Paws and Reflect: 25 Dog Breeds That Prefer the Wilderness to Your Sofa

Ever felt the magnetic pull of a dog’s eyes beckoning you to bring them home? It’s undeniable—the bond between humans and dogs is ancient. But not every fluffy face is fit for the living room lounge. Dive deep into the chronicles of canine lineage, where some breeds emerged to be by our side on cozy couches, while others were shaped by nature and nurture to roam, hunt, or herd. If you’re dreaming of a doggy companion, it’s essential to remember that their past influences their present preferences. We’re spotlighting 25 breeds that might prefer sprawling yards over snug interiors. So, before you make that puppy plunge, pause and ponder: is your desired breed truly tailored for indoor living? Let’s uncover the tales of tails that yearn for the great outdoors.

This article was originally published on absolutelyconnected.com and has been republished here with permission.

Border Collies

Owning a Border Collie seems like a good idea. They are very intelligent, playful, and love running around. However, as they are used for herding livestock, especially sheep, they do not make the best family pets.

They require almost constant exercise, toys, agility parks, and more to keep them from getting bored. When they do get bored, they tend to chew, and we don’t mean just their toys but anything they can get their paws on.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers are an independent, intelligent-yet-stubborn breed. They are known as the “king of terrier breeds.” Airedale Terriers love to play games. They will play various games, including digging up your garden or biting the drywall if you don’t give them enough. This breed is known for creating chaos.

They don’t like dogs. They can damage your garden with their digging habits. They can even chew through the drywall. If you are not home often, this likely indicates they have a destructive side.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Another dog breed that comes from Southern Africa is the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This large reddish brown breed is still used as a hunting dog today. What made them popular during the colonial period was their ability to not only track lions but also protect their owners from them.

Generally, they are quite docile unless provoked, in which case they can become quite aggressive. They must be well trained as puppies. Otherwise, they will not like strangers coming into their homes.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

It is obvious that the fur texture is amazing. It’s not obvious how these dogs love to herd. It’s not uncommon for a dog to have a wet nose and a bunch of fluff to encourage you to do chores around your house. You should stop and smell the roses. With a gentle push, they’ll keep your feet on the ground.

Although not the most giant breed, males can reach over 80 lbs. The plus side is that an 80lb dog sits wherever it pleases! These overgrown mops can be an excellent addition to any farm or forest family if they smile. You shouldn’t keep them in a small studio.