Best Dogs for Farms
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for farms in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for farms evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from United States, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 40–65 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Border Collie
The Border Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Leonberger
The Leonberger earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Germany, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 90–170 lbs and lives 9–11 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 9–11 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1500–$2500
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 9–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Collie
The Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–75 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this small-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 15–25 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from England, this medium-sized breed from the Terrier group weighs 24–38 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Tibet, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 70–150 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $2000–$5000
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from United States, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 6–35 lbs and lives 13–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 13–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Netherlands, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 42–75 lbs and lives 11–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 11–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$2500