Farm dogs

hotair

hotair

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Hi guys

As the winter is starting to cut in I've been considering another dog I want something I can take to the yard with me for company as I'm often the only one there in winter due to working hours. Id also like something that would be able to keep up with horse (17hh long legged beastie) when I ride. Just wondering what kind of dogs you have that would do this and any suggestions of breeds? Dog would live in the house not on the yard but would come with me. Thanks for any ideas
 
I have a Great Dane who I think is ideal for these reasons a. The horses can't miss her so less likely to be stood on b. she hates mud so stays clean c. Intimidating enough to make me feel safe when up there alone d. Not yappy e. Keeps up when riding out but happy to mossy on yard if in ménage and f. Lazy and loving at home. Lol I love my Danes!
 
I have 6 farm dogs. 2 Akbash, 1 Maremma, 2 shepherds and 1 Border Collie. The only ones who ever come riding with me are the shepherds and the collie. The others do what they like; sometimes they'll come out with us at the beginning of a ride but they usually go off home again part way round.

If I wanted a dog for all the reasons you want one, I'd go for a GSD.
 
I have a Border Terrier who comes with me, he's very easy to have a round and the horses like him. He comes out with me when I ride some days and has no problems keeping up. He's also a friendly dog, so he doesn't worry other people when we're riding past. Border's were bred to go out with the hunt and run across rough terrain, so it's in his nature to follow (or lead) us on horseback.
 
Spring Feather said:
I have 6 farm dogs. 2 Akbash, 1 Maremma, 2 shepherds and 1 Border Collie. The only ones who ever come riding with me are the shepherds and the collie. The others do what they like; sometimes they'll come out with us at the beginning of a ride but they usually go off home again part way round.

If I wanted a dog for all the reasons you want one, I'd go for a GSD.
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i was thinking about a german shepherd but heard they can be very much one person dogs and anything i get will be living at home with me and bf how have you found them?
 
thanks for the replys i love great danes but think they might just be a bit to big for my house! my dad has always had collies and theyve always been lovely so there something else to consider. we had a border terrior when i lived at home as a kid and found he was great with me and my mother but was very jelous of anyone else in the house particularly males which put me off them although i know they wont all be the same this one just had an attitude haha
 
MerrySherryRider said:
I have a Border Terrier who comes with me, he's very easy to have a round and the horses like him. He comes out with me when I ride some days and has no problems keeping up. He's also a friendly dog, so he doesn't worry other people when we're riding past. Border's were bred to go out with the hunt and run across rough terrain, so it's in his nature to follow (or lead) us on horseback.
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Another vote for a Border Terrier, mine is wonderful around horses and fairly good to hack out with although he did get spooked last year and ended up planting and not wanting to leave the yard, I resolved this by calling him onto the mounting block and then popping him on the front of my saddle until we got to a near field where everyone could have a canter :D

Mine is certainly not jealous, I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and when OH came along he was turfed out of my bed, he utterly adores my OH and they often go out to work together in the van. He's thrilled to see OH's staff, brothers, other dogs etc, I certainly couldn't wish for a happier friendlier little dog, he's safe with cats, chickens and children. He's full of beans at the yard and wants to play with everyone but when at home is happy to chill out and watch TV.

He's not yappy nor will we lose him to chasing rabbits.
 
I would also say a GSD but then I am biased. It's horses for courses. My current one couldn't give a stuff about anyone apart from me and my mother but we've had others we could - and did - give to anyone to take for a walk.
With a large, slow maturing breed you'd want to wait until 12 months old before doing any sort of high-impact/endurance type work though, to make sure they're fully developed - you don't want one that's broken by the time it's five.
 
We had a springer spaniel that would tough it out through anything, mud, water, ditches. He broke even broke his leg twice. Great farm dog, would follow you around all day and very obedient. Here is a picture of him guarding a new born calf:
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hotair said:
i was thinking about a german shepherd but heard they can be very much one person dogs and anything i get will be living at home with me and bf how have you found them?
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I've grown up my whole life with GSDs and collies so I probably am a bit biased towards them. I think either collie or GSD would suit what you're looking for but it would depend on what size dog you want. All my collies and GSDs have always been very much my dogs. Wherever I happen to be on the farm you can be sure my shepherds and collie will be right by my side. They are like shadows and I would never be without either a shepherd or a collie. Mine are very friendly with people because they are used to many people coming and going on the farm ... however I have no doubt at all that should the need arise ALL of my dogs would snap into protection mode.
 
Another vote for a lab! Mine gets so excited when she see's me tacking up to go out, did wait till she was about a year to 18 months to come but she's not a very big lab and it works really well now, she is so fit and healthy from it! Good size to have around the house and loyal to but also accepts others. My dad has a german shepherd and I would worry about their proneness to arthritis to be keeping up with a cantering horse on a regular basis but they might be fine. She doesn't come as his GF horse kicked her and she scared of them now.
 
I would decide what breeds of dogs you actually like and can provide for (different breeds have differing needs) and then whittle the choice down from there. I also own GSDs and Border Collies and both would be suitable - as long as they are getting plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise as well as plenty of company (neither breed does well being left alone for long periods). As has already been said, if you go for a larger dog, then let it mature before riding out with him/her. If you decide to go for a GSD, have a look at the working lines as they tend to be higher energy. However, they can also be pushy and strong minded, so not suited to everyone. If you want any more info on WL GSD, just give me a shout.
 
Also take into account that in cold weather long haired dogs tend to be less wimpy - I have a long haired GSD who is just hard lol
 
was thinking of a german shepherd or a rotti most likely (and now a springer after seeing the one on here :) ) what are rottis like for stamina i was just wondering as i had a rescue american bull who really struggled with anything more than a 45 min wander.
 
I have always loved Rottweilers and under different circumstances I probably would have had one, however when riding out with dogs you have to keep in mind you may ride on bridleways through farmers fields. I don't know if times have changed but my fear was always, a farmer is unlikely to shoot a collie ... a Rottweiler on the other hand ...
 
I have a border collie who is the best hacking companion, she is a working collie so is well trained and is very obedient so I trust her completely, however she does rush about and would unnerve a horse which wasn't keen on dogs. She is a great yard dog too and knows the routine: muck heap then Dutch barn.
I also have terriers, the border is too lazy and waits by the gate for us and the Jack Russell is not to be trusted unless he has his electric collar on.
 
Spring Feather said:
I have always loved Rottweilers and under different circumstances I probably would have had one, however when riding out with dogs you have to keep in mind you may ride on bridleways through farmers fields. I don't know if times have changed but my fear was always, a farmer is unlikely to shoot a collie ... a Rottweiler on the other hand ...
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Good point ... possibly a valid point about GSDs as well, as many farmers consider them to be sheep worriers without asking questions.
 
Border Collie, not hacked with current one yet but last one used to come out all the time (could keep up at a gallop and a 3 Hr ride was no problem). Hoping this one may be less mess making as very short haired whilst last was long haired. Obedient, loyal, good at yard as will front up to stranger if concerned but would never bite. Get a equafleece to keep most of dog dry (jumper) then only need to hose back legs and jumper doesn't need drying after washing, just shake it out and its pretty much dry.
 
We have a springer x cocker, she's a great farm dog. Bumbles around the yard when we do the cows in the winter, loves the tractor. Doesn't stray far at all one whistle and she's back at your feet (if she's not it's because she's found something tasty or someone to play ball with!). I haven't taken her hacking but don't think that would be too much of an issue, she runs alongside the truck or quad around the farm. She's going to stud next week so fingers crossed for baby Rosies in November :)
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I have a jack Russell cross, she's more Beagle size. Would love to know what breeding is in her! She's the perfect yard dog, and home dog really! She is hardy, socialises well, respects the horses(knows which to avoid!) And easily keeps up on hacks etc. love my wee mongrel lol plus she's vvpretty :) when she gets home she turns into a lap dog but at almost 7 still hasn't realised she's too big bless her!
 
My little beddy whippet is a perfect yard dog-like Velcro whilst doing all my duties has been out on rides too & no prob keeping up. She's as friendly as anything but also sharp enough I think to pick up when something's not right & shows a sterner side to her. When we get home she just crashes out on the sofa - so easy!! I had a border previously - lovely dog but at yard was far more interested in rabbit holes / hedgehogs than me!
 
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