Homesteading or farming in the countryside and outskirts, and that too with dogs? You’re making a mistake!
Though farm dogs take a bit more training for herding birds than they do with mammals, they are worth it.
When they grow through the puppy or teenage (up to 2 years) stage, you can start training them.
I have free-range poultry birds and some herds of goats and sheep, which pasture in the backyard and meadow near the homestead. My two dogs patrol around my property, keeping all animals in a safe zone.
They are very territorial and don’t bother the birds and animals. I have compiled a list of livestock guardian dogs and farm dog breeds that protect animals and the homestead from wild predators and intruders.
1. Great Pyrenees
This is one of the most preferred breeds for keeping as livestock guardian on a homestead and farm.
Originally, they were bred to watch and protect flocks of sheep. As they are mountain dwellers, the guardian dogs have thick, white double coats.
The dogs can also have grey, tan, reddish brown, or badger colored markings on their heads, ears, and tails. But their undercoat is purely white.
Their coat includes long, dense, waterproof, and water-resistant hair, which can make them hardy in the worst climate.
You can recognize them by their pensive stature.
The Pryenees weigh 85 – 110 lbs, and it is easy to care for them considering their size. The secret is that they have a slower metabolism, meaning they eat less than other dogs.
But you need to trim their claws every 2 – 4 weeks, as they have double dewclaws.
Don’t worry, Pryenees make strong bonds with family and herds. You can expect these mammoth dogs to keep predators (coyotes, packs of dogs) away from your homestead animals.
Native: Mountains between France and Spain
Traits: Calm, gentle, friendly, loyal, independent, intelligent, strong protector of sheep and goats
Colors: Primarily white, but also red, grey, badger, tan
Best for: Large, mountainous homesteads with pasture animals
2. Anatolian Shepherd
The ancestors of the Anatolian Shepherd date back to approximately 2000 BC.
They are a broad, muscular breed with a wide chest and strong, sturdy legs, and large, square heads. You can also recognize them by their broad forehead, small, triangular ears, and thick tail.
Like the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepards have thick layers of hair, which can be weather-resistant against cold and wet.
These farm dogs can weigh up to 150 lbs, so their presence itself scares off the predators. Also, their size doesn’t represent their work and speed.
But they are more effective.
Native: Turkey and Asia Minor
Traits: Fierce protector, bold, sturdy, territorial, gentle, intelligent
Colors: Wolf sable, Irish/Dutch markings, tan points, piebald, recessive red, blue, liver,
Best for: Homesteads with predator threats (wolves, coyotes, bears).
3. Border Collie
Border Collie is known as the world’s best herding dog. Historically, they were used for herding sheep in dense prairies or meadows.
They are athletic and short or medium-sized farm dogs. You can notice their smooth or rough and double coat, which features a wide range of patterns.
They boast pricked ears, helicopter ears, tipped ears, and floppy ears.
But what I love about this breed is their eyes, which can range from shades of dark brown to light gold or blue eyes.
They have excellent eyesight and are intense and fierce, which can put pressure on the livestock. This helps the guardian dog easily gather, move, and control flocks and herds.
The predators also feel the eye effect of the Border Collie.
Native: Borders of England and Scotland
Traits: Energetic, highly intelligent, strong work ethic
Colors: Combination: black and whites, red and white, piebald, tri’s, and merles
Best for: Active homesteaders with herding needs (sheep, cattle).
4. Australian Shepherd
If you want farm dog breeds that can work the whole day, without interruption, you may need this dog.
Australian Shepherds are voracious workers and ready to work all the time. So, their high energy and innate herding traits make these dogs ideal candidates for this type of work on farms and homesteads.
They are a midsize breed and fast learners that are great for herding sheep, cows, or even kids.
The males weigh 50-65 lbs, while females range from 40 to 45 lbs. So, it won’t be too worrisome for owners to feed their dogs.
You can notice their athletic build, large bones, and thick fur. They are big shedders, so you need to brush them frequently.
Though they are also called “aussies,” they are not from Australia.
Apart from livestock guards, they also make family dogs. As they need daily activity, it can be a challenge for the average pet owner if they lack work for the dogs.
Native: Western United States, especially California
Traits: Agile, smart, versatile farm helper.
Colors: Black, blue merle, red merle, tan, copper, white
Best for: Medium farms with sheep/cattle (acreage dogs)
5. German Shepherd
You must have heard this breed anywhere in your neighbourhood, too.
German Shepherds are a medium-sized animal with a double coat that contains a dense, harsh, wavy fur (closer layering of outer and soft undercoat).
Also, the muscled dogs have slightly longer than tall, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail.
The male dogs weigh 65 – 90 lbs, while the females are around 50 – 70 lbs.
In addition to guarding property in residential areas, German Shepherds can also make good livestock or farm dogs. They are a highly trainable and versatile breed that can serve multiple purposes on a farm.
I like their physical capabilities, including strength, stamina, agility, and their work ethic.
So, they are easy to work with and need regular work.
Originally bred to herd sheep, these dogs can serve as both livestock guardians and protectors of the homestead and farm.
Native: German
Traits: Courageous, loyal, intelligent, trainable, protective.
Colors: Black, black and cream, black and silver, black and red, black and tan, blue, sable, white, gray, liver,
Best for: Farms needing a multi-purpose dog (guard + family)
6. Maremma Sheepdog
Marema Sheepdog is a lookalike of the Great Pyrenees with white fluffy fur and strong protective instincts.
But Marema are more independent and aloof if left alone too long, so you need to interact with them regularly.
These are large and heavy dogs with a sturdy and muscular build, a coarse protective coat, and a warm undercoat. They boast deep, rounded chests, muscular loins and thighs, low-set tails, and stout necks.
I find they have bear kike head.
Adult males can weigh between 75 and 180 lbs, while females typically grow from 65 to 170 lbs.
Their unmatched presence of mind can help you reduce the loss of livestock and deter wild predators from farms and homesteads. But they are less common in pet dogs among families.
Native: Southern Italy
Traits: Calm, gentle with livestock, strong guardian instinct
Colors: White, cream, ivory, lemon, or pale orange
Best for: Smaller farms and homestead herds
7. Belgian Malinois
Don’t mistake a Belgian Malinois for a German Shepherd.
But Malinois are smaller, more energetic, and like to bond more closely with one individual or owner rather than the entire family.
Like German Shepherds, Malinois boast heavy bones, deep chests, short, strong loins, and muscular build. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and athletic abilities.
These dogs have an average weight, ranging from 60 to 80 lbs for males and 40 to 60 lbs for females.
I like their stamina and need for regular exercise.
As they have short fur, Belgian Malinois can adapt to various climates without making a fuss. But they require an experienced handler.
I don’t recommend this breed to someone who is just starting out on their journey.
Traits: Highly alert, loyal, protective
Colors: Silver, cream, fawn, grey, red, or mahogany
Best for: Livestock protection and property security
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy workers that can grow over 27 inches at the shoulder. Also, the males weigh 80 – 115 lbs while females grow from 70 to 95 lbs.
You can recognize them by their gentle faces and long fur, tri-colored, and silky coat.
Due to their calm and affectionate nature, they are often referred to as devoted family companions. They are very friendly with owners and kids.
These dogs are naturally hard workers and devoted to pleasing.
Their huge size helps scare predators and intruders.
Besides, they manage cattle and flocks with their alert and attentive instincts, even in heavy snowfall and harsh winter conditions.
Native: Switzerland
Traits: loyal, loving companion, intelligent, strong, self-confident, generally easygoing
Colors: Black, rust, and white
Best for: Farms with predator problems + Family pet
9. Akbash
I have included Akbash in the list for their superior strength and a strong sense of hearing.
They are big-sized farm dogs with a wedge-shaped head, deep chest, arched loin, long legs, pendant ears, and a long tail. The adult dogs can weigh anywhere from 80 to 140 lbs.
Akbash are slightly longer in proportion than height and a muscular dog with strength, great courage, and stamina.
They are highly devoted, loyal, and territorial to their herd, family, and property. Their strong natural wariness of predators and strangers makes the Akbash excellent guard dogs.
Native: Turkey
Traits: Calm, watchful, confident, and independent
Colors: Pure white or biscuit
Best for: Rural farms, sheep, goats, and poultry protection.
10. Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)
I prefer calling it Australian Cattle Dog, which is known for being hard-working, intelligent, and very loyal to the owner and family.
It is a medium-sized dog, with fearless, high-energy, and strongly protective in temperament.
They are also called Blue Heelers or Red Heelers based on their colors. You can recognize them by their sturdy, stocky or muscular, compact look.
The dogs look muscular, with a powerful muzzle and jaw.
Australian Cattle Dogs also have a strong head and a slightly curved, broad skull, and a natural, long, undocked tail. They weigh 35 – 50 lbs.
Native: Australia
Traits: Energetic, hardworking, intelligent, loyal, strong, protective instinct
Colors: Red and blue
Best for: Cattle farms
Final Thoughts
When selecting farm dog breeds, you need to consider obtaining a dog either from genetic lines or one that is currently performing the job you want.
Also, farm or livestock dogs have natural instinct for herding, but they need lots of training and mental stimulation.
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