A working dog is a dog
used to perform practical tasks, as opposed to pet or
companion dogs.
Definitions vary on what a working dog is, they are sometimes described as any dog
trained for and employed in meaningful work; other times as any dog whose breed heritage or physical characteristics lend itself to working irrespective of an individual animal's training or employment; and other times again it is used as a synonym for
herding dog.[1][2][3]
Working dog types
Roles performed by dogs that sometimes sees them classified as working dogs include:
Working dogs are known as an Australian icon. They are prevalent in Australia due to the large agricultural industry. Working dogs can be seen herding cattle or sheep and are also used to guard poultry from foxes and cats. A report in 2019 stated that there were over 270,000 stock herding dogs in Australia.[9] Some popular breeds for farm work include
Border Collies,
Kelpies,
Maremmas and
Australian Cattle Dogs.
Events to showcase the skills of working dogs are held through Australia alongside key local festivals and events. Trials and performances include high jumps,
sheepdog speed trials and sled or weighted pulls.[10]
Seizure response dog – Assists person during or immediately before or after a seizure
Working animal – Domesticated animals for assisting people
References
^"working dog". Collins Dictionary. HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C. 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020. a dog of suitable breed or training kept for its practical use, such as herding sheep, rather than as a pet or for showing
^"working dog". Merriam-Webster. 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2020. a dog suitable by size, breeding, or training for useful work (such as draft or herding) especially as distinguished from one suitable primarily for pet, show, or sporting use
^"working dog". Lexico. Oxford University Press. 2019. Archived from
the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020. A dog trained to work with livestock.
^
abc"Working dog". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2020. any of various breeds of dog bred as guard, herding, draft, or rescue animals.
^Rogak, Lisa (2011). The dogs of war: the courage, love and loyalty of military working dogs. New York: Thomas Dunne Books.
ISBN9781250008817.
^Coppinger, Raymond; Schneider, Richard (1995).
"Evolution of working dogs". In Serpell, James (ed.). The domestic dog: its evolution, behaviour and interactions with people. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp.
21–50.
ISBN0521425379.