A brief guide to working dogs

Do you want to add a working dog to your home and can’t decide which breed? Working dog breeds have slightly different needs and personalities than other dog breeds, so it's important to know as much about them as possible to decide if you have the right home. Let our guide provide you with the information you need to help you decide if your home is the right fit. 

Working dog breeds roles  

Working dog breeds are used worldwide as hard-working breeds designed for non-herding, specialist jobs. These jobs usually involve protecting and guardian people, property, or livestock, but can also be used for drought work, search and rescue, and sledging. Many working dog breeds can also adapt to work in other roles where needed, as they are usually very intelligent and easy to train. 

 

Working dog breeds natural instincts 

Working dog's instincts have been honed to help them perform their jobs, with their instincts varying depending on their roles. Most of these instincts involve protection, making them watchful and always alert. These dog breeds will be on the lookout for intruders or anything that threatens their charges.  

Many of these breeds will respond as soon as they see an intruder, deciding whether to chase it or stalk it. The dog might bite to stop them or disable them, keeping their people or livestock safe. Not all breeds will work this way; some are ‘gentle giants,’ offering love and affection while working hard.  

Predatory behaviour in these dogs is self-rewarding, so they need an outlet for their instincts. You don’t need to find intruders for your dog to chase, but enrichment and stimulating activities which help them use these natural instincts and live a fulfilled and happy life. 

 

Working dog breeds size and coat   

Many working dogs are large breeds, making them better suited to larger homes or those with big gardens. Their coat type varies depending on their home country and their role. Many of these larger dogs will have thick coats designed to keep them warm and protected while working, but others will have a shorter coat that can be easier to maintain. 

 

Working dog breeds behaviour and personality  

Working dog breeds are all different, but they do have similar behaviours and personality traits that you can look out for, including: 

Strong and determined 

Working dogs are super strong and determined, both in and out of work. As working dogs they are expected to confront threats, not just barking as they approach. So, if there is a problem, your dog is likely to see it through rather than bark and run away.  

It is in their DNA to have a never-give-up attitude, both in stamina and perseverance. 

Active 

Working dogs are not as active as other breeds but are still pretty active, spending most of their days working. Some breeds are happy to spend their time lounging and waiting for work, whereas others will run all day and have no problem doing so after their work is complete.  

When choosing your working dog breed, it's important to check their activity level and whether you can support this through exercise and enrichment. 

Strong-willed  

Working dogs are usually very strong-willed, as they are used to working tirelessly to complete their jobs and sway the most reluctant of adversaries. They will have a strong mind that matches their strong body and require plenty of stimulation if they are not working. 

Confident  

Working dog breeds tend to be more sure of themselves and are unlikely to alert you first to any potential threats. As large working breeds are better suited to owners with experience, you can expect the following when you share your home with these confident dogs:  

• They might be suspicious of strangers, both human and canine 
• They might need training and good handling or management 
• They can be very territorial 
• They can be devoted to their owner and family 
• They can be left alone for longer than other breeds (if they are flock guards) 
• They can be quiet (apart from sled dogs) 
• They can be sensitive and require reward-based training 
• They can shed heavily if they have thick coats 
• They can become bored and frustrated without exercise, training, and owner interaction
• They can become gentle giants if trained correctly 

Find your working dog today  

While they might not see it, working dogs can be the perfect addition to families, providing you select the right breed. You will want a dog that you can keep active and entertained; while ensuring you have the experience to provide the training, they need to be content. Will you find your working dog today?