For centuries, people have been saying, “It’s a dog’s life.”

Contrary to popular belief this does not refer to pampered pets that are groomed and walked and treated for their tricks. No, it refers to the workaday life of the herder or guard dog—a much valued, purposeful existence that was, by tradition, anything but pampered. The dogs at the Glasbern farm are diligent members of the working class, selected for their utility and temperament for specialized jobs.

Intelligent, alert, and bred for action, Shelby is being trained to do what she does best—muster cattle. Australian cattle dogs, also called “Blue Heelers” for their effective technique of nipping at the heels of their charges to keep them in line are a relatively new breed. Although Heelers first appeared in the 1800s they were only fully recognized by the AKC in 1980.

The sociable brown Chesapeake Bay retriever who can often be spotted hanging with the farmers up by the greenhouses is Sue. Now that she’s gotten past the luggage-stealing phase of puppyhood, Sue’s main occupation is making friends. She’s entirely non-discriminating. Rub her and she will be your loyal friend. If you choose not to, that’s ok too, there’s always tomorrow. The Glasbern farm, with its fields, ponds, and constant parade of people is, of course, retriever heaven. A water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and a tail that acts like a rudder, make the breed uniquely styled for swimming. Ambrose Bierce once wrote, “The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog.” Be warned: on hot summer days, Sue is usually wet.

Three Great Pyrenees function as guards, and they take their work very seriously. The breed originated in high-mountain regions (thus the thick, shaggy coats), so the three sentries are well suited to outdoor tasks, even in winter. Teardrop, who tends the resident Katahdin sheep, demonstrates the independent streak Great Pyrenees are known for. She found her sheep and picked her post and has remained intensely loyal to her flock ever since, moving them out of harm’s way at the slightest provocation.

Sadie is equally protective of the broiling birds, as Sue discovered one day when she decided to entertain herself by chasing hens. Sadie deliberately and authoritatively placed one massive paw square on her head. Needless to say there has been no more chicken chasing. Maria, the third Great Pyrenees pooch, is in training … paws in the pipeline.

Lottie, farmer Kendell’s Jack Russell Terrier, is part pet, part groundhog sleuth. Strong-willed and much too fearless for their own good, Jack Russells were bred for small game hunting. Lottie has the perfect mix of terrier traits: a happy demeanor and a serious need to go after small garden-wrecking critters.

For the farmer and the herdsman, dogs bred for centuries to perform specific tasks are not just best friends, but able assistants. The dogs’ life is a hard life, and a much-valued one.

Lottie: fierce with groundhogs, gentle with kittens