Back in the day, dogs typically served one of two purposes. First, companion dogs. As the name suggests, they were bred primarily as pets – think Shih Tzus and Pomeranians. On the other side, we have working dog breeds – those bred to herd, hunt, retrieve, pull sleds, and more.
Fast forward to today, and the line between working dogs and companion dogs is far blurrier. You’re more likely to find a Husky in a suburban backyard than pulling sleds, and plenty of other working dog breeds have weaseled their way into our hearts at homes.
It’s important to keep in mind that all the breeds on this list require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Being active is part of their nature, so working breeds best suit Owners who are just as (if not more) active. However, if your heart is set on one, it’s worth enlisting a trusted Dog Walker to ensure they’re getting enough exercise.
So, whether you’re looking for a furry farmhand or just a four-legged friend to fit into your active lifestyle, it’s worth considering these seven working dog breeds.
#1: Border Collie
They make such smart, fun, and cute family members that it’s easy to forget that Border Collies were originally bred as herding dogs. Hailing from the border between Scotland and England, these fluffy pups have been wrangling sheep since the 19th century. However, their stellar herding tendencies can also extend beyond sheep. In fact, they’ve been known to herd smaller pets and even children unless the behaviour is corrected early on.
In addition to herding, Border Collies excel at a number of canine sports. Visit any dog show and you’ll probably find these talented puppers navigating obstacles in agility courses or dominating in flyball.
#2: Siberian Husky
If we had only two words to describe Siberian Huskies, we’d have to go with “vocal” and “cheeky”. They’re more known for their quirky personalities and beautiful singing voices these days, but they also have an unrivalled work ethic. Originating in chilly regions such as Siberia and Greenland, these wolf-looking doggos were used to pull sleds in the Arctic Circle. In some parts of the world, they still do!
Despite their predisposition to cooler climates, Huskies do quite well in warmer countries – like right here in Australia. To deal with the heat, they simply shed their undercoat regularly and tend to eat less.
#3: Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog’s talents lie right in the name. These true blue Aussie icons are intelligent, friendly, and very hard-working cattle drovers. Developed around the mid-1800s, the Aussie Cattle Dog was a result of breeding blue merle collies with dingoes. The product was the ultimate droving dog, and a breed that would become synonymous with our sunburnt country.
They’re still incredibly popular farmhands these days, but equally popular as family pets. They’re also remarkably healthy and tend to live around a year longer than other breeds of their size. In fact, the longest-living dog in the world was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived until the ripe old age of 29 and five months!
#4: German Shepherd
Yet again, the giveaway is in the name when it comes to the German Shepherd. Originating in 1899, these handsome doggos have had many jobs over the decades. Aside from herding and protecting flocks of sheep, you can also find these clever canines working with search-and-rescue teams, police, military, and disability services. They’re eager to learn and love to have a purpose – even if that purpose is being your best friend or running mate.
Many German Shepherds have also found their calling as actors, the most famous being Rin Tin Tin, who starred in 27 films and popularised the breed.
#5: Boxer
Athletic and alert, you might be surprised to learn the Boxer is actually a type of Mastiff. Like many other Mastiff breeds, Boxers became popular as guard dogs and hunting dogs. They were even utilised in World War I as messengers, carriers, and even attack dogs. Despite their tough looks and reputation, Boxers are extremely gentle and friendly. They can tend to be protective of their loved ones, but with proper socialisation, they can be as sweet as Labradors.
Because of their playful and happy nature, they’re perhaps one of the best working dog breeds for new Dog Owners. That’s because they’re low maintenance, loving, smart, and wonderful with children.
#6: Great Pyrenees
Even though you might mistake them for sheep themselves, Great Pyrenees are well-known guardians of sheep and other livestock. These gentle giants date back to the 1600s in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, starting out as herding dogs but quickly becoming beloved companions among French royalty, too.
Despite their hard-working nature, the Great Pyrenees requires the least amount of exercise out of the breeds on our list. They still require moderate exercise, but tend to be a little lazier than your Huskies and Boxers. As such, ensuring good nutrition with fresh, healthy dog meals is a must, as they can be prone to obesity.
#7: Australian Kelpie
Not only are Kelpies one of the most popular working dogs, but they’re also one of the most obedient breeds. Since they have a natural predisposition to herding and droving livestock, they can do it with little guidance or training. Their signature move is to jump on the backs of sheep, running across them to quickly reach the other side or break up gridlock. It’s part of what makes them so popular with time-poor farmers.
Kelpies also make wonderful pets, however, they will not suit small homes or apartments, as they require a large yard and plenty of activity. A bored Kelpie is prone to digging, chewing, and barking, so it’s best to keep them busy with daily walks and games of fetch.
Which working dog breeds make the best pets?
Each of the breeds on our list have very different traits, personalities, and even energy levels. While each one would make a great pet, it’s about finding the breed that’s right for you. For families with young children or small pets, a dog bred for herding may not be the best choice. But with proper socialisation and training, any breed – working or not – can make a wonderful, loving pet.
