Farm Collie Dogs Are An Old Time Favorite

Farm Collies go by different names like an Old Farm Shepherd dog or the American Working Farmcollie. Once upon a time they were the most popular type of dog in the country. These versatile working dogs were kept by farmers dogs to protect (guard dogs) and keep animals in their proper enclosures (herding dogs). Sometimes they also worked as hunting dogs.

The AKC collies of today are not the same as old time farm collies, which are herding and shepherd dogs. These dogs’ ancestors came from Europe, and have a Scotch Collie heritage. Dogs that are registered as American Working Farmcollies must meet the following qualifications:

1. Of Scotch Collie ancestry (or appear to be so if the background is not known), resembling the breed standard.
2. Qualify in at least two of the three working categories (guardian, herder and hunter).
3. Required to be at least one year old.

If a dog qualifies in each of the three working categories, it gets a Certification of Merit. Double registration is also encouraged, with dogs registered with both the AFWA (American Working Farmcollie Association) and as an English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Kelpie, AKC collie, or Border Collie.

Knowing the rules and routines of the farm and being well socialized to his or her master are essential traits of a good farm collie. Knowing the boundaries of the property and staying within them is important, as well as being aware of what animals are supposed to be on the farm and their appointed places. Working as a guardian, the dog should protect the farm animals from predators.

Meant to be all-purpose farm dogs, these dogs worked as guardians, herders, and hunters. Since not all dogs will do well in all three categories, it is important to find the dog that can do the things you want it to do.

Checking out both parents to see what traits they have is a good procedure when buying a puppy. Be aware, however, that the puppy may not turn out quite as you expected. A dog has a personality of its own, unique to that individual dog. A puppy from parents exhibiting the traits you desire will most likely have at least some of them, but not have exactly the strengths you were looking for.

Versatile and helpful, the American Working Farmcollie is a great asset to any homestead.