in farming tasks, such as herding livestock, guarding the farm and its residents, exterminating vermin, or assisting in other duties.

Here are 10 breeds that are considered a good match for farm life.

Breed Characteristics

These dog breeds tend to be intelligent, hardy, and athletic dogs that enjoy the great outdoors. While they vary greatly in size and temperament, they're all known for being driven to do their jobs.

01 of 10

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale terrier is the largest of all the terrier types, traditionally bred to work as versatile, all-around farm dogs. Airedales have the natural terrier prey drive and make excellent vermin catchers, but they're also keen protectors of their land. With the right training, they can help to drive livestock.

Breed Overview

02 of 10

Australian Cattle Dog

If you have livestock that need to be driven over long distances, you won't find a more hardy or determined candidate for the job than the Australian cattle dog. Also known as heelers, they got this name because they guide cattle by nipping at their feet. Cattle dogs are intensely loyal, intelligent, and eager to please. They also can be territorial. This is helpful if you're looking for a watchdog, but proper socialization is necessary to prevent their guarding instincts from becoming an issue.

Breed Overview

03 of 10

Australian Shepherd

Despite their name, Australian shepherds were developed in the U.S. as intelligent, energetic, and loyal herders. They have long been associated with herding cattle out on the high plains of the American West. While they tend to be affectionate and eager to please, these dogs need lots of mental stimulation and exercise. Aussies also can be shy around strangers, so early and ongoing socialization is important.

Breed Overview

04 of 10

Border Collie

Developed on the Scottish-English border for their natural ability and drive to herd sheep, border collies continue to be widely used as working farm dogs around the world. Many experts argue that the border collie is the smartest dog breed. These dogs are known for their obedience, loyalty, and desire to please. Border collies' work ethic is incredibly strong, and ensuring they have a job to do will help them to thrive. This is why they also excel in dog sports.

Breed Overview

05 of 10

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The low-slung Pembroke Welsh corgi is one of the smallest herding breeds. Developed in rural Wales to herd cattle and guard the farm, these dogs gained popularity as a favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Corgis are smart, hardworking, and affectionate dogs. They aren't as intense or energetic as some other herding breeds, which makes them a popular family pet. But they still need plenty of exercise and socialization. And they can be prolific barkers and might nip at heels.

Breed Overview

06 of 10

Anatolian Shepherd

These powerful and independent livestock guardian dogs originated from Turkey, where they were bred to withstand harsh conditions and develop natural resilience. Anatolian shepherds are large, robust dogs that can handle large livestock and are known for their excellent guarding and protective instincts. They're intelligent dogs with problem-solving abilities that help them adapt to different challenges they may encounter on a farm. While Anatolian Shepherds are fiercely protective, they're not known to be overly aggressive or prone to unnecessary barking, which can be beneficial on a farm where a calm and controlled presence is often desired.

Breed Overview

07 of 10

Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch shepherd, also called the Dutch herder, is sometimes confused with its German shepherd relative. This lesser-known breed is actually regarded as easier to train. Although Dutch shepherds were developed for their herding skills, these dogs were prized for their versatility. For instance, they can also pull carts and guard farms. Known for being loyal, affectionate, and eager to please, Dutchies can make excellent companion dogs, too.

Breed Overview

08 of 10

Great Pyrenees

If you're searching for a family-friendly dog that makes an excellent livestock or farmyard guardian, even in cold climates, look no further than the Great Pyrenees. These dogs are still used today to guard livestock in the mountainous region between France and Spain, where they hail from. They're known for being calm, affectionate, and devoted to their family, including children. While they're gentle with those they know, they're also excellent watchdogs.

Breed Overview

09 of 10

German Shepherd

The German shepherd is known for being a versatile and intelligent working dog. Smart, hardworking, highly trainable, loyal, and protective, they make good multipurpose farm dogs. They have strong natural guarding and herding skills. Lots of positive reinforcement training is necessary to get the best from your German shepherd. Their guarding instincts can become excessive if not kept in check, and they'll need appropriate socialization.

Breed Overview

10 of 10

Jack Russell Terrier

If you have a barn, stable, or other farmyard building that you want to keep free of pests, then the Jack Russell terrier could be the perfect fit. Highly proficient, brave, and determined vermin catchers, Jack Russells have lots of personality and love to play. They're also known for being hardy and healthy. But they can be feisty and strong-willed, so consistent training is a must.

Breed Overview

Breeds to Avoid

Some dogs were bred primarily as companions rather than to work. Thus, those dogs aren’t typically the rugged, athletic canines you see working on farms. Some breeds that are better suited to a lap than a field include the coton de Tulear, chihuahua, Maltese, shih tzu, and bichon frise.

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