Across the UK, farming relies on a crucial partner: the noble dog.
For centuries, these loyal companions have played vital roles as protectors, herders, and hunters, ensuring the success and heartbeat of farms.
Whether you’ve visited a farm or called one your own, you’ve likely encountered a familiar sight: a retriever-type dog like a Collie or Labrador bounding through fields, watchful and ever-present. Their innate skill, trainability, and unwavering loyalty make them perfect field companions and cherished family members.
We look at the different types of breeds and their role in farming.
Herding Dogs
Forget wagging tails and puppy eyes, breeds like the Border Collie and Collie were born to work. Their purpose? To guide and control livestock, prevent strays, and safeguard herds. Their natural athleticism makes managing large flocks of sheep, geese, and ducks across vast landscapes a breeze.
You can see these impressive herding dogs often at country shows, and competitions, showing off their true prowess in control and patience. Waiting for the shepherd to give their command. It’s truly impressive to witness.
Guardian Dogs
Great Pyrenees, Maremma Sheepdogs, and Anatolian Shepherds are living security systems. They fiercely protect their territory and the livestock within, standing guard against foxes, wolves, and even suspicious strangers. These canine watchdogs deter threats, alerting their human partners to danger and ensuring the farm’s peace of mind.
Often used to protect young farm animals, like lambs and kids (baby goats). As these young animals are more prone to the snare of a predator, to protect the farmer’s livelihood, guardian dogs will often sleep with the herd – ready for action at the drop of a pin.
The Hunters
Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, and Irish Setters aren’t just playful pups. Their sharp senses and tenacious spirit make them expert hunters, aiding farmers in tracking and retrieving game like rabbits and birds. While hunting practices have evolved, these breeds still excel in recreational pursuits, doubling as delightful family companions.
Often called ratters for the exact reason that you’re thinking, these smaller breeds are used in pest control, particularly with the control of rats around farm buildings and grain holds.
The Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are masters of more than just fetch. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them multitalented assistants. They retrieve lost items, haul equipment, and even assist in search and rescue efforts. From ploughing fields to pulling carts, their adaptability knows no bounds.
Regularly called Gundogs, these patient, often dopey, loveable breeds have special jaws that can retrieve foul without causing any damage to the meat. Their high energy (spaniels in particular) make them great for traversing over rugged land and running great distances to retrieve their catch. Each breed has individual characteristics to the type of terrain their working in. For instance, Cocker Spaniels and Poodle are primarily used for water foul.
Conclusion
Dogs and UK farming are as intertwined as roots and soil. Their presence stretches back centuries, their value only increasing with time. They are more than just workers; they are trusted companions, emotional support, and invaluable members of the farm family. Their contributions are deeply appreciated, and their unwavering loyalty is a testament to the enduring bond between man and canine.