Dogs For protection

Anatolian Shepherd - Although this breed from Turkey is called a “shepherd,” they do not make great herding dogs. Pictured above, these dogs were traditionally used as a shepherd’s companion and as a protector from wild animals.

Intelligent and loyal pups in this breed are easy to train. In addition, this rugged breed does well living outside in many climate types.

They are independent, and once trained, they can make the right decisions without their master standing over them. These pooches are territorial. While that is a good trait in protector dogs, care must be taken to teach them what truly is a threat.

Anatolian Shepherds will often expand their protected territory outside your boundaries, so fencing is recommended.

Dalmatians - With tons of energy, Dalmatians need a lot of exercise and diversion. This makes them great for working on a farm.

These fur babies are descended from the old dogs of war and still retain that bravery and courage.

You often see this breed in fire stations and police stations because they are intelligent and easy to train.

Not only do they make good protector dogs, but they also make great companions too. Their endurance means they can keep up with whatever you have in mind.

Like other guarding breeds, these four-legged family members can become aggressive and destructive if bored or left alone too much. Although tough dogs do well on the outside, you need to make sure they get plenty of human companionships.

Great Pyrenees - These white giants look cuddly and friendly but don’t let that fool you. They are very protective. The breed was developed to guard livestock, and they can do that without much human intervention.

Unlike some other watchdogs, these fur-babies are gentle and mild-mannered. They make great family pets. Being sensitive to human emotion, it is better to train these majestic animals with reward-based training rather than punishment-based training.

While they are intelligent, they are stubborn. Unfortunately, this stubborn streak makes them harder to train. Canines of this breed need consistent obedience, pack leader, and socialization training.

Komondor - With a corded coat, this dog is easily recognizable as the one that looks like a mop. It isn’t just for looks either.

This coat protects these farm dog breeds from attacks and helps them weather many climate conditions. Independent and suspicious, these fur-babies make great livestock guards.

They aren’t all business, either. They have a silly, playful side to go with their silly-looking hair.

While not guarding livestock, they will guard you and your family with an intense, alert stare.

Komondors prefer to be the only dog around. Like all good guard dogs, they are territorial and suspicious. They need to be well socialized with different people and animals from puppyhood so that they do not become overly aggressive.

Great Herding Dogs

Australian Cattle Dog - These compact dogs make great herders. Their size makes it easy for them to dash in and out of the herd and through and between legs.

Dogs in this breed are intelligent and easy to train, but they still retain some independent thought, making them entertaining companion dogs. Affectionate and kid-friendly, these four-legged family members aren’t just working dogs. However, they are suspicious of strangers and will make an excellent watchdog. Their short, wiry coat is easy to care for after a long day in the fields.

While these farm dog breeds are easy to train, they are rather sensitive to criticism. Therefore, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. They need a trainer that can be firm and consistent but also gentle and loving.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi - I’ll admit that I was a little surprised that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes a great herding dog. In fact, they try to herd everything, including children. But, since they are brave defenders, they may even keep your farm free of vermin.

While they are not considered aggressive, these farm dog breeds will sound the alarm if anyone dares to approach its space. Intelligent and obedient, this breed is even recommended for inexperienced dog owners.

Like a Dachshund, Corgis have a long spine. Therefore, they should avoid climbing stairs as much as possible. These four-legged family members love to eat, so care must be taken, so they don’t pack on the pounds. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog.

Border Collie - A much-loved breed, the Border Collie is one of the most popular arm dogs in the world. Their intelligence and intuition make them great for just starting to learn how to train a farm dog.

These gentle and loving dogs make excellent family dogs. One of the smartest dogs in the world, they can learn a wide variety of tasks and tricks.

These pooches will be great around kids and strangers alike. One cannot overstate the amount of energy and stamina that these dogs have. They need daily activity and exercise that keeps them mentally and physically fulfilled.

Old English Sheepdog - While you might think that this dog’s hair should be cut away from his eyes, it is actually great in protecting this fur-babies vision while on the trail.

Like all good herders, this dog can stay on the task at hand. It doesn’t wander, and it isn’t easily distracting. This is a sensitive, loyal dog. They are quick learners and do not need harsh training methods. They are friendly and loving and do well and households with children and other pets.

With a thick coat, the Old English sheepdog is not suited for warmer climates. They shed a bit, and their hair needs constant attention to prevent matting.

This is not a breed that can be left outside to fend for itself. These farm dog breeds need almost constant human companionship to be healthy and happy.

Rough Collie - While they are not as well known, they are considered intelligent as the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog.

Sweet and lovable, dogs of this breed make excellent companion dogs for families with children.

They love to bark and make great watchdogs. While a traditional herder can be trained to perform other duties on a farm, such as fetching items or pulling carts.

Their barking can easily get out of control, and they will need gentle but consistent training to avoid nuisance barking. While they are sturdy outdoors dogs, they need daily human companionship to be mentally and physically healthy. They love to chew and dig and will need diversions to curb this desire.

Please do bear in mind that everything in this post is strictly advisory and has been gathered from various reputable sources from the internet. We're not vets, and you should always seek professional advice if you ever have concerns.

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