Working dogs for special jobs – Mother Earth News

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Komondors are livestock guard dogs, meaning they bond with sheep, goats, or other livestock and protect them from coyotes and other predators.

PHOTO: JOE GLICKMAN

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The border collie is the top dog in the herding dog category because it uses keen eyes and agility, rather than pinching, to move herds.

GK & VIKKI HART/PHOTODISC

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Terriers are notable for controlling vermin and can range in size from large Airedales to smaller Jack Russell terriers.

GK & VIKKI HART/PHOTODISC

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Golden retrievers are service dogs, also called assistance dogs, and can help people with disabilities.

GK & VIKKI HART/PHOTODISC

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The vizsla is a hunting dog that works with human hunters.

GK & VIKKI HART/PHOTODISC

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Besides serving as guard dogs, some breeds can do other work around the farm (see image gallery for photos of specific breeds). These working dogs are exceptionally good at multitasking:

Livestock guard dogs bond with sheep, goats or other livestock and protect them from coyotes and other predators. Some Colorado sheep producers prefer the Akbash; other talented breeds include Great Pyrenees, Komondors, Anatolian Shepherds and Maremmas. To be most effective, these dogs should live outdoors with their loads, rather than indoors as pets.

sheepdogs doing an amazing job working with livestock. The border collie is the best dog in this category, as it uses sharp eyes and agility, rather than pinching, to move herds. Australian Shepherds, Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Welsh Corgis and several other breeds can also make good shepherds. Sheepdogs love their jobs and will often try to round people up if they are underemployed.

burrows are notable for controlling vermin and can range in size from large Airedales to smaller Boston Terriers. For centuries, terriers such as West Highland and Cairn terriers have been bred to hunt and kill mice, rats and other small animals. For some terrier breeds, like the Schipperke, being a watchdog is part of the job. Good “rat dogs” tend to dig a lot of holes because their passion for their work is simply obsessive. They also make good pets.

Assistance dogs, also called assistance dogs, can help people with disabilities. German Shepherds, once the most popular guide dogs for the blind, now rank second only to Labradors and Golden Retrievers as service dogs. In Britain and Australia, Labradoodles (Lab Poodle mixes) are increasingly popular as service dogs.

hunting dogs come in a few different varieties. Sporting breeds, such as pointers, setters, vizslas, and spaniels, work with human hunters. Dogs hunt on their own, using smell and sight. Some other hunting breeds work best when hunters deal with them in packs. The Weimaraner was bred to be both a hunter and a companion animal.

Read more: Find out which dogs suit your property’s needs in The Best Guard Dog for Your Property.

Contributing Editor Pleasant Barbara gardens in southwest Virginia, where she grows vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers and a few lucky hens. Contact Barbara by visiting his website or find it on Google+.

Posted April 1, 2006