If you’re thinking of adding a puppy to your family, you’ll want to ensure they fit well with your lifestyle. While some breeds are adaptable to living in a town or city environment, others really need the freedom that comes with living in the country. If you reside in the country and you’re looking for the perfect addition to your family, take a look at these top dog breeds for country living.
The Best Dog Breeds for Country Living
Border Collie
Known for their intelligence and high energy levels, Border Collies thrive in the countryside. They need a significant amount of exercise. Having the freedom to run across fields and roam around large gardens is a must for this breed.
Border Collies make great working dogs and can be trained to do almost anything. You’ll have plenty of fun teaching your puppy new tricks. Crucially, Border Collies are family-friendly too.
They adapt well to life in a family home. They love snuggling up with you on a cozy blanket or in front of the fire. For a comprehensive guide on herding dogs, visit dogtime.com for their guide on 31 herding dogs.
Jack Russell Terrier
If you’re looking for a smaller dog that is well-suited to country life, the Jack Russell Terrier might be the ideal dog for you. Despite their size, they are lively dogs with bags of energy, so they are always ready for fun.
However, they do have a strong prey drive. While this is excellent if you’re looking for a dog to keep your estate rodent-free, they probably aren’t the best choice. Especially if you share your land with ducks, geese, or chickens.
With proper socialization, Jack Russell Terriers can get on well with children. They can make a great addition to families. Like any breed with high energy levels, they can be destructive if they’re bored or allowed to rule the roost. With a good training regime and lots of exercises, however, they find their place in the pack.
Dalmatian
Their unmistakable coat means you can ‘spot’ a Dalmatian anywhere! They are very people-oriented, so love being part of a family as you can see at https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/dalmatian.
In addition, Dalmatians are active and high-energy, which makes them great dogs for the country. Standing up to 2 meters at the shoulder, Dalmatians are on the larger size. You’ll want to ensure you’ve got enough space for them to relax indoors and run around outside.
Known for their intelligence, Dalmatians are relatively easy to train but you will need to keep your furry friend occupied. Intelligent breeds can become bored quite easily, so early training is important. However, their friendly, playful, and affectionate nature means they endear themselves to everyone.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. for a reason. Perfect family dogs, their lovable characteristics make them a great addition to almost any home. Typically, Labrador Retrievers get on well with other dogs. A Lab puppy could be the perfect friend for existing four-legged family members.
Bouncy and full of energy, Labrador Retrievers are always ready to play and eager to make friends with anyone they come across. Due to their popularity, you’ll find there are generally waiting lists of Lab puppies.
However, when you choose a puppy from a reputable breeder, like https://www.chocolatelabradorretriever.ca/lab-puppies-for-sale, you can be sure you’re getting a well-bred pup. Furthermore, choosing a reliable breeder will ensure your puppy gets the best start in life.
Labrador Retrievers are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Many enjoy splashing around in water and mud, so be prepared to hose them down or give them a bath when needed!
As they’re very food-driven, you’ll find they respond well to the offer of treats, which comes in handy when you’re training your pup. Make sure too buy the best food for Labradors!
One of the best breeds for families, Labrador Retrievers will play endlessly, shower you with affection and become a loyal member of your brood instantly.
Australian Shepherd
A great breed for country living, Australian Shepherds have bags of energy and are super intelligent. They make ideal working dogs, so if you’re looking for a breed that can herd livestock, they’re a great choice.
As well as working hard, Australian Shepherds love their owners. They can be a little shy and reserved with strangers. They are typically people-friendly and are devoted to their human families.
Due to their long coats, Australian Shepherds need regular brushing, particularly if they’re out working all day. With high energy levels, you’ll need to ensure you have space for your dog to run around if you choose an Australian Shepherd. And you’ll need to be on hand for some intensive games of fetch too!
Providing you have space and time, however, Australian Shepherds are a fantastic choice for country living. They enjoy agility-based games and are relatively easy to train. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the perfect choice for first-time dog owners.
Due to their boundless energy and need for mental stimulation, they may need a more experienced dog owner to set the boundaries.
Cocker Spaniel
Their distinctive ears and soulful eyes make the Cocker Spaniel irresistible. Generally good-natured and even-tempered, Cocker Spaniels are known for being good with children. While all dogs require proper socialization, their easy-going personalities mean they adapt to family life easily. What’s more, Cocker Spaniels are relatively easy to train, so it doesn’t take long for them to become fully housebroken.
While Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and love a fuss, they’re also highly energetic. Traditionally gun dogs can excel at retrieving, flushing and pointing, so they’re well-suited to a working environment.
English Cocker Spaniels are a little larger than American Cocker Spaniels, but the breeds have very similar traits. You’ll also find that Cocker Spaniels are generally bred as working or show dogs.
Working Cocker Spaniels, sometimes known as Field Spaniels, usually require a little more mental stimulation than their counterparts. So you’ll need to keep them busy and be prepared to play lots of games!
Burmese Mountain Dog
Larger than life, both in size and character, you’ll always know where your Burmese is. Originally bred as working dogs, they have retained their intelligence, abilities, and need for exercise. You’ll find Burmese Mountain Dogs are great at herding and tracking but they’re also easy-going, calm, and friendly.
While their affectionate nature often attracts first-time dog owners, they are high-energy and require lots of exercises and mental stimulation. In addition to this, their long coat means they require a little more grooming average.
Due to their size and need for exercise, this breed may be one that is best suited to experienced dog owners.
With the right skills and environment, however, you can welcome a Burmese Mountain Dog into your home with ease. Super loyal, easy to train, and obedient, they are generally great with kids and friendly with people.
Choosing the Best Dog Breeds for Country Living
Once you’ve decided to get a dog, it can be easy to rush in and pick a cute puppy to join your family. However, different breeds have varying needs. So it’s best to do a little research first and determine which breed is best suited to your environment and lifestyle.
You can read more about choosing the best breeds on Camping/Hiking.net.
By selecting a dog that is suited to country life, you can ensure that your new dog has the fun, exciting, and rewarding life it deserves. Whether you choose a Labrador Retriever, an Australian Shepherd, or a Jack Russell Terrier, there’s no doubt your furry friend will become a much-loved part of the family.
Oh my gosh! So many favorites! I grew up with labs and border collies. 🙂
Thanks for sharing on the Homestead Blog Hop. I hope we see more this Wednesday.