#united kingdom devoured by the rats

[weirdlookindog]

Adolphe Léon Willette (1857–1926) - United Kingdom Devoured by the Rats

cover art from 'Le Courrier français', February 21, 1886

source

[lexisreads]

Spoils Of War

Alfie Solomons x Nurse!OC

Word Count: 1.400

___________

Catherine Barkley spends the evening at a pub, like she usually does ever since the War ended; and like she usually does, she orders a gin. Of course, no matter how many times she tried to make it work, alcohol doesn’t make her forget.

However, quite unusually, this night she does manage not to dwell on the horrors of the War, thanks to a rude and handsome Londoner.

____________

The War hadn’t been kind to those who fought it. And those who came back weren’t the same. There were the ones who suffered in silence, letting nightmares devour them in the night; and those whose daily lives were interrupted by visions and sounds and smells of their days in the trenches. So, they ducked to get to safety from the falling bombs and their eerie whimper as they came down, or they fought back their enemies, just to realize that those who they were hitting were not Germans, or Austrians, but their fellow Englishmen.

And of course, most of them drowned their sorrows with alcohol and drugs, just to feel something other than pain.

Catherine Barkley was an American woman, and her stupid sense of pride made her leave her comfortable, wealthy lifestyle to go and join her countrymen in sailing the ocean and partake in a War. She didn’t even know what that word, war, meant, when she enlisted as a nurse for the American military, but she soon found out.

She didn’t see the front line, the trenches, but what she saw was the after effects of the battle. Thousands upon thousands of wounded men, dying men drawing their last breaths, whimpering, crying for their families as everything around them turned to black and they faced their creator.

She wasn’t ready for that. She wasn’t ready to hold men steady as doctors cut off limbs; she wasn’t ready to see the staring eyes of men who had seen hell on earth. She wasn’t ready to have to rinse blood off every inch of her body and hair at the end of every day. She had thought it would have been a honorable deed, helping the allies of her glorious country, but she soon realized that there was nothing honorable about what she did, what she saw.

She entered the lowly lit bar, and in front of her opened up a familiar scene. Just like every evening, in every bar of London - and probably of the entire United Kingdom -, men would drink themselves to sleep, for many of them that was the only way they could rest. She saw poor men sobbing silently over their whiskeys, others drooling over the table unconscious; no one would strike up conversation, though. What would they converse about, anyway? How many men they saw eaten by rats or fleas?

“Gin, please.” She sat down at the bar, and the barman eyed her warily; a woman, alone in a bar, was quite a sight these days. Most of them would stay at home, tending to their husbands, brothers, fathers. But she didn’t have any. Her father, the only family she had left, was in New York, and she hadn’t seen him in years.

“A gin for me too, will ya.” She perked up when she heard a voice call. She turned, and saw a rugged man sitting on the stool beside her. He looked over at her, a faint smile on his lips, partly covered by his unkempt beard. She noticed a red, badly healed scar cutting across his cheek, and she knew better than to ask him about it.

His eyes were intense, magnetic almost, and they only left hers once his drink arrived. “Good lad.” He tossed a few coins on the bar, chugging the alcohol in one take. “What’s a girl like you doin’ in a place like this?”

“I needed a drink and this was the first place I found.” She sighed as she took another sip of her drink. How many times she had heard those words she couldn’t count. And her answer was always the same: leave me alone or I will put a bullet in you.

“Ah, you’re American. Thank you for saving our fucking arse.” He recognized her accent, and asked for another gin. “You were VAD, weren’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”

She turned to him once more, scutinizing him. He was handsome, rugged and with a devilish look in his eye. Hidden behind his careless grin, she knew the horrors of the war were tormenting him, too. Still, he looked careless enough that maybe, just maybe, he could make her forget about the War for one night.

“Let’s not talk about that. Shall we get out of here?”

The two of them barely made it to her flat, spacious and decadent, perfect for a lonely rich woman.

He had ripped open the top buttons of her silk blouse on their way to her house, gaining a few crossed looks from the few people that were roaming around the city at that hour.

Now, she pushed open the door to her house with her back, her lips not leaving his own, and he closed it behind him with force.

“Easy there, big man,” she grinned against his lips. Her words only made him hungrier, more frantic in his attempt to unbutton her blouse.

“Get this fucking thing off, will ya?” He ordered, his dark eyes lusting for her. “Or I’ll rip it off ya.”

She chuckled, and began undoing her buttons one by one, painfully slowly, just to see him getting more and more frustrated with every button coming apart.

“Fuck off,” he whispered before tugging at the silk so that the last few buttons popped off the blouse.

“You’re paying for that,” she teased him as he hungrily covered her mouth with his, and she let his tongue in.

He then went on to kiss her jaw, her neck, and trailed her collarbones with his tongue. With one swift movement, he slid off her camisole, revealing her naked form. His eyes brightened for a split second as he watched her, before going back to his usual darkness.

“I could eat you up all fucking day, woman.”

She hadn’t felt as alive as she did that night in a long time, maybe since before the war. And for that, she was grateful to him. She was grateful for a great fuck, too.

“I don’t even know what your fucking name is,” he chuckled, glancing at her before going back to watching the ceiling.

She smiled, kissing his naked bicep, on which her head was lying on. “It’s Catherine.” Her arm was draped across muscled chest, her finger tracing circles on his skin. “What’s yours?”

“Alfie. It’s very nice to meet you, Catherine.”

“The pleasure is all mine. Really. Thank you for that.” She blushed slightly, feeling her skin tingle as she remembered the pleasure she felt under his touch.

She felt rumbling in his chest as he let out a chuckle. “That was the best sex I had in a long time, you know?”

“It was for me, too. Since before the War.”

She hadn’t lain with anyone for those four years, even though she had fallen in love with a wounded soldier, whose name she wasn’t sure of. He had been a tunneler, but she didn’t know much else about him, apart from his blue, mesmerizing eyes. They were light but oh, so sad.

“That fucking war. I don’t recognize myself anymore.”

She looked at him: his eyes were closed and she was smiling regretfully. She knew what he meant, the War had changed her, too. So much that if her father saw her, she feared that he wouldn’t recognize her; that was the main reason why she hadn’t gone back to America right after the war, even after his father’s letters asking her to go back to him. She couldn’t do that to him, she couldn’t bear watching her father realize that his sweet, cheerful daughter had turned into whatever she was now.

“I’ll help you get your old self back, if you’ll help me too.” She whispered, allowing one lonely tear to trace her hot cheek.

He turned to her, and as soon as he laid eyes on her, he understood. She didn’t need any spoken words, his gaze was enough. Then, he kissed her with a tenderness she didn’t know he was capable of.

[teenageread]

Reign of Serpents

Synopsis:

Prince Alexander of Macedon’s mind has been touched by an incomprehensible evil, even as his betrothed travels from afar to unite their kingdoms against a terrible darkness that threatens both realms: the Spirit Eaters.

From the distant shores of Illyria to a small deserted island, the deadly consequences of Smoke Blood magic loom and lost civilizations emerge to reveal the existence of a weapon that may do the impossible—kill the last living god. As magic rises and warriors clash, the fate of all Macedon rests in the hands of the unstable prince and those whose loyalty can no longer be trusted.

Plot:

Zo knew that her time in the wild with Ochus was over, as she had to tell some kingdom about the Spirit Eaters and have them follow her into battle to save the world.  But who to tell? Her supposed husband Alex was preoccupied, not that Zo knew, as he was being possessed by the final remaining god Riel, who turned out to be his father and Olympia's lover. When Alex comes through periodically, he is at the mercy of Riel, whose goal is to kill his “father” Philip to prevent him from marrying and producing an heir that would take Alex's spot in line for king.  Meanwhile, Olympias's plan worked and sent Cyn away to marry a mad king, leaving her too busy trying to survive, leaving her unable to help her friends. As Kat and Heph return, they become closer as more-than-friends. However, Heph is keeping the prophecy from Kat that she is destined to kill Alex. Jacob is also here, periodically, with his plan for the lords to be taken down by Alex but get back into the good grace of Kat, whom he still loves. As the characters travel far across the known world, the Spirit Eaters are getting restless as they wait for a god to devour or just destroy the general humanity. 

Thoughts: 

As Eleanor Herman progresses the main plotline of the series, she sets up the next and final novel to have the epic battle of the Spirit Eaters, leaving this novel to build up suspense. Which Herman did by having way too many points of view - like more than the previous novels. With eleven different points of view, some just once but others are recurring, at least Herman finally started giving characters names alongside chapter numbers as it can get confusing. With many points of view, the entire acts of the novel are built off of different points of view, making the whole book about switching characters and not enough of an actual plot line. For Cyn, who is in her own entire world throughout the novel, you only see a total of four times from chapters three, fifteen, twenty-one, and thirty. This is more than you see of Alex, who is preoccupied with being possessed, making his voice only heard three times. This can be similar to Herman's previous books. This one makes it more obvious as none of the characters are together - besides Heph and Kat. So within this novel, you go hundreds of pages before returning to these unique storylines of Jacob, Cyn, Alex, and Zo while getting one-off chapters of people you do not care about, like Darius and Rat. With so much space, not a lot of action can happen. The big surprises that Herman pulled out are things we have learned from previous books that some characters know, but others do not. Like Jacob finding out his entire family was dead, Herman pulls it out near the ending of this big novel to shock Jacob/readers. Still, that news is so old that reading Jacob's reaction was not as touching as when Kat and the readers found out a while ago. Like these twists and turns are happening, but there are things we know about, so it's only a shock to the character that you only see every hundred pages.  The only major twist is the ones that end the novel and where they build the plot. We will see repercussions in the next book - they do not add anything to this novel's story as they all leave any reaction for the next installment. This was not a bad read, as significant gaps between a character's appearance made it a fast read, as there are so many plot lines and characters to disappear; Herman's writing was smooth, making this book fly by. Yet, with all the negatives I have listed, it seems Herman bit off a bit more than they can chew with this one, with the same amount of characters appearing less because they are all separated, with big plans going to happen that did not appear in this novel. Overall, this book suffers from the middle of the series dullness. This book builds off the second novel and sets up the fourth for an epic finale without actually contributing anything to the plot line itself.

Read more reviews: Goodreads

Buy the book: Amazon

[ipest-management]

The Worst Rats Infestation Ever!

Rodent control is when we call when we have a rat infestation. Rodents usually thrive when there is food and water. Today we are going to see some of the worst rats infestations around the world. 

Dream House Ruined

Imagine yourself getting your new home, living your new dream house. Only to find out after you move in, you smell a strong stench coming from your next door neighbour. This happened in Lakewood, USA. You went and took a look and you saw your neighbour's house is filled with rats. Coming in and out from drainage pipes, the roof, the fences. And don't forget the atrocious smell coming from your neighbour's house. Well that happened to Kelly who lives next to a rat infested house neighbour. She tried many ways to contact the next door neighbour but there was no reply. What would you do if you are in her shoes? Would you have called the pest control or rats control?

The Worst Rats Infestation Ever!

Credit: Animal Planet Youtube

Back in 2010, Australia was hit by one of the worst rat plague ever. Millions of swarms of rats started swarming the farm. The stored grain supplies were being eaten up. Once the stored grain supplies ran out the rodent began attacking live stocks and began devouring one another. It sounds pretty scary but it actually happens. Causing millions of dollars worth of damages in infrastructure and livestock. This shocking situation would cause anyone a terrible headache and many sleepless nights.

Homes For The Rats

Imagine yourself living in an apartment that is filled to the brim with rubbish. Which has led to a huge rat infestation. The house was purchased by an investor. This happened in the United Kingdom. Where in the video, they will discover the extent of this problem. The neighbour had been terrorised by this issue as the rats from the apartment for decades, had rodents coming over to her apartment. She had tried every method possible like peppers to keep these pests away from her home. But the rats are fearless. In the video, we saw a mountain of garbage in the whole entire apartment. We saw the investor even having trouble opening the door. 

The previous owner was an hoarder. Which basically means that she always tends to keep things and not wanting to throw. In the video, we saw the huge hoarding issue which eventually led to an rat infestation. This is a rats haven that is filled with food and water supplies for them. They had called the pest control company or rats control to handle the situation but things worsened as the hoarding got worse. 

We saw the investors gearing up before they entered the apartment. Once they enter the apartment they have even trouble opening the front door. Being faced with a mountain of garbage in front of their face. The protection mask they were wearing wasn’t enough for the stench of smell from the rats droppings and old spoil foods around the apartment. Did you know that accumulation of rats droppings can spread bacteria, contaminate food sources and might trigger allergic reactions. Once the droppings are dried, it can be hazardous to those breathing in as the fumes can cause diseases and viruses.

Afterwards as they were discovering the kitchen, they saw huge rats roaming across from all directions scattering around their feet. Soon after, they could not handle the situations inside and proceed to leave the apartment.  

After seeing these 3 cases of worst Rats infestation, we can conclude some things. As long as there is access to food, water and a place for the rats to stay. There is always a chance for rats infestation. If you have a rat infestation, call your local rodent control immediately as it's best to solve your problems early, before things get any worse. If you are looking for DIY tips to get rid of rats, then check out this article here.  

[domerics]

jamie dornan, thirty five, antegra, cis male. ––– i believe that is domeric radoslav zharkov, the duke / sellsword of bolton. they are thirty five years old and are known to be very resolute & strategic, though they can also be very despondent & merciless. they remind me of a doe’s neck caught betwixt the jaws of feral beast ; jowls dripping with saliva, an archer on horseback barring wolves from the gates ; digits grazing fletching before loosed arrow embeds opposing jugular, a body comprised of faulty organs ; life has dug deep into stomach and ripped out the lining ; the heart missing, a blade post execution ; its vermillion edge dripping blood upon marred stone &. vast lands of littered dead ; the shadow is his and so is the valley.

I. ━━ GENERAL.

NAME :  domeric  radoslav  zharkov.

AGE :  thirty  five.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN :  antegra.

FORMER TITLE / S :  lord  of  bolton,  sellsword,  general  of  the  zharkov  army,  the  hound.

CURRENT TITLE / S :   duke  of  bolton,  commander  of  the  zharkov  army,  the  hound.

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN : scorpio.

II. ━━ PERSONAL.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION :  demisexual.

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION :  demiromantic.

PERSONALITY TYPE :  entj,  the  commander.

MORAL ALIGNMENT :  chaotic neutral.

HABITS :  folding  arms  atop  chest,  furrowing  brows,  narrowing  eyes,  bearing  a  stoic  demeanor.

SINS :  lust  /  greed  /  gluttony  /  sloth  /  pride  /  envy  / wrath

III. ━━ TRAITS & PERSONALITY.

cowardly     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●      brave

energetic    ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○     lethargic

forgiving     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●     vengeful

charitable    ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ○     selfish

authentic     ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○      deceitful

chaste     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○      lustful

humble    ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○     boastful

naive     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●      experienced

cautious     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●     daring

restrained     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●    bold

trusting     ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ●     suspicious

IV. ━━ PHYSICALITY.

HAIR COLOR :  mix  of  light  /  dark  brown  with  dark  copper  undertones.

EYE COLOR :  slate  blue,  at  times  appearing  more  grey  or  intensely  sapphiric.

HEIGHT : 6′3.

WEIGHT : 193lbs

BUILD : mesomorph.

ACCENT :  due to his travels,  you  can  find  underlying  tones  of  various  kingdoms  laced  throughout  antegra’s  native  notes.

PITCH : low, some gravel.

SCARS & BIRTHMARKS :  most  prominent  are  various  scars  from  a  lifetime  of  abuse,  a  variety  from  torture  during  his  captivity,  several  distinctive  marks  from  arrows,  and  a  scar  through  the  right  side  of  his  mouth.

V. ━━ BIO  /  HC  POINTS.

the  son  of  radoslav  zharkov,  domeric  is  the  only  surviving  true  born  son  and  heir  of  the  bolton  dukedom.  raised  beneath  the  torturous  roof  of  radoslav,  domeric  held  the  severity  of  his  father  from  an  early  age,  his  mother,  perhaps,  being  the  reason  he  did  not  entirely  fall  to  the  dukedom’s  sinister  illness.  a  warrior  in  her  own  right,  his  fondest  memories  being  of  the  woman  training  him  in  archery,  it  pained  him  to  witness  her  waste  away  beside  an  abusive  and  unfaithful  husband  ;  neither  mother  nor  son  could  flee  from  his  patriarch’s  ceaseless  wrath.  and  when  she  perished,  radoslav  merely  had  the  body  burned  within  the  zharkov’s  courtyard,  perhaps  turning  the  only  light  domeric  had  known  to  ash  before  solemn  eyes.  by  the  time  domeric  was  fifteen,  his  physique  was  smothered  in  scars  you’d  expect  a  man  thrice  his  age  to  bear  from  an  eternity  of  war.  a  steeled  youth,  he’d  carried  out  numerous  charges  on  his  father’s  behalf.  though  it  was  rare  he  agreed  with  the  man’s  executing  terms,  the  young  man  was  spared  radoslav’s  tormenting  fury  when  seeing  orders  to  their  designated  completion.

when  antegra’s  borders  were  attacked  &.  the  bolton  dukedom  threatened,  the  zharkovs  were  forced  to  answer.  leading  the  zharkov  army  alongside  his  father,  domeric  soon  faced  the  pandemonium  of  war  (  despite  already  living  what  he  deemed  to  be  hell  by  radoslav  ),  and  found  he  had  a  taste  for  it  like  his  father.  victorious  at  each  battle’s  conclusion,  domeric  was  able  to  gather  an  inkling  of  warped  admiration  for  his  father  as  a  commander  despite  the  realities  behind  it.  however,  all  sense  of  commendation  vanished  as  his  father,  driven  by  greed,  plotted  against  antegra  alongside  his  bastard  brother,  rogar.  with  antegra  distracted  by  a  greater  war  between  kingdoms,  domeric’s  father  thought  it  time  to  seize  the  surrounding  dukedoms,  and  make  for  antegra’s  throne.  domeric  sought  various  allies  in  order  to  deliver  the  information  he’d  gathered,  though  his  father’s  plan  to  overthrow  the  surrounding  dukedoms  had  already  been  set  into  motion.  when  the  fighting  began,  the  zharkov  troops  were  split  in  their  allegiance.  half  stood  with  domeric  and  antegra,  while  the  rest  met  their  demise  united  with  opposing  forces,  including  radoslav  zharkov,  whom  domeric  beheaded  and  left  for  the  rats  of  antegra  to  devour.

some  time  after  the  internal  skirmish’s  conclusion,  domeric  is  brought  word  of  his  bastard  brother’s,  rogar  zharkov’s  tyranny  at  the  bolton  dukedom.  unable  to  take  zharkov  troops  from  antegra’s  fight  against  iilyria,  he  rides  back  to  the  dukedom  alone  in  attempts  to  secure  it  from  a  usurping  half  brother.  upon  his  arrival,  however,  domeric  is  met  with  dire  circumstance.  rogar  has  gathered  an  army  of  his  own,  both  reigning  terror  across  the  dukedom’s  outskirts  and  those  he’s  imprisoned  upon  their  own  land.  vastly  outnumbered,  he’s  arrested  by  rogar’s  militia  and  placed  within  the  zharkov’s  dungeons.  punished  within  their  harrowing  tunnels  throughout  his  youth  by  radoslav,  he’s  able  to  surmise  swift  escape  by  knowledge  of  the  underground,  liberating  a  volley  of  potential  victims  in  the  process.  weakened  by  his  maltreated  internment,  he  is  unable  to  flee  rogar  and  his  hunting  party  unscathed.  when  domeric  falls  from  his  horse  amidst  antegra’s  cliffs  he  is  unconscious,  bestrewed  by  arrows,  and  near  death.  when  he  wakes  a  few  moons  later,  he’s  within  the  walls  of  his  rescuer,  a  nearby  dukedom.  in  exchange  for  both  saving  and  harboring  him,  he  offers  up  arms  as  well  as  the  dual  exchange  of  support  between  their  dukedoms  once  he’s  reclaimed  zharkov  land,  forging  a  personal  alliance  between  these  two  areas.  becoming  a  sellsword  during  his  exile,  domeric  steadily  gains  his  own  band  of  mercenaries  in  order  to  retake  the  dukedom,  where  he  then  moves  upon,  able  to  reclaim  the  bolton  dukedom  and  once  again  pledge  his  soldiers  &.  support  to  antegra  until  the  war’s  completion.

the  bolton  dukedom  has  always  been  considered  separate  from  the  rest  of  antegra.  due  to  their  more  isolated  location  as  well  as  monstrous  reputation,  the  rest  of  the  dukedoms  have  always  kept  their  distance  until  domeric  assumed  the  role  of  duke.

the  bolton  dukedom  has  been  known  for  their  weapons  and  barbaric  brutality,  and  domeric  hasn’t  been  spared  the  stereotype.  highly  proficient  in  archery,  horsemanship,  swordsmanship  &.  hand - to - hand  combat,  he  is  a  formidable  opponent  like  the  rest  of  the  zharkov  line  demands.

the  zharkovs  value  their  hounds,  and  like  his  horses,  domeric  holds  a  special  bond  with  them.  domeric's  fond  of  dogs  as  much  as  he  is  horses,  having  trained  animals  for  various  kingdoms  for  various  needs  throughout  his  life.

though  domeric  is  unsure  he’s  ever  known  the  term  family,  he  does  value  his  band  of  mercenaries  as  well  as  the  bolton  dukedom  troops  which  remain  loyal  to  him.  a  great  commander,  he  treats  those  who  follow  him  with  respect,  expecting  it  in  return.

he’ll  never  be  able  to  wash  his  hands  clean  &.  he  won’t  apologize  for  it.  from  an  early  age,  radoslav  forced  domeric  to  carry  out  his  more  insidious  work,  including  the  flaying,  torture,  and  execution  of  numerous  individuals.

VI.      ━━  CHARACTER RELATIONS.

DUKE  RADOSLAV  ROGAR  ZHARKOV  (  patriarch,  deceased  ).

DUCHESS  DOMINIKA  ZHARKOV  NÉE  MOROZOVA  ( matriarch,  deceased  ).

LORD  ROGAR  ZHARKOV  (  half  brother,  deceased  ).

DUCHESS  MERYEM  ZHARKOV  NÉE  MATTIS  (  spouse,  twenty  five  ).

VII.      ━━  WANTED  CONNECTIONS.

anyone  who  has  hired  domeric  /  his  mercenary  group  during  his  time  as  a  sellsword.

anyone  from  the  dukedom  within  antegra  in  which  domeric  was  rescued  by  &.  then  allied  with.

families  he’s  trained  horses  for  or  provided  war  hounds  to.

soldiers  /  comrades  of  war.

members  of  his  band  of  mercenaries  as  a  sellsword  who  are  now  a  part  of  the  bolton  dukedom’s  new  order.

uc.

[domericsa]

   ♔  →  westeros  presents  DOMERIC BOLTON,  the  LORD && RIGHTFUL HEIR OF THE DREADFORT / SELLSWORD  of  THE NORTH.  a  raven  sent  word  that  he  bears  the  resemblance  to  JAMIE DORNAN.  the  THIRTY-THREE  year  old  MALE  was  CAPABLE  &  RESOLUTE  before  the  dawn  of  war,  but  have  now  become  DESPONDENT  &  MERCILESS.  when  songs  are  sung,  their  verses  speak  of  A PACK OF PREDATORY HOUNDS ENCOMPASSING PREY ; SNARLING MAWS CLOSING IN ON THE KILL, AN ARCHER ON HORSEBACK ; DIGITS GRAZING FLETCHING BEFORE LOOSED ARROW EMBEDS OPPOSING JUGULAR && A BLADE POST EXECUTION ; ITS VERMILLION EDGE DRIPPING BLOOD UPON MARRED STONE.  whispers  throughout  the  seven  kingdoms  claim  that  their  allegiance  lies  with  THEMSELVES,  but  fealty  means  little  when  you  play  the  game  of  thrones.

BASICS

BIRTH  NAME  :  domeric  bolton.

FORMER  TITLE / S :  lord  domeric  of  the  dreadfort.

CURRENT  TITLE / S  :  (  rightfully  )  lord  bolton,  lord  of  the  dreadfort.

REGION  OF  ORIGIN  :  the  dreadfort,  the  north.

SWORN  ALLEGIANCE  :  themselves,  house  bolton  (  those  who  remain  loyal  to  him  ),  house  cerwyn.

AGE  :  thirty  and  three  /  31st  day  of  the  10th  moon.

ORIENTATION  :  cis - male  /  demisexual  /  demiromantic.

STATUS  :  unmarried  with  no  children.

RELIGION  :  n/a.

SPOKEN  LANGUAGES  :   the  common  tongue  (  fluent  ),  the  old  tongue  (  fluent  ),  summer  tongue  ( fluent  ),  high  valyrian  (  intermediate  ),  low  valyrian  (  intermediate  ),  holds  a  general  sense  of  adaptability  with  languages,  skilled  in  various  areas  of  some  due  to  the  range  of  ethnicities  within  his  group  of  mercenaries.

OTHER  ABILITIES  :  a  master  archer,  swordsman,  and  horseman.

PERSONALITY

TYPE  :  entj,  the  commander.

MORAL  ALIGNMENT  :  chaotic  neutral.

ASTROLOGICAL  SIGN  :  scorpio.

HABITS  :  folding  his  arms  over  his  chest,  bearing  stoic  features.

PHYSICALITY

HAIR  COLOR  :  mix  of  light  /  dark  brown  with  dark  copper  undertones.

EYE  COLOR  :  slate  blue,  at  times  appearing  more  grey  or  intensely  sapphiric.

HEIGHT  :  6′3.

WEIGHT  :  198lbs.

BUILD  :  fit  /  muscular,  broad - shouldered.

DISTINGUISHING  MARKS  :  most  prominent  are  various  scars  from  a  lifetime  of  abuse,  a  variety  from  torture  during  his  captivity,  several  distinctive  marks  from  arrows,  and  a  scar  through  the  right  side  of  his  mouth.

HISTORY  //  HEADCANONS

the  son  of  roose  bolton  and  bethany  bolton  née  ryswell,  domeric  is  the  only  surviving  true - born  son  and  heir  of  house  bolton.  raised  beneath  the  torturous  roof  of  roose  bolton,  domeric  held  the  severity  of  his  father  from  an  early  age,  his  mother,  perhaps,  being  the  reason  he  did  not  entirely  fall  to  the  dreadfort’s  sinister  illness.  a  warrior  in  her  own  right,  his  fondest  memories  being  of  the  woman  training  him  in  archery,  it  pained  him  to  witness  her  waste  away  beside  an  abusive  and  unfaithful  husband  ;  neither  mother  nor  son  could  flee  from  roose’s  ceaseless  wrath.  and  when  she  perished,  roose  merely  had  the  body  burned  within  the  dreadfort’s  courtyard,  perhaps  turning  the  only  light  domeric  had  known  to  ash  before  solemn  eyes.  by  the  time  domeric  was  fifteen,  his  physique  was  smothered  in  scars  you’d  expect  a  man  thrice  his  age  to  bear  from  an  eternity  of  war.  a  steeled  youth,  he’d  carried  out  numerous  charges  on  his  father’s  behalf.  though  it  was  rare  he  agreed  with  the  man’s  executing  terms,  the  young  man  was  spared  roose’s  tormenting  fury  when  seeing  orders  to  their  designated  completion.

when  robb  stark  called  for  his  bannermen  upon  eddard  stark’s  execution,  house  bolton  answered.  leading  the  bolton  army  alongside  his  father,  domeric  soon  faced  the  pandemonium  of  war  (  despite  already  living  what  he  deemed  to  be  hell  by  roose  ),  and  found  he  had  a  taste  for  it  like  his  father.  victorious  at  each  battle’s  conclusion,  domeric  was  able  to  gather  an  inkling  of  warped  admiration  for  his  father  as  a  commander  despite  the  realities  behind  it.  however,  all  sense  of  commendation  vanished  as  his  father  plotted  against  the  proclaimed  king  in  the  north  with  lord  frey.  at  the  red  wedding’s  arrival,  domeric  sought  robb  stark  in  order  to  deliver  the  information  he’d  gathered,  though  the  frey’s  betrayal  had  already  been  unearthed.  when  the  fighting  began,  the  bolton  troops  were  split  in  their  allegiance.  half  stood  with  domeric  and  the  north,  while  the  rest  met  their  demise  united  with  the  freys,  including  roose  bolton,  whom  domeric  beheaded  and  left  for  the  rats  of  the  riverlands  to  devour.

some  time  after  the  red  wedding’s  conclusion,  domeric  is  brought  word  of  ramsay  snow’s  tyranny  at  the  dreadfort.  unable  to  take  bolton  troops  from  robb  stark’s  cause,  he  rides  back  to  the  dreadfort  alone  in  attempts  to  secure  the  dreadfort  from  a  usurping  half - brother.  upon  his  arrival,  however,  domeric  is  met  with  dire  circumstance.  ramsay  has  gathered  an  army  of  his  own,  both  reigning  terror  across  the  north  and  those  he’s  imprisoned  at  the  dreadfort.  vastly  outnumbered,  he’s  arrested  by  ramsay’s  militia  and  placed  within  the  dreafort’s  dungeons.  punished  within  their  harrowing  tunnels  throughout  his  youth  by  roose,  he’s  able  to  surmise  swift  escape  by  knowledge  of  the  underground,  liberating  theon  greyjoy  and  a  volley  of  others  in  the  process.  weakened  by  his  maltreated  internment,  he  is  unable  to  flee  ramsay  and  his  hunting  party  unscathed.  when  domeric  falls  from  his  horse  amidst  northern  woodland  he  is  unconscious,  bestrewed  by  arrows,  and  near  death.  when  he  wakes  a  few  moons  later,  he��s  within  the  walls  of  his  rescuer,  house  cerwyn.  in  exchange  for  both  saving  and  harboring  him,  he  offers  up  arms  as  well  as  the  dual  exchange  of  support  between  their  houses  once  he’s  reclaimed  the  dreadfort,  forging  a  personal  alliance  between  house  bolton  and  cerwyn.  becoming  a  sellsword  during  his  exile,  domeric  steadily  gains  his  own  band  of  mercenaries  in  order  to  retake  the  dreadfort,  where  he  plots  to  soon  move  upon.

domeric  holds  a  unique  affinity  for  horses  (  as  in  canon  ),  often  being  referred  to  as  the  horse  lord  &&  considered  the  best  horseman  throughout  the  seven  kingdoms  by  those  who’ve  both  met  him  and  seen  him  ride.

the  boltons  have  been  known  for  their  weapons  and  barbaric  brutality,  and  domeric  hasn’t  been  spared  the  stereotype.  highly  proficient  in  archery,  swordsmanship  &&  hand - to - hand  combat,  he  is  a  formidable  opponent  like  the  rest  of  the  bolton  line  demands.

house  bolton  values  its  hounds,  and  like  his  horses,  domeric  holds  a  special  bond  with  them.  domeric's  fond  of  dogs  as  much  as  he  is  horses,  having  trained  animals  for  various  houses  for  various  needs  throughout  his  life.

though  domeric  is  unsure  he’s  ever  known  the  term  family,  he  does  value  his  band  of  mercenaries  as  well  as  the  bolton  troops  which  remain  loyal  to  him.  a  great  commander,  he  treats  those  who  follow  him  with  respect,  expecting  it  in  return.

he’ll  never  be  able  to  wash  his  hands  clean  &&  he  won’t  apologize  for  it.  from  an  early  age,  roose  bolton  forced  domeric  to  carry  out  his  more  insidious  work,  including  the  flaying,  torture,  and  execution  of  numerous  individuals.

[best-health-select-keto-uk]

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[martinaiii156]

In spite of the specific ethnic origin by the African American youth, the global younger generation had easily adopted this new style of dress.

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[michellertaway]

DEEP IN YOUR EYES THE RIVER RUNS

Even now that I’m back from the United Kingdom, I still couldn’t wrap my head around the thought that I was there a month ago. Who would have thought?! I never even imagined that I’d be there. But when you have a God so big and so powerful, then its true, nothing is impossible.

UK wasn’t in the list of countries I wanted to visit because I knew how hard it is to get a visa and how expensive it can get to travel there. But my sister and her husband moved there last year for work and considering how close I am to my sister, I just I had to visit her.

To cut the story short, my vacation leave and visa were both approved and I was reminded that when I was in High School, it was my dream to go to London. I know it was God who brought my sister there because He has a plan for her, but I would love to selfishly think that she is in the UK so it would be easy for me to go there.

So off I went to England on the 12th of October 2019 with Singapore Airline as my carrier. Ohhh, I love that airline! I didn’t get to take photos of the food because I devour them the moment they land at my tray table, but they were all so good.

I won’t go on detail on everything as it would be tedious but here’s a few observations that I made during my one month stay there.

1.      Weather is freaking cold! Even if the sun is out, the cold crawls from your skin down to your bones.

2.      Trees are like fire! I am glad to come there during autumn and see different colors of yellow, orange, yellow orange, maple, yellow green, etc.

3.      The driver’s seat is on the left side. So when you cross the street, you better look on your left instead of your right.

4.      Just like other first-world countries that I’ve been to, transportation is very convenient. Buses stop only on designated bus stops and they have schedules. There are trains from London to the provinces to it is always so easy to go to the capital. In London, The Underground or “the Tube” is very convenient to travel to around the capital. They are very fast and comes almost every minute. Also, Google Maps is the key.

5.      When you go out with a baby, a carrier or a stroller is needed. You can’t just carry your baby around.

6.      British people are actually nice and approachable. When walking down the street, someone will just smile and say, “have a nice day!”

7.      There are no mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches or rats. If they see one, it is considered as red alert.

8.      There are more Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini Cooper and other expensive cars than Ford, Honda or Toyota.

9.      Parks are used efficiently. Parents always bring their children to parks to play.

10.   Houses look identical in color and in structure. I think 95% of houses have chimneys. Reminded me of Princess Sarah and Ang Munting Pangarap ni Romeo.

11.   Its normal to see people performing everywhere especially in underpass or other public places.

12.   I’m surprised to see a few street dwellers. My friend said that the government has housing projects for them but they still choose to live in the streets.

13.   Most of the citizens don’t use cash anymore in paying stuff and transportation. They always use card.

14.   It is legal to park on the sides of the street.

15.   Barangay is not really a barangay because it has everything – grocery stores, parks, schools, clinics, church and other different establishments. You can actually just stay in your barangay and still have everything.

16.   There are no wet markets.

My eyes saw too much beauty in Scotland – from old structured architecture and castles in Edinburgh to its breathtaking landscapes and dramatic scenery (and castles again) outside the city. I can say that Scotland is my favorite of all the places I’ve been to.

Haggis 

Had a six-hour lay-over in Singapore and met with a friend who took me to see the Jewel.

[towncalledkingdom]

Bug Man sat on the edge of a hard, creaking chair. His elbows dug into his knees, one hand rubbing at the stubble on his chin nervously- a habit that a man working with chemicals and pathogen-carrying creatures should never have. A single dim light bulb illuminated the table before him, revealing the curving edges of a canvas map of Kingdom. Red tacks had been driven directly through the map and into the table, marking a series of emergency events that had happened over the past few months.

Bug Man had never met Mercury’s Men before tonight. Though he suspected that they had been completing operations all around him for his entire life, this was the first time that he had been introduced.

Mercury was, as many of Bug Man’s clients were, a highly secretive person. Seeing them standing at the back of the room instead of behind their gleaming desk as they usually were was unnerving. For his part, Bug Man wouldn’t usually attend a meeting like this either. He’d worked hard to maintain neutrality over the years, building strong relationships with the many factions and citizens that jostled for control in Kingdom. For many, the Bug Man was a hero. He had been the only person able to handle the bed bug epidemic in The Dungeon. When rats tore through the Phylla storehouses Bug Man arrived and set the people to work, devising a strategy that United all of the Houses against the rodents. Not the people with rodent names, of course. He’d taught classes on basic pest prevention at Smoke University, fought back the termite swarms that threatened to devour the Grandfather Tree, and kept the grounds of the Church of M free of black widows. Disease-carrying fleas and mosquitos no longer posed a threat to the population. If any one person kept Kingdom alive and healthy, it was Bug Man.

Such close proximity to the town’s leadership, coupled with his rare skill set, afforded Bug Man a unique, dangerous sort of power. He was given access to offices and cells that few others knew existed. He heard gossip. He saw things happen. And yet, Kingdom trusted him. They weren’t given much of a choice. Thus, Bug Man’s presence at a secret meeting was a highly volatile situation. If any faction that had not sent representatives that night found out he was there they might worry that he was using some of that knowledge against them. He knew this, and yet he couldn’t stay away. Not tonight.

It was for the sake of the girl seated next to him that he had to come. Kingdom had always dealt with minor stirrings and squabbles, even a few small wars since its founding. But in his own life he had never seen so much social turmoil or distrust. He had been able to avoid taking sides for most of his career, but having Cecilia around changed everything. His plans shifted from a list of weekly appointments to a far-reaching strategy for ensuring her future happiness.

Mercury had brought three agents with them to the meeting. One, a wicked-eyed woman with skin like midnight and nails cut into triangles, introduced herself as “Panic.” A nearly identical woman with unkempt hair, thick-rimmed glasses, and kind, curious eyes had shaken his hand as well. “Network,” she said. Bug Man asked her if she was telling him what to do or if that was her name. She just smiled and sat down next to her sister.

The third agent, a grizzled old woman with wrinkles in her wrinkles gave him a short nod. “Havoc,” said Mercury. “The oldest operating member of Mercury’s Men. She may be the oldest living citizen in Kingdom.” Havoc smiled slightly but remained silent.

Two more citizens were seated around the table, but Bug Man knew them already. Bard the bard sat backwards on the bench, leaning his shoulders against the table’s edge and plucking at a small stringed instrument. His smile was wide and infectious, still managing to shine in the dim light. Cecilia had giggled when he looked at her. At the end of the table a middle-aged woman in an oversized brown robe scribbled furiously into a journal. Her hair was thin and short. It floated in wisps around her head, making her look more like a spirit than a human being. She glanced up occasionally with enormous golden eyes as if checking to see if she was missing something important. In the low light the bottom of her face seemed disproportionately small. This fascinating creature was Owl, Phylla’s own keeper of law and history. All of Kingdom knew that the Watchmen were keeping track of what happened in the town, but several decades ago Phylla had decided to elect a historian that they could actually speak with.

“I probably don’t need to tell you why I called you here tonight,” Mercury began, meandering out of the shadows toward the table. They looked directly at Bug Man. “You know who I am and who I work for, yes?”

Bug Man nodded, “I do.”

“Then you understand what it would take to bring me out here in person, sharing a room with three of my agents at the same time?”

Bug Man repeated, “I do.”

Mercury clasped their hands behind their back and looked at each of the people sitting around the table. “I am aware of the danger this puts you in as well, and the fact that you chose to come tonight assures me that you are looking at how dangerous these recent developments could be for Kingdom.“

Bug Man turned to Cecilia. Her arms were crossed on the table. She listened intently. “None of this ever happened,” he whispered, “Just like we talked about.”

A child’s body turned to him. Ancient eyes stared out from it. “I understand,” she said aloud.

“The abuse and abduction of non-natives by Penitent extremists,” continued Mercury, “The blatant disregard for Kingdom law by the Privateers and the acceptance of their actions by all of us has to end.”

“Some of the Houses aren’t going to like this,” said Owl without looking up from her writing.

“I venture to guess none of us will like this,” answered Bard, “Not in the beginning. Privateer raids have fed our children, built our homes, and diversified our gene pool.”

“They’ve also excused the disappearance of citizens, risked exposing us to the outside world, and empowered a sadist,” answered Panic. “The Privateers no longer fear punishment.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like a Penitent,” Bug Man joked.

She turned her wild eyes on him. “Where do you think I came from?” He dropped his gaze. She did not.

“There’s a system going on here, a bunch of interconnected players and repeated actions,” said Network, “I’ve laid what I know out here on the map with Owl’s help.”

The sound of footsteps was probably quiet to anyone outside, but it was like an alarm to the people gathered around the table. Panic and Network shot from their seats immediately, disappearing on silent, practiced feet into the shadows of a room deeper in the house. Bug Man stood, one hand reaching for Cecilia’s shoulder. She dropped beneath the table. Mercury took a single step back, leaning one side of their head against the front wall. A door closed across the street, knocking gently against the frame before dragging shut. Someone was trying to hide.

More footsteps, further up the street. Bug Man joined Mercury by the front wall. He put his ear to it. “Take your people and fan out, they can’t have gone far,” rumbled a voice. “I want them tonight or I’m taking you all straight back to Jericho.” Unmistakably Berwald. Shit. But who was he talking to?

A panting voice answered him, but Bug Man couldn’t make out what the person had said. "Your people,” he’d said. Whose people? It had to be those Penitent fanatics from Town Square, nothing else made sense. But how many were there? How many could there be?

More footsteps. A lot more. Bug Man looked at Mercury. Mercury held their hands to the wall. What sounded like a sizable crowd had gathered in the stone street outside. A door was kicked open somewhere a few houses up. They were beginning to search the buildings. Bug Man turned to Mercury, then back at Bard and Owl. “What do we do?” he whispered. They looked as terrified as he felt. Something burned at the back of Bug Man’s mind. What was he forgetting? Alarms blared in his mind, something what definitely wrong. He knew what it was before he could start moving. He dropped to look beneath the table. Cecilia was gone.

[dispatchesfrom2020]

2020

Week 52: December 21-December 27

21: Kīlauea - an active shield volaco on Hawaii’s big Island - erupts with a towering 30,000 foot tall plume. The active vents flooded the volcano’s pit crater with lava, creating an enormous lake of molten rock. The former Miss Belarus, Volha Khizhynkova, is released from prison. She spent over a month behind bars after being arrested at the pro-democracy protests against the autocratic president, Lukashenko.

J.Wei/NPS Pool

22: As Kamala Harris will be vacating her senate seat in order to Vice President, California Governor Gavin Newsom must appoint somebody to serve out the rest of her term. He selects Secretary of State Alex Padilla. When he swears in a few weeks later, he will become the state’s first Hispanic Senator. Unable to pass the budget required to sustain their government, Israel dissolves its parliament and head into a spring election. This follows close on the tails of two elections in 2019 and another in 2020 that saw a tenuous power-sharing agreement between President Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz. But Netanyahu broke that alliance, sending the country towards its fourth election in just three years.

23: Trump dumps another round of shady pardons, granting clemency to his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, a Republican operative and advisor Roger Stone, and his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner. Stone was convicted of lying to congress and Manafort was charged with financial fraud and obstruction during investigations into Russian interference during the 2016 election. Trump’s presidency was haunted by allegations of collusion with Russian - on the way out, he seems intent on erasing any legal trace of these investigations. Adam Schiff, the Democratic head of the House Intelligence committee, tweeted “During the Mueller investigation, Trump’s lawyers floated a pardon to Manafort. Manafort withdrew his co-operation with prosecutors, lied, and was convicted, and then Trump praised him for not ‘ratting’... Trump’s pardon now completes the corrupt scheme. Lawless until the bitter end.” It’s also William Barr’s last day as Attorney General and good fuckin’ riddance. He resigned following a row between the two over election results; Trump wanted Barr to use his position as AG to push his narrative that the election was stolen. Barr refused.

Lorries line up at a make-shift truck-stop at Manston Airport, England. France quickly closed their borders with the United Kingdom after news that a new more virulent strain of COVID is circulating in London. Drivers need proof of a recent negative COVID test to return to Europe - here they line up to await their turn to have their noses and throats swabbed - Steve Parsons/PA/AP

24: Trump threatens to veto a COVID relief bill if congress doesn’t increase the amount of money given directly to American citizens to $2k. After compromises between the Republican and Democratic parties, they had agreed to just $600. Weird to see Trump and the Democrats allied against the Republican party...

25: A large blast rips through downtown Nashville after a local man detonated an RV-bomb, killing himself and injuring three others. 

Women participate in Midnight Mass at the Legio Maria chapel in Nairobi -  Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images

26: Bridgerton drops on Netflix and I spend the entire day devouring the sex and scandals of this Victorian romp-com. The show envisions a kind of quasi-colour-blind regency era which is fun - but at times problematic. But it’s 2020 and we deserve a little escapism. Watching beautiful waft around a gorgeous ballroom in jewel-toned dresses and awful bangs to the whispered tune of Ariana Grande’s Thank U Next on violin makes me, like, borderline giddy. It’s why I loved Emily in Paris which was, truly, a ghastly show but also so fucking watchable. Her outfits? Ugly. The premise? Ridiculous. A cultural phenomenon? Absolutely.

27: It’s the week between Christmas and New Years and so news is light. Hilaria Baldwin has, apparently, been faking a Spanish accent for her whole fucking career. She’s from Boston. Twitter gleefully drags up an appearance on The Today Show in which she points to a cucumber and asks the host how you say the vegetable’s name in English.

[jeffreyrwelch]

What Are the Best Farm Dogs?

Unless you are a student of agricultural history and trends, you might not know that a substantial number of domestic dog breeds were originally developed as working farm dogs. We tend to think of dogs primarily as friends, companions or family members, and not as essential components of the process by which we obtain our food. Prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, however, every animal raised in rural and farming communities — including fowls, livestock and dogs — played practical, integral roles in the food system.

When we mention farm dogs, you may think specifically of medium or large canines who herd sheep, cattle, or pigs. During a more agrarian era, dogs of all sizes and breeds found employment on farms. Despite the fact that most of us live at several degrees from farm life, the variety of farm dogs and their functions has not changed. When we try, then, to determine or narrow down the best farm dogs, we need to take under consideration both the range of dog breeds and the tasks required of them. The general categories of working dog jobs include:

Guarding livestock

Herding farm animals

Ratters / pest control

Multipurpose dogs

Livestock guardians

A Great Pyrenees is among the best farm dogs. Photography by Shutterstock.

Thinking of farm dogs may immediately evoke images of our first two categories; specifically large, hardy dogs who monitor and protect vulnerable livestock. Livestock farming encompasses a wide range of birds and beasts raised for the meat, milk, eggs, wool or skin. A farmer or rancher cannot possibly watch flocks or herds while attending to all of their other duties.

For centuries, dogs of all sizes, types, and breeds have dedicated themselves to caring for cattle, sheep and goats. The best guard dogs are those who blend in effectively with their charges, defend them from predators, and be attentive day or night as required. Breeds involved in livestock protection tend to cut a large and imposing figure, possess a stentorian bark, and depend on either intimidation or surprise in their work.

Notable livestock guardians include:

Anatolian Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Komondor

Maremma Sheepdog

Mastiff (Neapolitan, Spanish, and Tibetan)

Herding dogs

German Shepherds were bred to be farm dogs, or herding dogs specifically. Photography by smikeymikey1 / Shutterstock.

Another common type of canine associated with bucolic life is the herding dog. The term may conjure pastoral poems and idyllic landscape paintings that depict a lone shepherd overlooking a field under a summer sky with a trusty dog by his side. It’s a misnomer to associate them exclusively with cattle or sheep, though, since their herds and flocks are just as likely to be populated by chickens, ducks, goats, llamas, and pigs.

Effective herding dogs are capable of leading out these farm animals out to pasture in the morning, and back to the safety of the pen or coop in the evening. They are highly trained farm dogs that respond without hesitation to commands, gestures, and sounds. Dogs who are good herders are both agile and alert, but don’t have to be huge to corral even the largest livestock. We may think of Corgis as amusing companions and pets, but they were originally developed in Wales for their skill in herding. They could encourage bulky ungulates to get a move on while their small stature helped avoid the kick of a hoof.

Among the best herding dogs:

Australian Cattle Dog

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervueren)

Border Collie

German Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke)

Rat dogs

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be farm dogs. Photography by By Yazmin Mellado / Shutterstock.

As vital as they are to livestock farming, protection and herding are not the only jobs that working farm dogs hold. Dogs are just as important on farms that produce fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even on livestock farms, risks to productivity and inventory are not limited to live animals. Farm dogs can be critical to controlling pest populations. An unwelcome infestation — and really, what kind of infestation is welcome? — might destroy a crop in the field, steal harvested foodstuffs in storage, or devour eggs.

Keeping farm products safe from pests is largely the province of small, energetic, and tenacious dogs. Like the term “cattle dog,” to call these dogs “ratters” is to sell them short. Yes, they are expert at tracking and catching rodents, rats and mice primarily, but also badgers, ferrets, possums, raccoons, stoats, and so forth. Many of the best ratting dogs were developed throughout the United Kingdom in the 18th and 19th centuries, and among them are some of the most popular modern domestic breeds.

The best ratters and pest control dogs include:

Brussels Griffon

Dachshund

Jack Russell Terrier

Miniature Pinscher

Rat Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Some of the best farm dogs are all-purpose

Some dogs herd, some dogs offer protection, while yet others still are experts at loss-prevention and rodent control. Surely that covers the gamut of what dogs do on farms! Wrong! Many of the best farm dogs, from ancient times to the present, have been capable of handling these tasks and more. Large and giant dog breeds, in particular, have proven adept at herding, guarding, and pest control.

Even tasks we typically associate with pack animals like mules, horses, and oxen, were, in less civilized ages, done by dogs. Fortunately, these days, carting is more of an occasional and specialist sport than a full-time occupation. Dogs who once served as draught animals included Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and the Swiss Mountain Dog family (Appenzell, Bernese, Entelbucher, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs).

Urban farms need dogs, too!

Urban farming has taken off in recent decades as organizations and individuals have attempted to address a growing need for fresh produce in cities that doesn’t have to be trucked in over large distances. These farms also serve the demand of restaurateurs to increase their focus on locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and supply community supported agriculture services in delivering food to people interested in circumventing chain grocery stores. Dogs are present on some of these urban farms as well, mostly serving in companion roles.

A further variant, hobby farming, has also exploded in popularity. Hobby farms have sprung up everywhere from small yards in urban areas, where they replace otherwise useless lawns, to rural plots maintained by weekend and part-time gardeners. In places like these, dogs of all sizes are still performing slight variations on their traditional roles, from pest control and crop protection to herding backyard chickens. Dogs have been employed, trusted, and loved on farms as long as there have been farms. Long may it remain so!

Tell us: In your opinion, what dogs make the best farm dogs?

Thumbnail: Photography by Best dog photo / Shutterstock. 

About the author: Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help everyone, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog, to better understand and improve the quality of your dog’s life. If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com: 

Dogs Who Howl: 5 Dog Breeds Known for Howling

5 Large Breeds That Make Good Apartment Dogs

5 Dog Breeds That Welcome Winter

The post What Are the Best Farm Dogs? appeared first on Dogster.

[buynewsoul]

What Are the Best Farm Dogs?

Unless you are a student of agricultural history and trends, you might not know that a substantial number of domestic dog breeds were originally developed as working farm dogs. We tend to think of dogs primarily as friends, companions or family members, and not as essential components of the process by which we obtain our food. Prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, however, every animal raised in rural and farming communities — including fowls, livestock and dogs — played practical, integral roles in the food system.

When we mention farm dogs, you may think specifically of medium or large canines who herd sheep, cattle, or pigs. During a more agrarian era, dogs of all sizes and breeds found employment on farms. Despite the fact that most of us live at several degrees from farm life, the variety of farm dogs and their functions has not changed. When we try, then, to determine or narrow down the best farm dogs, we need to take under consideration both the range of dog breeds and the tasks required of them. The general categories of working dog jobs include:

Guarding livestock

Herding farm animals

Ratters / pest control

Multipurpose dogs

Livestock guardians

A Great Pyrenees is among the best farm dogs. Photography by Shutterstock.

Thinking of farm dogs may immediately evoke images of our first two categories; specifically large, hardy dogs who monitor and protect vulnerable livestock. Livestock farming encompasses a wide range of birds and beasts raised for the meat, milk, eggs, wool or skin. A farmer or rancher cannot possibly watch flocks or herds while attending to all of their other duties.

For centuries, dogs of all sizes, types, and breeds have dedicated themselves to caring for cattle, sheep and goats. The best guard dogs are those who blend in effectively with their charges, defend them from predators, and be attentive day or night as required. Breeds involved in livestock protection tend to cut a large and imposing figure, possess a stentorian bark, and depend on either intimidation or surprise in their work.

Notable livestock guardians include:

Anatolian Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Komondor

Maremma Sheepdog

Mastiff (Neapolitan, Spanish, and Tibetan)

Herding dogs

German Shepherds were bred to be farm dogs, or herding dogs specifically. Photography by smikeymikey1 / Shutterstock.

Another common type of canine associated with bucolic life is the herding dog. The term may conjure pastoral poems and idyllic landscape paintings that depict a lone shepherd overlooking a field under a summer sky with a trusty dog by his side. It’s a misnomer to associate them exclusively with cattle or sheep, though, since their herds and flocks are just as likely to be populated by chickens, ducks, goats, llamas, and pigs.

Effective herding dogs are capable of leading out these farm animals out to pasture in the morning, and back to the safety of the pen or coop in the evening. They are highly trained farm dogs that respond without hesitation to commands, gestures, and sounds. Dogs who are good herders are both agile and alert, but don’t have to be huge to corral even the largest livestock. We may think of Corgis as amusing companions and pets, but they were originally developed in Wales for their skill in herding. They could encourage bulky ungulates to get a move on while their small stature helped avoid the kick of a hoof.

Among the best herding dogs:

Australian Cattle Dog

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervueren)

Border Collie

German Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke)

Rat dogs

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be farm dogs. Photography by By Yazmin Mellado / Shutterstock.

As vital as they are to livestock farming, protection and herding are not the only jobs that working farm dogs hold. Dogs are just as important on farms that produce fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even on livestock farms, risks to productivity and inventory are not limited to live animals. Farm dogs can be critical to controlling pest populations. An unwelcome infestation — and really, what kind of infestation is welcome? — might destroy a crop in the field, steal harvested foodstuffs in storage, or devour eggs.

Keeping farm products safe from pests is largely the province of small, energetic, and tenacious dogs. Like the term “cattle dog,” to call these dogs “ratters” is to sell them short. Yes, they are expert at tracking and catching rodents, rats and mice primarily, but also badgers, ferrets, possums, raccoons, stoats, and so forth. Many of the best ratting dogs were developed throughout the United Kingdom in the 18th and 19th centuries, and among them are some of the most popular modern domestic breeds.

The best ratters and pest control dogs include:

Brussels Griffon

Dachshund

Jack Russell Terrier

Miniature Pinscher

Rat Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Some of the best farm dogs are all-purpose

Some dogs herd, some dogs offer protection, while yet others still are experts at loss-prevention and rodent control. Surely that covers the gamut of what dogs do on farms! Wrong! Many of the best farm dogs, from ancient times to the present, have been capable of handling these tasks and more. Large and giant dog breeds, in particular, have proven adept at herding, guarding, and pest control.

Even tasks we typically associate with pack animals like mules, horses, and oxen, were, in less civilized ages, done by dogs. Fortunately, these days, carting is more of an occasional and specialist sport than a full-time occupation. Dogs who once served as draught animals included Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and the Swiss Mountain Dog family (Appenzell, Bernese, Entelbucher, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs).

Urban farms need dogs, too!

Urban farming has taken off in recent decades as organizations and individuals have attempted to address a growing need for fresh produce in cities that doesn’t have to be trucked in over large distances. These farms also serve the demand of restaurateurs to increase their focus on locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and supply community supported agriculture services in delivering food to people interested in circumventing chain grocery stores. Dogs are present on some of these urban farms as well, mostly serving in companion roles.

A further variant, hobby farming, has also exploded in popularity. Hobby farms have sprung up everywhere from small yards in urban areas, where they replace otherwise useless lawns, to rural plots maintained by weekend and part-time gardeners. In places like these, dogs of all sizes are still performing slight variations on their traditional roles, from pest control and crop protection to herding backyard chickens. Dogs have been employed, trusted, and loved on farms as long as there have been farms. Long may it remain so!

Tell us: In your opinion, what dogs make the best farm dogs?

Thumbnail: Photography by Best dog photo / Shutterstock. 

About the author: Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help everyone, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog, to better understand and improve the quality of your dog’s life. If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com: 

Dogs Who Howl: 5 Dog Breeds Known for Howling

5 Large Breeds That Make Good Apartment Dogs

5 Dog Breeds That Welcome Winter

The post What Are the Best Farm Dogs? appeared first on Dogster.

[stiles-wtf]

What Are the Best Farm Dogs?

Unless you are a student of agricultural history and trends, you might not know that a substantial number of domestic dog breeds were originally developed as working farm dogs. We tend to think of dogs primarily as friends, companions or family members, and not as essential components of the process by which we obtain our food. Prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, however, every animal raised in rural and farming communities — including fowls, livestock and dogs — played practical, integral roles in the food system.

When we mention farm dogs, you may think specifically of medium or large canines who herd sheep, cattle, or pigs. During a more agrarian era, dogs of all sizes and breeds found employment on farms. Despite the fact that most of us live at several degrees from farm life, the variety of farm dogs and their functions has not changed. When we try, then, to determine or narrow down the best farm dogs, we need to take under consideration both the range of dog breeds and the tasks required of them. The general categories of working dog jobs include:

Guarding livestock

Herding farm animals

Ratters / pest control

Multipurpose dogs

Livestock guardians

A Great Pyrenees is among the best farm dogs. Photography by Shutterstock.

Thinking of farm dogs may immediately evoke images of our first two categories; specifically large, hardy dogs who monitor and protect vulnerable livestock. Livestock farming encompasses a wide range of birds and beasts raised for the meat, milk, eggs, wool or skin. A farmer or rancher cannot possibly watch flocks or herds while attending to all of their other duties.

For centuries, dogs of all sizes, types, and breeds have dedicated themselves to caring for cattle, sheep and goats. The best guard dogs are those who blend in effectively with their charges, defend them from predators, and be attentive day or night as required. Breeds involved in livestock protection tend to cut a large and imposing figure, possess a stentorian bark, and depend on either intimidation or surprise in their work.

Notable livestock guardians include:

Anatolian Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Komondor

Maremma Sheepdog

Mastiff (Neapolitan, Spanish, and Tibetan)

Herding dogs

German Shepherds were bred to be farm dogs, or herding dogs specifically. Photography by smikeymikey1 / Shutterstock.

Another common type of canine associated with bucolic life is the herding dog. The term may conjure pastoral poems and idyllic landscape paintings that depict a lone shepherd overlooking a field under a summer sky with a trusty dog by his side. It’s a misnomer to associate them exclusively with cattle or sheep, though, since their herds and flocks are just as likely to be populated by chickens, ducks, goats, llamas, and pigs.

Effective herding dogs are capable of leading out these farm animals out to pasture in the morning, and back to the safety of the pen or coop in the evening. They are highly trained farm dogs that respond without hesitation to commands, gestures, and sounds. Dogs who are good herders are both agile and alert, but don’t have to be huge to corral even the largest livestock. We may think of Corgis as amusing companions and pets, but they were originally developed in Wales for their skill in herding. They could encourage bulky ungulates to get a move on while their small stature helped avoid the kick of a hoof.

Among the best herding dogs:

Australian Cattle Dog

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervueren)

Border Collie

German Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke)

Rat dogs

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be farm dogs. Photography by By Yazmin Mellado / Shutterstock.

As vital as they are to livestock farming, protection and herding are not the only jobs that working farm dogs hold. Dogs are just as important on farms that produce fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even on livestock farms, risks to productivity and inventory are not limited to live animals. Farm dogs can be critical to controlling pest populations. An unwelcome infestation — and really, what kind of infestation is welcome? — might destroy a crop in the field, steal harvested foodstuffs in storage, or devour eggs.

Keeping farm products safe from pests is largely the province of small, energetic, and tenacious dogs. Like the term “cattle dog,” to call these dogs “ratters” is to sell them short. Yes, they are expert at tracking and catching rodents, rats and mice primarily, but also badgers, ferrets, possums, raccoons, stoats, and so forth. Many of the best ratting dogs were developed throughout the United Kingdom in the 18th and 19th centuries, and among them are some of the most popular modern domestic breeds.

The best ratters and pest control dogs include:

Brussels Griffon

Dachshund

Jack Russell Terrier

Miniature Pinscher

Rat Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Some of the best farm dogs are all-purpose

Some dogs herd, some dogs offer protection, while yet others still are experts at loss-prevention and rodent control. Surely that covers the gamut of what dogs do on farms! Wrong! Many of the best farm dogs, from ancient times to the present, have been capable of handling these tasks and more. Large and giant dog breeds, in particular, have proven adept at herding, guarding, and pest control.

Even tasks we typically associate with pack animals like mules, horses, and oxen, were, in less civilized ages, done by dogs. Fortunately, these days, carting is more of an occasional and specialist sport than a full-time occupation. Dogs who once served as draught animals included Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and the Swiss Mountain Dog family (Appenzell, Bernese, Entelbucher, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs).

Urban farms need dogs, too!

Urban farming has taken off in recent decades as organizations and individuals have attempted to address a growing need for fresh produce in cities that doesn’t have to be trucked in over large distances. These farms also serve the demand of restaurateurs to increase their focus on locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and supply community supported agriculture services in delivering food to people interested in circumventing chain grocery stores. Dogs are present on some of these urban farms as well, mostly serving in companion roles.

A further variant, hobby farming, has also exploded in popularity. Hobby farms have sprung up everywhere from small yards in urban areas, where they replace otherwise useless lawns, to rural plots maintained by weekend and part-time gardeners. In places like these, dogs of all sizes are still performing slight variations on their traditional roles, from pest control and crop protection to herding backyard chickens. Dogs have been employed, trusted, and loved on farms as long as there have been farms. Long may it remain so!

Tell us: In your opinion, what dogs make the best farm dogs?

Thumbnail: Photography by Best dog photo / Shutterstock. 

About the author: Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help everyone, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog, to better understand and improve the quality of your dog’s life. If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com: 

Dogs Who Howl: 5 Dog Breeds Known for Howling

5 Large Breeds That Make Good Apartment Dogs

5 Dog Breeds That Welcome Winter

The post What Are the Best Farm Dogs? appeared first on Dogster.

[daddyslittlejuliet]

What Are the Best Farm Dogs?

Unless you are a student of agricultural history and trends, you might not know that a substantial number of domestic dog breeds were originally developed as working farm dogs. We tend to think of dogs primarily as friends, companions or family members, and not as essential components of the process by which we obtain our food. Prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, however, every animal raised in rural and farming communities — including fowls, livestock and dogs — played practical, integral roles in the food system.

When we mention farm dogs, you may think specifically of medium or large canines who herd sheep, cattle, or pigs. During a more agrarian era, dogs of all sizes and breeds found employment on farms. Despite the fact that most of us live at several degrees from farm life, the variety of farm dogs and their functions has not changed. When we try, then, to determine or narrow down the best farm dogs, we need to take under consideration both the range of dog breeds and the tasks required of them. The general categories of working dog jobs include:

Guarding livestock

Herding farm animals

Ratters / pest control

Multipurpose dogs

Livestock guardians

A Great Pyrenees is among the best farm dogs. Photography by Shutterstock.

Thinking of farm dogs may immediately evoke images of our first two categories; specifically large, hardy dogs who monitor and protect vulnerable livestock. Livestock farming encompasses a wide range of birds and beasts raised for the meat, milk, eggs, wool or skin. A farmer or rancher cannot possibly watch flocks or herds while attending to all of their other duties.

For centuries, dogs of all sizes, types, and breeds have dedicated themselves to caring for cattle, sheep and goats. The best guard dogs are those who blend in effectively with their charges, defend them from predators, and be attentive day or night as required. Breeds involved in livestock protection tend to cut a large and imposing figure, possess a stentorian bark, and depend on either intimidation or surprise in their work.

Notable livestock guardians include:

Anatolian Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Komondor

Maremma Sheepdog

Mastiff (Neapolitan, Spanish, and Tibetan)

Herding dogs

German Shepherds were bred to be farm dogs, or herding dogs specifically. Photography by smikeymikey1 / Shutterstock.

Another common type of canine associated with bucolic life is the herding dog. The term may conjure pastoral poems and idyllic landscape paintings that depict a lone shepherd overlooking a field under a summer sky with a trusty dog by his side. It’s a misnomer to associate them exclusively with cattle or sheep, though, since their herds and flocks are just as likely to be populated by chickens, ducks, goats, llamas, and pigs.

Effective herding dogs are capable of leading out these farm animals out to pasture in the morning, and back to the safety of the pen or coop in the evening. They are highly trained farm dogs that respond without hesitation to commands, gestures, and sounds. Dogs who are good herders are both agile and alert, but don’t have to be huge to corral even the largest livestock. We may think of Corgis as amusing companions and pets, but they were originally developed in Wales for their skill in herding. They could encourage bulky ungulates to get a move on while their small stature helped avoid the kick of a hoof.

Among the best herding dogs:

Australian Cattle Dog

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervueren)

Border Collie

German Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke)

Rat dogs

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be farm dogs. Photography by By Yazmin Mellado / Shutterstock.

As vital as they are to livestock farming, protection and herding are not the only jobs that working farm dogs hold. Dogs are just as important on farms that produce fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even on livestock farms, risks to productivity and inventory are not limited to live animals. Farm dogs can be critical to controlling pest populations. An unwelcome infestation — and really, what kind of infestation is welcome? — might destroy a crop in the field, steal harvested foodstuffs in storage, or devour eggs.

Keeping farm products safe from pests is largely the province of small, energetic, and tenacious dogs. Like the term “cattle dog,” to call these dogs “ratters” is to sell them short. Yes, they are expert at tracking and catching rodents, rats and mice primarily, but also badgers, ferrets, possums, raccoons, stoats, and so forth. Many of the best ratting dogs were developed throughout the United Kingdom in the 18th and 19th centuries, and among them are some of the most popular modern domestic breeds.

The best ratters and pest control dogs include:

Brussels Griffon

Dachshund

Jack Russell Terrier

Miniature Pinscher

Rat Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Some of the best farm dogs are all-purpose

Some dogs herd, some dogs offer protection, while yet others still are experts at loss-prevention and rodent control. Surely that covers the gamut of what dogs do on farms! Wrong! Many of the best farm dogs, from ancient times to the present, have been capable of handling these tasks and more. Large and giant dog breeds, in particular, have proven adept at herding, guarding, and pest control.

Even tasks we typically associate with pack animals like mules, horses, and oxen, were, in less civilized ages, done by dogs. Fortunately, these days, carting is more of an occasional and specialist sport than a full-time occupation. Dogs who once served as draught animals included Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and the Swiss Mountain Dog family (Appenzell, Bernese, Entelbucher, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs).

Urban farms need dogs, too!

Urban farming has taken off in recent decades as organizations and individuals have attempted to address a growing need for fresh produce in cities that doesn’t have to be trucked in over large distances. These farms also serve the demand of restaurateurs to increase their focus on locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and supply community supported agriculture services in delivering food to people interested in circumventing chain grocery stores. Dogs are present on some of these urban farms as well, mostly serving in companion roles.

A further variant, hobby farming, has also exploded in popularity. Hobby farms have sprung up everywhere from small yards in urban areas, where they replace otherwise useless lawns, to rural plots maintained by weekend and part-time gardeners. In places like these, dogs of all sizes are still performing slight variations on their traditional roles, from pest control and crop protection to herding backyard chickens. Dogs have been employed, trusted, and loved on farms as long as there have been farms. Long may it remain so!

Tell us: In your opinion, what dogs make the best farm dogs?

Thumbnail: Photography by Best dog photo / Shutterstock. 

About the author: Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help everyone, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog, to better understand and improve the quality of your dog’s life. If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com: 

Dogs Who Howl: 5 Dog Breeds Known for Howling

5 Large Breeds That Make Good Apartment Dogs

5 Dog Breeds That Welcome Winter

The post What Are the Best Farm Dogs? appeared first on Dogster.

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What Are the Best Farm Dogs?

Unless you are a student of agricultural history and trends, you might not know that a substantial number of domestic dog breeds were originally developed as working farm dogs. We tend to think of dogs primarily as friends, companions or family members, and not as essential components of the process by which we obtain our food. Prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, however, every animal raised in rural and farming communities — including fowls, livestock and dogs — played practical, integral roles in the food system.

When we mention farm dogs, you may think specifically of medium or large canines who herd sheep, cattle, or pigs. During a more agrarian era, dogs of all sizes and breeds found employment on farms. Despite the fact that most of us live at several degrees from farm life, the variety of farm dogs and their functions has not changed. When we try, then, to determine or narrow down the best farm dogs, we need to take under consideration both the range of dog breeds and the tasks required of them. The general categories of working dog jobs include:

Guarding livestock

Herding farm animals

Ratters / pest control

Multipurpose dogs

Livestock guardians

A Great Pyrenees is among the best farm dogs. Photography by Shutterstock.

Thinking of farm dogs may immediately evoke images of our first two categories; specifically large, hardy dogs who monitor and protect vulnerable livestock. Livestock farming encompasses a wide range of birds and beasts raised for the meat, milk, eggs, wool or skin. A farmer or rancher cannot possibly watch flocks or herds while attending to all of their other duties.

For centuries, dogs of all sizes, types, and breeds have dedicated themselves to caring for cattle, sheep and goats. The best guard dogs are those who blend in effectively with their charges, defend them from predators, and be attentive day or night as required. Breeds involved in livestock protection tend to cut a large and imposing figure, possess a stentorian bark, and depend on either intimidation or surprise in their work.

Notable livestock guardians include:

Anatolian Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Komondor

Maremma Sheepdog

Mastiff (Neapolitan, Spanish, and Tibetan)

Herding dogs

German Shepherds were bred to be farm dogs, or herding dogs specifically. Photography by smikeymikey1 / Shutterstock.

Another common type of canine associated with bucolic life is the herding dog. The term may conjure pastoral poems and idyllic landscape paintings that depict a lone shepherd overlooking a field under a summer sky with a trusty dog by his side. It’s a misnomer to associate them exclusively with cattle or sheep, though, since their herds and flocks are just as likely to be populated by chickens, ducks, goats, llamas, and pigs.

Effective herding dogs are capable of leading out these farm animals out to pasture in the morning, and back to the safety of the pen or coop in the evening. They are highly trained farm dogs that respond without hesitation to commands, gestures, and sounds. Dogs who are good herders are both agile and alert, but don’t have to be huge to corral even the largest livestock. We may think of Corgis as amusing companions and pets, but they were originally developed in Wales for their skill in herding. They could encourage bulky ungulates to get a move on while their small stature helped avoid the kick of a hoof.

Among the best herding dogs:

Australian Cattle Dog

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervueren)

Border Collie

German Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke)

Rat dogs

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be farm dogs. Photography by By Yazmin Mellado / Shutterstock.

As vital as they are to livestock farming, protection and herding are not the only jobs that working farm dogs hold. Dogs are just as important on farms that produce fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even on livestock farms, risks to productivity and inventory are not limited to live animals. Farm dogs can be critical to controlling pest populations. An unwelcome infestation — and really, what kind of infestation is welcome? — might destroy a crop in the field, steal harvested foodstuffs in storage, or devour eggs.

Keeping farm products safe from pests is largely the province of small, energetic, and tenacious dogs. Like the term “cattle dog,” to call these dogs “ratters” is to sell them short. Yes, they are expert at tracking and catching rodents, rats and mice primarily, but also badgers, ferrets, possums, raccoons, stoats, and so forth. Many of the best ratting dogs were developed throughout the United Kingdom in the 18th and 19th centuries, and among them are some of the most popular modern domestic breeds.

The best ratters and pest control dogs include:

Brussels Griffon

Dachshund

Jack Russell Terrier

Miniature Pinscher

Rat Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Some of the best farm dogs are all-purpose

Some dogs herd, some dogs offer protection, while yet others still are experts at loss-prevention and rodent control. Surely that covers the gamut of what dogs do on farms! Wrong! Many of the best farm dogs, from ancient times to the present, have been capable of handling these tasks and more. Large and giant dog breeds, in particular, have proven adept at herding, guarding, and pest control.

Even tasks we typically associate with pack animals like mules, horses, and oxen, were, in less civilized ages, done by dogs. Fortunately, these days, carting is more of an occasional and specialist sport than a full-time occupation. Dogs who once served as draught animals included Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and the Swiss Mountain Dog family (Appenzell, Bernese, Entelbucher, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs).

Urban farms need dogs, too!

Urban farming has taken off in recent decades as organizations and individuals have attempted to address a growing need for fresh produce in cities that doesn’t have to be trucked in over large distances. These farms also serve the demand of restaurateurs to increase their focus on locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and supply community supported agriculture services in delivering food to people interested in circumventing chain grocery stores. Dogs are present on some of these urban farms as well, mostly serving in companion roles.

A further variant, hobby farming, has also exploded in popularity. Hobby farms have sprung up everywhere from small yards in urban areas, where they replace otherwise useless lawns, to rural plots maintained by weekend and part-time gardeners. In places like these, dogs of all sizes are still performing slight variations on their traditional roles, from pest control and crop protection to herding backyard chickens. Dogs have been employed, trusted, and loved on farms as long as there have been farms. Long may it remain so!

Tell us: In your opinion, what dogs make the best farm dogs?

Thumbnail: Photography by Best dog photo / Shutterstock. 

About the author: Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help everyone, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog, to better understand and improve the quality of your dog’s life. If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com: 

Dogs Who Howl: 5 Dog Breeds Known for Howling

5 Large Breeds That Make Good Apartment Dogs

5 Dog Breeds That Welcome Winter

The post What Are the Best Farm Dogs? appeared first on Dogster.