Outdoor Dogs
Best Breeds For Outdoors
One of the many benefits
of living on a farm or in a house with a big yard (including
home in the suburbs, small towns, rural areas, etc.):
space is not an issue when it comes to choosing a dog.
While apartment dwellers are limited in breed choice,
people with plenty of space for dogs to run and play
can select big dogs or small dogs, working dogs or lazy
dogs, hounds, hunting dogs, you name it. Still, there
are other important considerations. Even on a one-acre
lot, for example, a herding dog will get pretty bored
if it can’t herd. So if you like Australian Cattle
Dogs or Sheepdogs, consider moving to a farm, and make
sure your pet has something to round-up on a regular
basis (cows and sheep are ideal, as their names suggest)
— otherwise they’ll herd anything they can
find, including children. Speaking of children, Golden
and Labrador Retrievers make great family dogs, and
even though they’ll spend lots of time indoors
with its people, it
must have lots of outdoor
recreation (a fenced yard or a dog run will work just
fine). For outdoor enthusiasts, consider a member of
the Sporting family, such as a Siberian Husky, or a
Boxer. These breeds love to accompany owners on hiking,
camping and fishing trips, and most will have no problem
spending a few days out in the elements (as an added
bonus, they can also make wonderful watchdogs). When
they return home, however, shelter will be much appreciated,
so equip your backyard with a doghouse or better yet,
allow your pet indoor access. Another important note:
big, outdoor dogs should not be left alone day in and
day out — they need training and lots of interaction
with humans. Dog lovers with busy full-time schedules
would be wise to consider one of the apartment-appropriate
breeds (see above), even those who have plenty of outdoor
space.
