For hundreds of years, man has relied on dogs to protect them, watch over their property, and help with various tasks. If you enjoy rural living and want to add a new canine companion to your household, it’s important to choose a breed that will thrive in this type of environment. You want hardy, intelligent dogs that can adapt when a surprise raccoon or skunk pops up on your doorstep.

If you are unsure what breeds are ideal for country living, consider the eight breed options outlined below to help you decide:

1. Alaskan Malamute

If you live on a homestead that frequently has you outdoors working on chores or tending to animals and gardens, consider owning an Alaskan Malamute. This dog is all about keeping busy and loves being outside with its owner. If you like to rough-and-tumble, this dog is eager to play. However, your home should be in a cold climate since they have heavy, insulating coats. 

When you find Alaskan Malamute puppies for sale, remember that while they may mature into intimidating-looking adults, they are well-known for being people-friendly and not ferocious watchdogs.

2. Old English Sheepdog

Another amazing dog breed to have around your rural homestead is the Old English Sheepdog. As its name implies, it was bred for herding, especially in colder climates. Their large coats are shaggy and insulating, so if you live in a warmer country region, this canine may not be ideal for your home. However, these dogs are also very intelligent and perceptive, especially regarding their owners.

3. Border Collie

Even though Border Collies make great pets for just about any household, their personality and intelligence make them ideal for rural life. As one of the world’s most intelligent breeds, you can take advantage of their ingrained work ethic to keep them content and entertained.

Even if you don’t own a herd of sheep, these dogs take great pleasure in maneuverability competitions, which can quickly become a fun pastime for your entire family.

4. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees breed is especially amazing if you love dogs with unique coats and humongous gentle giants. They are great for families because of their mild and affectionate natures and make great watchdogs around your property. This is due to their origins in the French Pyrenees, where they were specially bred for this work.

5. Jack Russell Terrier

When you think of the Jack Russell Terrier breed, you probably imagine a short dog with massive energy. This high energy and alertness come from their being bred to hunt vermin, like rats, and many are still used for this task today all over the country!

If you love their confident and playful nature, this pint-sized canine will make the perfect companion for you and your family.

6. German Shepherd

When you think of German Shepherds, you probably imagine herding and security. But, because they are so intelligent, they develop significant loyalty to their families. But, of course, with intelligence comes the risk of overstimulation, so early socializing is key in helping their guard instincts from becoming overburdening.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog

If you like the idea of a mountain dog, but want something bigger than the Pyrenees, then a Bernese Mountain Dog is the better option. This large canine needs plenty of room to move around, as it can reach upwards of 150 pounds! They, too, make great watchdogs around your farm and are crazy intelligent, so training them for various outdoor tasks, like herding, is a breeze. Keep in mind that as watchdogs, they’ll probably be poor deterrents when it comes to people because these animals are extremely affectionate.

8. Australian Shepherd

Since the 1840s, Australian Shepherds have proven to be some of the most reliable herding dogs in the United States. Their affectionate nature and high energy set them apart from other breeds because they love to work and find enjoyment in their duties. With unusual color variations and patterns in their coat, these dogs are fun to look at and own as pets when living in the country or on a farm.

Final Thoughts

While the dogs on our list have skills that farms would find useful, you can be something other than a rancher or shepherd to justify having one of these amazing animals on your property. Some of the breeds shared in this article would make great family pets and simply need regular exercise and stimulation. Teaching them tricks and alerting duties are just a few of the many ways they can benefit your countryside home.

Of course, picking the perfect pooch requires an understanding of the breed and what they need to be happy. This is why Alaskan Malamutes, for example, need a home environment filled with plenty of outdoor activities. They will only be satisfied to just lay about on your couch but want to explore your property by your side.