Working and gun dogs have their own charm. Their intelligence and strength are attractive and admirable. They however also need time and space to be active as they have been bred to put in a day’s honest work. Hence, they are best suited for large open spaces which can be afforded by farm houses and holiday homes. Here’s a list of top 12 dog breeds which will burrow their way into your heart.
Great Dane
The mighty and tallest of all dogs, their size is an equal match to the soft heart Great Danes have. They grow upto 83 cm and are devoted, loving and confident and are a great fit in homes of 2000 sq ft – 3500 sq ft. Due to their natural structure, they do not require frequent 12+
but do demand a brisk walk at least twice a day.
Life span – 8 – 10 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Kumaon Mastiff
The perfect guard and watch dogs, Kumaon Mastiff are aggressive, active and extremely loyal to their owners. They are an easy fit for farmhouses of 1800 sq ft – 3000 sq ft. A native to India, they are pliant to Indian diets and terrain. It is advisable to book a dog walking service in case you have a busy schedule.
Life span – 10 – 12 years, Exercise needs – High.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers make excellent floofs which can hone your homes of 2000 sq ft – 3200 sq ft. They are active, protective, intelligent and gentle. Their patient nature makes them a great friend for your child while his cautious nature makes them a guard dog.
Life span – 8 – 10 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Malinois
Often confused with the German Shepherd, Malinois are medium sized dogs which can be a great fit if one is willing to devote to their rigorous exercise schedule. They are loyal, affectionate and doubtful towards strangers. A spacious home of 2800 sq ft – 4500 sq ft will give them the space to be themselves without getting aggressive.
Life span – 10 – 14 years, Exercise needs – High.
Doberman
Alert, energetic and obedient Dobermans can be sheltered in a space of about 2600 sq ft – 3500 sq ft. Their people – oriented nature makes them the first choice in decision making for farmhouse owners. Known to be a formidable guardian, they also take up the role of a watch dog in the family.
Life span – 10 – 13 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Bullmastiff
Sinewy, Protective and docile, Bullmastiff are excellent watch dogs and have the temperament to delight. Their headstrong nature makes it a mandate to start its dog training at an early stage. While their mighty size can take down a human, their friendliness makes them great fur buddies to their owners. They are a great fit for homes ranging from 1800 sq ft – 2800 sq ft.
Life span – 8 – 10 years, Exercise needs – High.
Giant Schnauzer
Known as gentle giants, these intelligent furbabies are impeccable with kids. Their great sniffing capabilities can sense danger from miles away. Giant Schnauzer are at their best in homes ranging from 2000 sq ft – 4000 sq ft. Their powerful personality is sure to grab some attention when there are guests at home. Book his/her dog grooming sessions regular to keep their mane intact.
Life span – 12 – 15 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Bully Kutta
An Indian native, Bully Kutta are large, strong guard dogs mostly found in Northern India. Their frivolous nature makes them happy canine buddies in a house of 1500 sq ft – 3000 sq ft. They are protective, loyal and have indisputable fighting instincts.
Life span – 8 – 10 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Kuvasz
Known to protect cattle and owner’s home, this breed was originally bred to guard homes ranging from 2500 sq ft – 3800 sq ft. They are territorial, sleek and well-mannered canines which does not require much maintenance to stay sane. Their wild and exploratory nature keeps them occupied in the absence of their owners.
Life span – 10 – 12 years, Exercise needs – High.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are easy to train, mighty and most favoured amongst farmhouse owners. Their manes will require scheduled dog grooming services. They can also be excellent search and rescue dogs. One can easily accommodate them in a house of 2000 sq ft – 5000 sq ft.
Life span – 9 – 13 years, Exercise needs – High.
Cane Corso
Cane corsos are defensive, docile and humble floofs who are playful and are suitable for homes of 1900 sq ft – 3000 sq ft. However, one stern look from them can ward off a stranger who has dared to enter your property. Their polished body doesn’t require much grooming and pampering.
Life span – 10 – 12 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
DogoArgentino
Humble, cheerful and loyal, Dogo Argentinos are hyperactive and thus always require a job to do. They can easily done homes of 1800 sq ft – 3000 sq ft. You can avail pet boarding services in case you are planning a long vacation to keep their boredom at bay.
Life span – 10 – 18 years, Exercise needs – High.
Well, space or no space, there’s always a good reason to get a furbaby home! As you’ll be getting a dog at a farmhouse, keep an eye on ticks and other insect infections regularly. A regular home vet visit is never amiss.
