Almost every homestead has a dog, after all it is a man or woman’s best friend right? Those of us who are smart, will actually take time to select the best dog breed for their homestead. Just the same way they would do when choosing the right chicken breed for your homestead.

There are many different tasks that dogs can help you with. For example some are good at guarding and protecting the homestead as well as livestock. Then there is others who are great for herding your livestock, whilst others actually keep the pest population under control. Some of the breeds have the ability to handle two or more tasks.

1. Livestock Guardians

This is a breed that should grow be acquired as puppies and allowed to grow within the livestock. These breeds work well with chickens, goats, sheep and others. They include Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Komondor and Maremma.

2. Home Protection

The best way to choose the right breed for home protection, is to consider your homestead needs. These breeds include Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxers, German Shepherd, Great Danes and Newfoundlands.

3. Herding

These breeds have mastered the art or controlling and guiding your livestock as directed by you. Although it is easier to buy a trained dog, they tend to be more expensive. Some of these breeds provide protection as well. They include Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Bouvier des Flandres and Welsh Corgie.

4. Pest Control

When you think of pests on the homestead do you think of rodents, foxes, badgers, or moles. Well you will be happy to know that there are some breeds that can help you control infestations. These are Dachshunds, German Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Rat Terrier as well as any other terrier.

You can get more information on the Imperfectly Happy blog, here…

The Best Homestead Dog Breeds

You can watch the video below on the best dog for the homestead…

You can watch the video below on livestock guardian dogs…

You can watch the video below on the defenders of the homestead…

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