It’s often said that a dog is a man’s best friend, and nowhere is this truer than on the south Texas prairie. When you’re out there in the wild grasses under the big blue sky, a faithful canine companion for herding, protection, and friendship is truly invaluable.

Just a few weeks ago, when 85-year-old Texas rancher J.R. Nicholson was taken away in an ambulance, his dog Buddy — whom Nicholson had rescued just a few months earlier — made news by refusing to let his master go off without him. Buddy rode on the outer side step of the ambulance before he was discovered and brought inside the vehicle by emergency personnel!

If your farm or ranch could benefit from a loving, loyal side-kick, you might want to consider a good dog.

THE BEST DOG BREEDS FOR YOUR TEXAS RANCH

Buddy is a beagle mix, which may not be the breed that comes to mind when people think of a good ranch dog. While any dog that is loved and cared for will be okay on a ranch, some breeds are better than others, especially when it comes to helping out.

• Shepherds — German and Australian Shepherds are good with both livestock and children. English Shepherds were originally bred to help on family farms.
• Collies — Originating in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Collies were bred as herders. Their agility and stamina make them ideal for a Texas ranch.
• Sheep dogs — Sheep dogs like the Welsh sheep dog are highly intelligent and very energetic, which makes them ideal for herding cattle.

A dog that is a mix of these breeds is also an excellent choice for a ranch.

TIPS FOR FINDING A THE PERFECT RESCUE DOG

Buying a purebred puppy is a surefire way to know that you’re getting a wonderful dog with a strong bloodline. However, it can be prohibitively expensive. Great dogs like Buddy can be found at shelters in South Texas and all over the country, but with so many puppy eyes watching you, how do you pick the right one?

1. Know what breed of dog you’re looking for. You’ll want to be flexible, and give yourself some options, but it’s good to have an idea to to start with.
2. Go for the dog that is trying to make a connection with you. If a dog at a shelter is wagging its tail, looking at you in a friendly manner, and seems interested in you, it might be the right one for you.
3. Spend some time with a dog before bringing it home. Many shelters will let you play with the dog you’re interested in, and some will even let you take it for a walk. This interaction can alert you to any overt issues — like unwanted aggression — before you get the dog home.
4. Ask questions and get as much information about the dog you can. You might not find out a dog’s entire history, but you should be able to find out how the dog got to the shelter and even a little bit about its life prior to it becoming a rescue dog.

A NEW HOME AND A BEST FRIEND

A south Texas ranch can feel mighty lonely without a dog by your side. It’s a win-win proposition for all parties involved. Ranchers like J.R. Nicholson get the loyal companionship of a good dog like Buddy, and a good dog gets love, attention, and lots of space to run and play. Finding your new best friend at a rescue shelter is an ideal way to get a great pet, give a dog a second chance at life, and make your ranch feel more like home. Getting a pitbull is also a great animal to adopt, they even have dog food specifically for pitbulls.

If you have the dog, and now you just need the ideal Texas ranch, contact Ruple Properties today! We have numerous listings that are perfect for you (and your dog).