Jan Dohner
This is the first comprehensive book on working farm dogs, including color photography and comprehensive descriptions, history, and working traits of 93 livestock guardians; herders; working terriers and earthdogs; and traditional farm and working partners. Also includes shorter descriptions of breeds not commonly found in the US and Canada.
The selection of breeds was based on the traditional jobs done by working farm dogs - guarding the flocks, protecting the farmstead; herding, driving, and working with livestock; controlling rats and other vermin; pulling carts; and all-around extra farmhands and jack-of-all-trades. Using these specific criteria meant leaving out some popular breeds - sporting or hunting dogs, sled dogs, giant and bully breeds, and terriers that don't go to ground unless they were traditional farm workers.
Instead, these are the breeds developed and perfected by people who raised livestock or lived on farms. Some you may know, while others will be new. You will discover breeds uniquely suited to working and living in the country, whether you are a working farmer or rancher or enjoy rural living.
"a beautiful and valuable and very well-crafted book about working farm dogs - guardians, herders, terriers, shepherds and other working breeds. This book is a work of art in its own right, lovingly illustrated and detailed and well-written. Anyone who cherishes the loyalty, dedication and value of working dogs will find it readable and invaluable. I recommend it highly for anyone who has a farm dog or is thinking of one. She really knows her stuff."
Jon Katz, author
The Dogs of Bedlam Farm
"This guide is an in-depth look at the history of dog breeds that have been an invaluable part of farmwork for centuries. Their roles have typically included herding livestock, controlling vermin, protecting the flock from predators, and serving as general farmhand companions and helpers. Along with introductory chapters that include information about general farm-dog history, and choosing the right dog, the author then covers all 93 breeds in extensive detail. These profiles include information about their origins, size, color, coat type, temperament, and history. There are also gorgeous color photos of each of the different breeds.
This is a beautiful, well-organized, and comprehensive title. It will leave readers with a richer understanding and deep respect for these dogs, their fascinating history, and their relationship to farmers and farmwork throughout the ages. Highly recommended for public, academic, and school libraries."
Booklist, April 2017
Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds
Akbash Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Armenian Gampr
Cao de Gado Transmontano
Caucasian Ovcharka
Central Asian Shepherd
Estrela Mountain Dog
Great Pyrenees
Kangal Dog
Karakachan Dog
Komondor
Kuvasz
Maremma Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Pyrenean Mastiff
Šarplaninac
Slovensky Cuvac
Spanish Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff
Tornjak
Short descriptions of additional LGD Breeds –
Bucovina Shepherd Dog, Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog, Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, Karst Shepherd, Cao de Castro Laboreiro, Rafeiro do Alentejo.
Herding Dogs
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Berger Picard
Border Collie
Briard
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rough and Smooth Collies
Dutch Shepherd Dog
English Shepherd
German Shepherd Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Lancashire Heeler
Finnish and Swedish Lapphunds
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
Mudi
Norwegian Buhund
Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portuguese Sheepdog
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Pyrenean Shepherd
Samoyed
Schapendoes
Shetland Sheepdog
Working Kelpie and Australian Kelpie
Short Descriptions of Additional Herding Breeds -
Australian Koolie, Huntaway, Portuguese Sheepdog, Texas Heeler, Hangin’ Tree Cowdog, McNab Sheepdog
Working Terriers and Earthdogs
Australian Terrier
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Longhaired, Smooth, and Wirehaired Dachshunds
Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers
Irish Terrier
Jack Russell, Parson Russell, and Russell Terriers
Lakeland Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk and Norwich Terriers
Patterdale and Fell Terriers
Rat Terrier
Short Descriptions of Additional Terriers and Earthdogs –
Jagdterrier, Tenterfield Terrier, Treeing Feist
Multi-Purpose and Traditional Farm Partners
Airedale Terrier
Belgian Shepherd Dogs – Groendael, Laekenois, Malinois, Tervuren
Bouvier de Flandres
Canaan Dog
Danish Swedish Farmdog
Giant Schnauzer
Hovawart
Karelian Bear Dog
Keeshond
Kerry Blue Terrier
Leonberger
Newfoundland
Pumi
Rottweiler
Schipperke
Sennenhund (The Swiss Mountain Dog Breeds) – Appenzeller, Bernese Mountain Dog, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
