The best farm dogs are often the life and soul of the whole enterprise! Whether you’re farming crops, looking after livestock or you’ve got a small holding with a handful of animals, a farm dog can make all the difference.
From rodent control to herding sheep, there are endless jobs for dogs to do on the farm and lots of breeds are more than happy to (and many are specifically bred to!) lend an extra paw around the farm.
All they ask for in return is some of the best dog food to nourish their bodies and one of the best dog beds for them to rest in after a hard day's work. Now, let's get into which breeds make the best farm dogs.
Best farm dogs
1. Border Collie
One of the smartest dog breeds, and possibly the most iconic sheep herding dog, Border Collies thrive on the farm. With endless jobs for them to do and all the opportunities to burn off their energy, they were made for farm life. They are happiest when working and are eager to learn new things.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and like to have a job to do. They have natural protective qualities that will make them great guard dogs.
They are also a high-energy dog breed so will enjoy having the time to assist in herding or running around the farm.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
With large and powerful bodies, the Bernese Mountain Dog is made for farm living. They were originally bred for farming jobs such as herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding the farm.
Their thick fluffy coats will keep them warm when temperatures drop, but keep in mind they will require regular grooming to stay looking their best.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
Often called "Heelers", the Australian Cattle Dogs are known for being quick and agile and will nip at the heels of livestock to herd them along – they’re definitely the best farm dogs for cattle herding.
This Australian breed is hardy, strong and full of energy, so having jobs on the farm is perfect for them.
5. Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is all about life on the farm. Originally bred for herding, they can spend a good portion of their day doing physical tasks.
They are also highly intelligent so will pick up on quick and easy tricks to teach your dog in a flash.
6. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are well suited to life on the farm. They were originally used for herding sheep in farms across the United States. As they thrive on having tons of stimulation, the enjoy learning and pick up commands quickly.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are just one of the terrier types that make great farm dogs. They’re small, but this breed in particular can be quite feisty and full of puppy energy.
But don't let their playfulness fool you, they can take their jobs quite seriously; they are prolific ratters, and will dedicate themselves to catching rodents around the farm.
8. Smooth fox terrier
These smart, slim gents are one of the larger terrier breeds. Like most terriers, they are excellent vermin catchers, but their long legs meant they could keep up with fox hunts while being able to squeeze into dens after foxes and badgers.
Fox terriers can also have wire hair, but the smooth variety won’t attract quite as much farm muck!
9. Anatolian Shepherd
Originating from Turkey, the Anatolian shepherd was bred to guard livestock. They have retained these instincts throughout the years and are still frequently used as guard dogs on farms.
10. Australian Kelpie
One of the most active and energetic Australian dog breeds, the Australian kelpie will be a great addition to any farm. They have endless energy and are perfect for herding livestock.
This is a hardworking breed and will do best when they have jobs to do.
11. Rough collie
Rough collies are very versatile in the type of jobs they can do. Often used as hunting dogs as well as farm dogs, this breed is known for being highly intelligent and athletic.
They need plenty of exercise and so are well suited to the open spaces on farms.
12. Carin Terrier
While they may be small in stature, the Cairn Terrier more than makes up for it in their abilities as a watch dog and a ratter.
They’re also small enough to ride in the cab of a tractor, sprayer or combine to keep farmers company in the hours they spend working the fields.
13. Maremma Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdogs have a natural protective instinct that makes them excellent guard dogs. They are typically used to protect livestock and scare off predators with their size and impressive bark.
They have a waterproof double layer coat, so they are prepared for a day's work on the farm no matter what the weather.
14. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their majestic and calm state. While they are not typically classed as a high-energy breed, this does not mean they are an especially calm breed.
Bred as guard dogs, they keep an eye on livestock and choose to preserve their energy until there is a potential threat from a predator. Although who would want to challenge a dog this size, we don't know!
15. English Shepherd
Not one to shy away from hard work, the English Shepherd is an American herding breed more than capable of handling any farm job thrown at them. From herding sheep to catching rodents, the English Shepherd is built for farm life.
16. Akbash
Akbash dogs are large and mighty. Due to their natural instincts to guard and protect, they can be wary of strangers. As such, they are among the best farm dogs for guarding and keeping the family safe.
Don't let their standoff-ish nature fool you, they are incredibly loyal to their pet parent and can be coaxed with a long lasting dog chew to munch on while they are hard at work.
17. Kangal Shepherd
Another breed hailing from Turkey, the Kangal shepherd can weigh up to 145 lbs, so it is no wonder this large dog breed is used for protecting the farm.
These dogs are very alert and are generally not very vocal. So if you hear them barking at something, it is worth checking it out.
18. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are super versatile and excel at many different tasks. They are very smart, and athletic and enjoy working alongside their humans.
They need plenty of exercise, so things like herding sheep or just keeping you company while you log countless miles around the farm are just the thing for these pups.
19. Catahoula Leopard Dog
This tall and muscular American breed was built for working the farm, especially herding cattle and sheep. You could definitely imagine a Catahoula Leopard Dog at heels of an American Quarter Horse ridden by a cowboy!
20. Tibetan Mastiff
Hailing from the Himalayan mountains, their thick coats are built to keep them nice and toasty. Tibetan Mastiffs are protectors by nature and are often used to guard livestock.
21. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are full of running of could absolutely go all day around the farm! They are great for a variety of jobs, from scent work and tracking to fetching fallen game birds.
They’re happiest when busy, so are some of the best farm dogs for companionship but could also be great shooting partners.
22. Bearded collie
Just like their other collie counterparts, bearded collies are smart, athletic and great for farm work – they just have much longer coats!
23. Newfoundland
Newfoundland, or "Newfies" are the gentle giants of the dog world. They are excellent watchdogs and will look out for their pet parents just as much as the livestock they have been tasked with watching over.
Newfies also love the water which is great because there are endless ways your dog benefits from swimming.
24. Rottweiler
This breed may have a reputation for being aggressive, but with the right training and pet parent, Rottweilers can be the perfect addition to any farm.
Naturally bred to protect, they are often used as guard dogs. They are also easy to train and will enjoy the challenge of learning new tasks.
25. German Shorthaired Pointer
A breed of German descent, the German Shorthaired Pointer was developed to be an all-purpose gundog. They’re strong, agile and hard-working and while they don’t typically get involved in herding, they definitely have the speed and staypower to keep up with a herding breed.
26. Belgian Malinois
Originally bred for herding, the Belgian Malinois is well suited to life on the farm. They require loads of mental and physical stimulation and so will enjoy keeping busy herding and watching over other animals.
27. Dalmatian
A playful breed at heart, Dalmatians know when it's time to work. They were originally bred to run alongside horses and carriages, keeping them safe from other animals. They need plenty of exercise to satisfy their high-energy nature, so farm life is perfect.
28. Vallhund
Originally bred to herd cattle, kill rodents, and guard the home, farm life is in their blood. Vallhunds are a Swedish breed and have bucket loads of energy to drain, making jobs around the farm perfect for them.
29. American Foxhound
All about their noses, this breed was prized among both hunters and farmers. Their ability to follow a trail is just one of the traits that make them excellent farm companions.
They are also very alert, intelligent, and very sociable making them helpful partners to anyone on the farm.
30. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Primarily used as guard dogs as well as for herding, this breed is a great companion to have around the farm. Greater Swiss mountain dogs are incredibly strong but are surprisingly agile and would often herd animals on mountains.
31. Rat terrier
As their name implies, the rat terrier was originally bred to work on farms and hunt rats. They are a small breed, but are quite muscular and very fast enabling them to put their hunting instincts to use.
They are a high-energy breed, so will require plenty of time to run around.
32. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are a British breed that was originally bred to assist the hounds during foxhunts. They are small but mighty and have high levels of energy to burn through and require plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical.
Want to learn more about dogs with a job? Here are the best service dog breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on April 1, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
