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Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, and for good reason. Dogs are smart, loving, and can be very helpful, even during a widespread disaster. But which dog breed would be best after the SHTF? With thousands of breeds to choose from, finding a good prepping or survival companion can be a challenge.
While some dog breeds can be trained for multiple purposes, most breeds have instincts that make them better in specific areas. For example, Border Collies are great for keeping track of kids and livestock, but not as good at warning you about trespassers.
The breed you choose really depends on your personal preferences and what scenarios you're planning for. Here is our list of the top 10 dog breeds for preppers (in alphabetical order).
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1. Akbash
The Akbash Dog originated in the mountains of Turkey and were bred to guard livestock from predators and intruders. As a result, they are very loyal toward people they do know and suspicious of people they don't know.
Because the Akbash will spend lots of time with livestock, lying in the field with cows and birds for hours on end, they are commonly mistaken as a herding dog. In reality, they aren't very good at rounding up livestock.
They also aren't the best companions. Yes, they are loyal, but they generally aren't as interested in games like fetch as other breeds. Instead, they prefer to roam their territory while watching for intruders.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs were bred by crossing various guard breeds and Mastiffs. They are strong, intelligent, and very friendly, making them great for preppers.
Originally they were trained to work on farms, so if you have a survival homestead, you should seriously consider this breed. They can pull carts, herd animals, and protect your family from danger.
If you do get this breed, keep in mind that they prefer the outdoors and will need lots of fresh air and exercise.
3. Border Collie
This breed comes from Scotland and was bred for herding livestock such as sheep. They are considered by many to be the most intelligent dog breed, which means you can teach them all sorts of tasks and tricks.
Additionally, they are very energetic and love to play, making them great for people with children. Just be warned, they can be very destructive if you let them inside. And be sure they get plenty of attention because they will get bored or depressed if left alone too often.
4. German Shepherd
An intelligent breed which has been trained for a multitude of purposes. Due to their high intelligence, they are an excellent dual-purpose guard dog for preppers. They are friendly, loyal, and can be trained to guard your family.
It has been said that they can be trained to only bark at certain threats. Getting a pup and training it yourself, or getting a well-trained dog is a must. Not all people who breed German Shepherds are able to train them well, so be wise in your choice.
Shepherds, as their name suggests, were originally developed to herd sheep. So while excellent guards, they can also be trained to work with livestock. Any dog you want to work with livestock should be gotten as a puppy and trained with your animals, otherwise your animals will not trust the dog and the dog will not be bonded to your herd.
5. Great Pyrenees
These are bred for guarding livestock or people. They are a perfect homestead breed for large or wilderness-bordered properties. Great Pyrenees will keep any predator off their territory, and they will even tag-team to drive off bears and other large predators.
If you need a dog to drive off human dangers, Great Pyrenees may not work. In livestock guard trials, they were the only breed that did not instantly attack humans. However, they are very protective and act aggressive if they do not trust a stranger. Their size and aggressive bark can also be a deterrent.
Pyrenees also have a mind of their own, so if there is something out there, they will not come in and they will not stop barking until it is gone. Pyrenees can be bonded to either your family members, or your animals, and will guard and protect both.
6. Pointers
Another bird hunting dog, Pointers are also good for noticing sneaking predators, though they won’t chase them off. Pointers will point out the location of a game bird, and can usually be trained to also retrieve it. They have good eyes and can notice intruders or predators well in advance.
Both Pointers and Retrievers can be good family dogs, and they cooperate well with livestock. As these are working dogs, they like activity and the freedom to roam. They can also be trained as an intruder alert system, though they may not be as threatening as the guard breeds.
7. Retrievers
There are several breeds of Retriever. Golden retriever comes to mind, but there are many others. These breeds have a retrieving instinct that can be useful around the homestead for fetching and assisting indoors, and for hunting.
Retrievers are one of the many breeds used for bird hunting, though any hunting dog should be trained so that they are not gun shy. They can also be trained to collect the eggs, though they may get smart and figure out that if they drop an egg, they get to eat it. I know of one Retriever who would fetch 5 eggs and always drop the 6th one.
8. Rottweilers
Another good choice for a guard. Being large working dogs, they need room to be active and must be well trained. Not everyone is suited to training a Rottweiler and it only takes one badly trained dog, or one training oversight, to create a major headache.
The Rottweiler needs lots of exercise and can be an excellent family dog with proper socialization.
9. Scotch Collie
The Scotch Collie is the ancestor of the modern Collies, and while some of the modern Collie breeds have had many of their instincts largely bred out, the Scotch collie still retains its hunting, herding, and guarding instincts. Border Collies mostly have the herding and guard instinct, but aren't as good for hunting.
Scotch Collies, on the other hand, can do it all because they were originally bred as all-purpose dogs. Collies require lots of space and exercise. If they are cooped up in a bugging-in scenario, they could create havoc with their excess energy.
10. Siberian Huskie
Another excellent working dog, able to literally pull its own weight. The challenge with the Huskie is that it is an independent breed that must respect its owner/trainer to be able to work with them. One benefit of the Huskie is that they are not a breed that eats to excess, but will just eat what they need to optimally function.
Since Huskies were originally bred in rural areas, they usually work best remaining in similar habits.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post gave you a better idea of what kind of dog you might want to get. If you already have a dog or intend to get one for prepping purposes, make sure your preps include supplies for your dog.
If you enjoyed this article, check out this list of the best livestock guardian dogs.
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