The perfect countryside life for many, has an air of idyllic charm and conjures visions of free-roaming animals, reared on our own spacious land. Perhaps with a loyal canine companion poised firmly by our side. But what is the true reality of countryside life with a dog, and which breeds are best suited to this busy, rural environment? Sussex Fields spoke to IMDT accredited dog trainer James Hare, who offers his expert insight into countryside living with canine companions.
Which dog breeds are best suited to countryside living?
Whilst it is important to note that no breed is ever guaranteed to thrive in a farming or countryside environment, as all dogs will have their own traits and quirks, there are some great options to look into. James highlights some of his strongest picks, below speaking exclusively to Sussex Fields this month.
Labrador
Labradors are friendly, adaptable and highly trainable, making them one of the strongest all-round choices for country living. James tells Sussex Fields: “Most Labradors enjoy outdoor activity but can also relax at home once their physical and mental needs have been met. Their cooperative nature makes it easier to teach essential rural skills such as recall, waiting at gates and remaining calm around horses.”
However, the Labrador's high energy, working mentality can come with its own challenges. James explains: “Many are naturally sociable and resilient enough to cope with the varied sights and sounds of a busy yard. However, working-line Labradors can be extremely energetic, while their retrieving instinct may be triggered by flapping or running birds. Chickens should therefore be introduced carefully, with the dog initially on a lead or behind a secure barrier.”
The Labrador is best suited to: Active rural households wanting a sociable, versatile family companion.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers share many of the Labrador’s most useful characteristics and are popular for their family orientated nature, and child-friendly personalities. They are generally people-focused, eager to learn and capable of combining an active outdoor life with a calm presence indoors. James explains: “A well-bred Golden can be an excellent companion on a stable yard, particularly when introduced to horses from a young age. Their typically gentle disposition can also help them adapt to a multi-animal household.”
There are important factors to consider with this breed when it comes to grooming requirements however, and care should be taken when monitoring their interaction with poultry.
James says: “ As with Labradors, their gundog heritage means that poultry should never automatically be considered safe. Individual prey drive varies, and supervision remains important even if early meetings appear promising. Their coat also requires regular attention after muddy walks and encounters with burrs, seeds and vegetation.”
The Golden Retriever is best suited to: Families looking for a gentle, trainable dog and prepared for regular grooming.
Rough or Smooth Collie
Rough and Smooth Collies are intelligent, responsive dogs with a strong awareness of their environment. They often form close relationships with their family and can learn complex routines quickly.
James tells Sussex Fields: “Compared with some more intense working sheepdogs, many Collies have a useful balance of activity and sensitivity. They may learn to move calmly around horses and respect livestock boundaries, particularly when rewarded for disengaging and settling.”
However, as all collie owners know, training is paramount with this highly intelligent and incredibly strong willed breed. Herding is ingrained within their DNA, and does need some careful observation. James explains: “Collies herding ancestry can still appear as circling, staring or attempting to control moving animals. These behaviours must be managed so that chickens are not repeatedly stalked and horses are not chased or pressured. Sensitive collies may also need gradual exposure to tractors, clippers and other unfamiliar noises.”
The collie is best suited to: Owners who enjoy training and can provide thoughtful socialisation and mental enrichment.
Spaniels and terriers
These two breeds are frequently seen in the countryside, but James notes that being an excellent country walking companion does not automatically make a dog safe around poultry. He explains: “Working Cockers and Springers can be energetic, trainable and tremendous fun, yet their hunting instinct may be strongly activated by birds. Terriers may be confident and practical farm dogs, especially where rodent control is useful, but many have a powerful instinct to chase and grab small animals.”
These breeds can live successfully near chickens, but careful selection, training and secure separation are essential. They should not be relied upon to “work it out” through unrestricted access.
Tips To Prepare Any Dog for Rural Life
Regardless of breed, the safest country dog is one whose owner has invested in training and management. James’ tips for the most useful skills to train your dog in include:
• A reliable recall away from wildlife and livestock.
• The ability to stop, wait and return at gates and doorways.
• Calm lead walking around horses.
• A strong “leave” cue.
• Settling quietly while activity continues nearby.
• Comfort with being handled and checked for ticks, grass seeds and minor injuries.
Introducing your dog to poultry and horses
Your dog's introduction to horses and poultry should be gradual and not rushed. Taking time to get this right in the early days of training will help to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. When introducing your dog to poultry and horses James explains: “Begin at a distance where the dog can remain relaxed and responsive. Reward calm observation and voluntary disengagement. If the dog becomes fixed, crouches, stalks, lunges or ignores familiar cues, increase the distance immediately.”
Don’t reward chasing in play
Never allow a new dog to chase livestock, even in play. Whilst from an outside perspective it may seem as though your dog is having fun, you could be encouraging an unwanted habit that may prove dangerous over time.
James says: “Chasing is highly reinforcing for many dogs and can quickly become an established habit. It can also cause serious injury to the dog, the horse or the poultry involved.Chickens require particular care because their sudden, unpredictable movements can trigger predatory behaviour. Secure fencing and supervised access remain sensible even after training has progressed.”
With all of these tips in mind, we hope you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect dog breed for yourself and your family.
