Choosing a Farm Dog from a Shelter

By: Staff Author

Dogs and farms go paw in hand. A capable dog can be a big asset on a country property as a livestock guardian, home protector, or herder. With so many dogs in shelters (over 3 million enter shelters a year), it makes sense to look there for the farm dog of your dreams.

“What kind of dog do you want?” is the first question you’ll be asked at a shelter or rescue, so identifying traits beforehand will help you be matched with the best breed/mix for you. The type of dog you want may depend on the type of property, as well as the area of country you live in. “Typically what people are looking for in a farm dog when they come to North Florida is one that will chase off a bear or anything that comes onto the property,” says Karen Martin, director of Franklin County Humane Society in Eastpoint, Florida. People who live in rural areas often like the idea of a dog that sounds the alarm when something is out of order.