blog-special

Farm Dogs

Posted on March 18, 2025 3:43 AM

Farm dogs play a special role on the farm. Versatile, intelligent and hardworking, these dedicated canines help our farmers feed the world. From herding livestock and guarding property to fetching tools and even sniffing out diseases, farm dogs are truly a farmer’s best friend. Driven by instinct and a strong desire to please, farm dogs also provide an invaluable source of companionship and joy to their families. 

In 2024, Georgia Farm Bureau asked members to nominate their furry heroes in the Georgia Farm Dog Contest. The winner and finalists were announced in October at the Sunbelt Ag Expo just before the announcement of Farmer of the Year. Read on to meet this year’s winner, Belue, and his fellow finalists.

Belue

More than just a handsome farmhand, Belue has the smarts to match. When he’s not busy working sheep, cattle and poultry with his owner Brinson Brock at Brock Farms in Sumter County, Belue attends class at a local middle school to encourage interest in the veterinarian science certification program. He rounds up chickens and other small animals in the school garden and is a willing participant for grooming, bandaging and general body condition exams.

Special needs children interact with Belue daily to learn how farm dogs can not only work fiercely on the farm, but can also help with those suffering with disabilities, infirmities or simply loneliness. Belue has a calming effect on the students.

Recognized as a breed standard of Shetland Sheepdogs, Belue is a natural athlete. He demonstrates herding, agility and basic commands at “Science on the Farm” events for children and customer appreciation days at their local Tractor Supply Company, where Brinson said Belue delights the crowd with his athleticism and calm and quick demeanor. A born showman, his ability to work crowds of strangers is amazing, as is the way he can hone in on his master’s voice over the noise. 

Through his work in teaching children about a dog’s role on the farm, Belue has instilled trust in students who have overcome fears and social withdrawal because of personal circumstances. Whether rounding up chickens or football players, no one can outrun Belue.

Belue is extremely loyal and a constant companion to Brinson, who lovingly shares him throughout the farming community. At just 2 years old, Belue has been petted by hundreds of little hands, many at the same time.

“He seems to realize the children’s need to touch, and participating in this ritual is part of his responsibility,” said Brinson.

Tuff

When you need a right-hand-man, Tuff’s got his paw out. A companion first, Tuff is always by Ross Wyatt’s side when he and his family are working on the farm. Whether it’s fencing, feeding or working cattle, the 60-pound Australian Shephard is ready to help at Pine Log Creek Cattle Company in Gordon County.

A natural born herder and a youngster, 1-year-old Tuff already helps in the working pen and is learning to move cattle for rotational grazing. Ross said Tuff is always eager to learn new jobs on the farm and no matter the task, he’s ready and willing to work.

“He’s the best mix of a companion and a working dog. Tuff spends almost every day with me. He’ll lay around the house when he gets the opportunity, but he’ll beat you to the door when it’s time to work,” Ross said. “He wants to please and is exactly what people want in a farm or ranch dog. He wants to work and do his job, and he’s fine to chill with his family when the work is over.”

Red Man

This farm dog is here to show the world the definition of “small but mighty.” An 18-pound Jack Russell Terrier, Red Man is the head dog in charge at CR Melear Corp in Burke County.

Red Man helps his owner, Anna Watkins, by herding cows and riding on the tractor. His favorite job is sorting cows and calves and loading them on the trailer. Anna said Red Man is just heartbroken on the days he has to stay home and miss out on the fun.

Red Man recovered from a traumatic brain injury due to a farm accident that left him unable to walk at 6 months old. Now at age 7, physical therapy and acupuncture have made him unstoppable.

During his down time from farm jobs, Red Man herds the family’s five kids and makes sure they stay out of trouble, especially around the pool. When he isn’t working, he likes to snack on a Slim Jim, play in the mud and take naps on the bed.

“Red Man is truly one of a kind and everyone who knows him, loves him,” said Anna.

Stubby

They say when you find “the one,” you just know it’s meant to be. Donna Padgett, of Coosawattee Farm in Gordon County, grew up around farm dogs. But her 11-year-old Australian Shepherd, Stubby, is special.

 Stubby is a working dog. He works cattle, sheep and has trialed on ducks. Like most working dogs, Stubby learned by repetition. So much so that he sometimes does things on his own because he’s done them so many times. He sorts sheep and cattle and brings them from the pasture to the barn for vaccinations and worming. Sometimes, Stubby steps up and does the job before Donna gets the chance to ask.  

Off the farm, he’s just as dedicated to his work. Stubby and Donna have participated in Stockdog Trials and Stubby earned his Working Trial Championship through the Australian Shepherd Club of America.

“Words could never describe the relationship that I have with Stubby, nor the heart, work ethic and thinking ability of this amazing, working dog,” Donna said. “He is a once in a lifetime partner.”

Doug

Weighing in at 115 pounds, Doug was the best security agent on the job at Woape Farm in Houston County. Owner Mark Holmes raised the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd and Maremmano Sheepdog mix from a puppy to be a livestock guardian. Doug dedicated his life to his work guarding herds of goats, calves, chickens and pigs. Sadly, Doug passed away in the fall while guarding his flock.

Although his big bark was enough to ward off most predators, when needed, he physically protected his herds against coyotes, foxes, possum, raccoons and even bobcats. Once, Doug even protected the farm’s ranch manager by engaging a bobcat that was mere feet from the man. A powerful dog who was known to sharpen his nails on large stones, Doug also had a softer side and enjoyed belly rubs from his human family. 

“Doug was far more than a pet. He was a protector, a friend, an employee and a partner in our farm,” said Mark. “Doug was also a good father to his pups. We watched him take the time to train his puppies in how to be guardians. His pups are now guarding herds all over Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.”