Working Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Dogs with a goal are known as working dog breeds.  They will put forth endless effort to complete a task since they love nothing more than to achieve it.  If you choose to bring a working dog home, here are some things to anticipate.

Dogs who have a job to complete and a physique prepared to work hard at it are known as working breeds.  However, they exhibit a wide range of traits within the group, from nimble protection dogs to kind giants to sled dogs—also referred to as the long-distance runners of the dog world.  Everything you need to know about these popular dog breeds is right here.

 

A working dog's job description

As their name implies, working dog breeds are devoted canines that were created especially to do specialised, non-herding tasks. They are found all over the world.  This includes sledging, draught labour, and rescue, but the main focus is on protecting people, animals, or property.  In the past, a lot of these canines were also capable of switching to different jobs when necessary.

 

Sizes and coat types for working dog breeds

All of these dogs are big or giant breeds, They have a range of coat kinds based on the nation they lived in and the tasks they were required to perform. Most of this category is made up of larger breeds, which are often found in colder climes.

The natural instincts of working dog breeds

Working dogs, like all other breeds, use their innate canine characteristics to do the tasks for which they were created by humans.  Through repeated breeding, their instincts have been refined to the point that they can detect intruders and respond appropriately.

How these impulses are used varies across working breeds.  Breeds of guard dogs are incredibly vigilant and always alert for anybody or anything that can endanger their charges.  When a threat or intruder is seen, they react differently, either chasing after it or stalking it first.  When they reach their victim, they may use a grab-bite to halt them or a much more forceful bite to incapacitate them (or, in the Bullmastiff's case, drag them to the ground and sit on them!).

However, not every working breed is a guard.  Despite being similarly hard-working, other breeds—such as Newfoundland and Bernese—are referred to be the gentle giants of the dog world.  Others, like sled dogs, are the canine world's long-distance runners.

Remember that working dog breeds find that their predatory conduct is self-rewarding, thus they will want a way to express their innate tendencies.  You don't have need an icy wasteland to sledge across or a country estate to defend your dog, but you do need to be conscious of these inclinations and put in the effort to ensure that your dog is content, happy, and a safe member of the canine community.

 

Working dog breeds' behaviour and personality

Working breeds require specific abilities and traits to do their jobs well.

Strong and determined

The majority of working breeds are completely capable of walking the walk rather than merely barking since they are required to tackle any threat to their charges.  Others can be asked to drag huge carts or sledges, which requires endurance and muscle.

However, the 'never give up' members of the team are working breeds, whether they are sledging or chasing down invaders.

Active

The majority of working breeds are fairly energetic, however not as much as the pastoral or gundog breeds, which are intended to be active all day, every day.  Some people will contentedly sit about waiting to be called upon to work.

Some, like the sledging dogs, enjoy to run and can do it all day.

Strong-willed

Working dog breeds are generally as strong-willed as they are physically powerful, and they can fend off even the most persistent opponents or put in endless hours at their specialised professions.

Confident

These dogs are typically significantly more confident in themselves than certain breeds, which, out of fear, will notify owners to any potential threat.

Here are some things to anticipate when you bring these big, mentally and physically powerful canines into your home, since they are best suited for seasoned owners.

• may be wary of both human and canine strangers.
• Training and effective management/handling are required.
• has the potential to be quite territorial.
• devoted to their family and owner.
• Compared to other breeds, flock guards could be content to be left alone for extended periods of time.
  
• Calm (except for the sled dogs!).
• surprisingly sensitive and in need of teaching that is based on rewards.
• It is possible for dogs with thick coats, particularly sled dogs, to shed a lot.
• Since these dogs are developed to perform certain tasks, they may grow bored and irritated without the proper exercise, training, and owner engagement, which may result in aggressiveness and other negative behaviours.
• With proper care and training, they may become the kindest giants in the canine kingdom, guarding their family with unrivalled devotion.

The working dog owner checklist

Here are some characteristics that make a dog owner suitable with an active dog breed, if you believe that one is the right companion for you:

• knowledgeable owner with a lot of experience with big dogs.
• Enough room should be provided both indoors and out; rural areas are ideal (working dogs are most definitely not city dogs).
• Some of these breeds are escape artists, so keep your garden quite safe.
• plenty of time for socialisation and training, as well as suitable and secure places to work out.

 

Bonding with your working dog

Giving your working dog a task to do is the best approach to strengthen your relationship with them.  Make sure you have control over the employment, though, and don't allow them go "self employed."  To keep them from being bored and frustrated, find ways to keep their bodies and minds active. A good reward-based trainer may assist you with this.

Although your dog may come across as quiet at times, they will develop strong relationships with their family and have been known to vigorously protect them.  After being introduced and welcomed, friends and visitors will be seen as members of the group, while strangers will frequently be first looked with distrust.

Some guard dogs show their adoration more overtly than others.  While certain guarding dog breeds, like Mastiffs, are more autonomous, protective dogs like Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and German Shepherds are often loyal to their owners and listen to everything they say.

Read our post next if you want to learn how to train and socialise a guardian dog to be happy.