Which Working Dog Should You Buy?

What working dog suits you?

Everyone knows that a dog is a man’s best friend – especially if you’re a farmer. For cattle farmers, sheep farmers and others who frequently work with livestock, working dogs are a true blessing. Bred specifically for farm work, these dogs have an inherent ability to herd animals and help keep flocks in order, adapted from their inate hunting skills.

Just like humans, all dog breeds have unique personalities and have varying needs. They offer different advantages and disadvantages for their owner. For those who have yet to find the farm dog that’s the perfect companion, take our short quiz below to see which dog breed would suit you best!

Don’t forget to keep track of your choices and check our answer key below for a definitive answer on what working dog you should purchase.

1. Have you ever owned a dog before?

A. Yes, I looked after him/her myself.

B. Yes, our household has had a dog in the past.

C. No, but I’ve always wanted one.

D. Never.

2. Do you get along well with working dogs?

A. Yes, because they're necessary for the farm work that I do.

B. Yes, most dogs are very friendly with me.

C. They’re alright, I don’t hang around them unless necessary.

D. No – I want to be around dogs that are good-natured and cuddly, not task oriented.

3. Do you like big dogs?

A. Yes – the bigger the better.

B. Yes, but not too big.

C. Somewhat, their size can be too much sometimes though.

D. No, I prefer small dogs.

4. Do you like energetic dogs?

A. Yes, I need a dog that won't get tired. 

B.  Yes – the more playful the better.

C. Somewhat, but not too energetic – I get tired.

D. Not really, I'd like a dog that's more of a couch potato.

5. What other qualities do you value in a dog?

A. Easy to train

B. Easy to groom

C. Few health issues

D. Friendly

6. How big is your flock/herd?

A. Large: livestock farming is my living.

B. Sizeable, but not huge: I keep some animals on the farm but not many.

C. Small: I keep only a couple of animals. 

D. Non-existent: I don't have animals/I'm a crop farmer.

7. Do you need your dog to act as a guard dog?

A. Yes, I'd feel safer knowing I have a dog that can protect my family and my land. 

B. Not really, but it might be a nice bonus. 

C. I don't need a 'guard dog' per se, but I want a dog that barks to alert me when unfamiliar people are on the property. 

D. Definitely not! The barking would be annoying, and I don't want my dog to scare visitors. 

8. Does the appearance of a dog matter to you?

A. No, as long as it does the job that I need it to. 

B. Not really, but I like the idea of a dog that is low-maintenance and easy to keep clean. 

C. A little bit; I'm partial to beautiful coat and eye colours like those of merle dogs. 

D. Yes, I'm very particular about how my dog looks. 

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