On our homestead, we currently have two border collie/heeler mixes that make for some fun and loving farm dogs! But, in a few years, they may no longer be with us and we need to know the best dog breeds for the homestead.
After picking up the book Farm Dogs by Janet Vorwald Dohner, I felt confident in the different types of dog breeds for the homestead! This book was a fantastic resource for me when I wanted to do more research on the topic.
You see, we weren’t homesteading when we purchased our first two dogs. As we have transitioned our life, they have transitioned their role. Instead of sleeping inside all day and night, they run around and guard the property. Instead of playing with random chew toys, they chew on bones left over from butchering days.
And instead of being bored in the house, they know that they have a specific task and role to play each day on the homestead! Our dogs protect our animals and warn us of intruders.
There are so many benefits to having a dog on the homestead, but you will want to pick the best dog breeds for the homestead first before making a commitment!
Farm Dogs by Janet Vorwald Dohner also answers questions about rescue dogs, crossbreeds, developing breeds, and raising sibling pairs together.
Here are our top picks of dog breeds for the homestead or farm that you may want to look into as well!
Let’s check them out…
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Livestock Guardian Dogs
These dogs are ancient shepherd’s dogs that were used to protect flocks from predators like wolves, bears, and big cats. They are large fluffy dogs that live outside full time, trained to properly do their job and not play around. However, they do need a human companion to take orders from.
They should have complete access to the property for complete protection but also a fenced-in area, whether physical, underground or GPS collar to prevent wandering. They do not herd livestock.
LGDs are known to bark all evening, be dominant and independent, and constantly try to expand their territory.
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Anatolian Shepherd Dog
This breed originated in Turkey but is popular among ranchers and farm owners all over the United States. We like this breed because they are readily available, can deal with large predators, and can handle our cold climate.
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Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is also a widely available breed, but that is because it has turned into a companion or family dog for most people. However, they still have a history and nature towards protecting their home if the right breeder is found.
They have a lower energy and lower reactivity threshold, making them one of the dog breeds for the homestead that is very pleasant to have around.
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Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a beautiful dog that is constantly observing potential threats. If the right breeder is found, then this dog breed can be amazing around the family while also very alert of their surroundings to protect your livestock.
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Herding Dogs
Herding dogs are different in the sense that they are a “living fence” and work to move livestock and/or keep them in place. They are certainly very intelligent making them easier to train. They are also typically smaller but full of energy.
These dogs have an amazing sense of power despite their size, inserting leadership and dominance. The intensity they display is what makes them ideal for the job!
A herding dog may be for you if you need different types of herding work done on your homestead or farm. But, remember, they don’t guard livestock.
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Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Heeler
This is one of the dog breeds on the homestead known to be a problem solver. Its quick, high energy, high prey drive makes it a great worker, especially with cattle. We love this breed because, with proper training, it is highly protective of the family and still has the agility to manage a flock.
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Australian Shepherd
With obedience training and proper socialization, this dog breed will be attentive to the task at hand. We love that this dog breed is adaptable and could even herd our chickens or rabbits! The herding trait is an instinct to them.
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Border Collie
The Border Collie is similar to the Australian Shepherd but may require even more stimulation. They also need a job to stay sane throughout the day. Our Border Collie mixes love to play fetch and have great balance and fast reflexes. They may require professional training to use them for herding tasks.
Related Post: 6 Reasons We Don’t Pasture Raise Our Meat Rabbits Anymore
Terriers/Earthdogs
Terriers are known to hunt small animals and rodents for various reasons and purposes throughout history. They are quite small but have high energy, drive, and aggression.
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Jack Russell Terrier
I love that this dog breed is always ready for an adventure! They need socialization to maintain their dog aggression but can be a wonderful addition to the farm in hunting down small annoying or threatening rodents. We love that this dog can also make a great family companion if boundaries are in place.
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Multipurpose Farm Dogs
These dogs are considered jack-of-all-trades because they just want to be extra help and companion around the farm. While most people don’t actually choose dogs for their farm within this dog breed category, I think they should.
In fact, our next dog on the homestead will likely come from this category. We want a dog that has a good temperament and working ability while still providing some protection and herding instincts.
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Newfoundland
This dog is known to be sweet, dependent, and has low energy. But, on the farm, this dog can still offer protection of the home and property with a deep bark. They can also cart things around for you!
Newfies are also known to be great swimmers and aid in water rescue often. We love that this dog breed can work and be outside while still maintaining balance. They won’t bark the entire night are wander off too far like a standard livestock guardian dog.
Related Post: How Much Does It Really Cost To Raise Your Own Backyard Chickens?
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Bernese Mountain Dog
This is also one of the dog breeds for the homestead that has a wonderful temperament. They are supportive during farm chores and can cart around items. However, the energy level is also low to be categorized specifically as an LGD or herding dog.
We love that this dog can be both a herding dog at times and a watchdog at times if the right breeder is selected and it stays healthy.
Our Pick Out Of All The Dog Breeds For The Homestead
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Hovawart
Right now, we are leaning towards the Hovawart for our next farm dog if a reputable breeder in the United States can be found. These dogs are great with families, protective of their home, and are always inventing jobs to do to stay busy.
They are dominant and protective, enjoying an active lifestyle, which sounds perfect for our homestead!
Which of these dog breeds for the homestead will you be choosing? I’d love to know in the comments below! And be sure to read Farm Dogs by Janet Vorwald Dohner before making a final decision.
Kelsey at GoodPointGrandma
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