Farmall Cub

Thinking of getting a farm dog. Hoping to have some advise on breeds. I need a dog that wont mind being outside, knows what its side of the fence is. Wants to keep deer and rabits out, knows not to chase cattle or pigs or suck eggs and eat chicken. Was thinking of English Shepherd.

This is like asking what brand oil is the best, but probably the best for your use in my opinion is a border collie. Intelligent, and good around animals and kids. Ours was easy to train, and a big help when we needed to move animals. Whatever you get though, you will have a head start if you get one that was raised on a farm, or in the country, not from a puppy mill.

Golden retreiver can ask for a better dog in the world. doesn't mess with the chickens, ducks, cats, horses or cows. But he will kill a ground hog in a second hates them and squirrels.

I can say what breed NOT to get!--Black lab.!--they kill everything in sight!!--my uncles had one!! ---Killed every pheasant, rabbit, chicken,etc. in 5 mile radius of home!--even chased deers, caught a couple! killed groundhogs, dug up field lane gettin' ground squirrels, got several tree squirrels too!---if it moved that dog killed it!!!! thanks; sonny

Sonny we had the exact opposite with a Black Lab. Bev is the trainer tough and that may be the secret. Dog loved every thing and everybody. Kids could jump on pull it's ears or tail, no problem. From 100 yards either of us could whistle, point to the ground and she would sit and stay till told OK. One time a ground hog poked it's head out, Bev said "Get it Pokey" and over time all the ground hogs in the neighborhood were at Bev's feet with a tail wagging dog there also. Only thang she hasn't trained. Guess who? Fortunately she is still trying.

I don't think the breed has near as much to do with it as much as how much time you want to spend on training it. My son has a great dane that is a gentle as all get out but.. no matter what runs through the field will meet its maker. Border collies are in my opinion the easiest dogs to train. The best companions I have ever had was ones rescued from the pound. All can be great if treated with a little love. (kinda like men) Whatever you get you can train it to be what you want. The most difficult dog I ever met was a springer spaniel. Beautiful dog but 75% are brain dead. (gonna catch it over that statement) Good luck Grump

I agree with John and Grump on the Border Collie. Once they are taught you should have no problems. You just have to remember not to let them learn something you will regret. They are too smart to forget anything. Depending on how well they are trained decides if you need a fenced yard. My barnyard (3 1/2 acres) is totally surrounded by 4' chain link. One of mine will chase cars if let loose.


Flash and Bandit can hardly be found on cold winter nights. The Border was bred to handle livestock and is adept at living outdoors. These two girls like sleeping in the hay loft so they can watch the yard at night.

Deer and rabbits in your garden? Not with these girls around. They give about anything a run for their money. If trained properly they will learn to live with the chickens.

One thing to keep in mind if you get one from a rescue center, most centers do not allow their adoptee's to sleep outside. All the ones around here told us they had to be inside in a cage when we were gone or asleep. They said they do periodic checks to see how they were treated. That's good to prevent cruelty but I think it's more cruel to cage them. We never felt a dog should be kept like that. I don't know how the dog pound feels about it.

I just thought my Uncles "lab" was an exception!! they did try to teach it to mind but that never happened!--I forgot too that its favorite dessert was copper wire, beer can tabs, and hot ciggie butts, it found around the farm! thanks; sonny

I think 99% of dog breeds are good if they are trained & handled correctly. My last 4 dogs have been Queensland-Blue-Healers and that is what I will get again if I outlive the present one.

Can't say it any better than Grumpy did. WOOF WOOF

grumpy wrote:Border collies are in my opinion the easiest dogs to train. The best companions I have ever had was ones rescued from the pound.

Amen to that. Buster, my dog, is a border collie/Australian shepherd mix that we got from the pound. Great dog, friendly, loyal very smart. He's not a farm dog, but he does work outdoors with me. Have only done minimal training with him (sit, come, etc.) and he learned like a flash and obeys every time. Wonderful wonderful dog.

I have raised Golden Retrievers and now raise English Labs, you can make a good dog out of about any breed. Its all about time you commit to your dog. Retrievers are very loyal and will work hard for you. Herding dogs like boarder collies have high energy and need to have a job they can be amazing. Friend of mine has a Bison farm and his one border collie can corral a loose Bison and spends all its time out watching the heard. No matter what kind of dog you choose and how it turns out is in your hands good luck and have fun.

i've had St. Bernards; Goldens; Labs; and Border Collies. the Border Collies are by far and away the smartest, most easily trained dogs, there's no doubt in my mind. my Stormy is an excellent watchdog, lives with cats in the house, and just adores the outside (unless we're inside!). here's a pic of her guarding the Cub:



she's 25-30 pounds, eats just about nothin', is gentle with children, and is just so lovable. there's no question about it: Border Collies are a good bet for a farm-dog.
dave

also, Border Collies have laser-eyes!





dave