What happens when you get so many great farm dog stories and photos? You just keep writing about them! It’s a problem we love to have, because we love your farm dogs.

You’ve already met Roxie, Chanee and Copper, and you caught honorable mentions Leya, Daisy, Monty, Dakota and Cabela, but take a gander at a few more entries in the Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog Contest. They may not have placed in the official contest, but we still think these are some pretty fantastic dogs.

You can check out their essays below and click through the gallery for some really great photos of these favorite farm dogs in action. Guardians of the farm, loyal to their people — these dogs do it all!

Cricket
Cricket is a 9-week-old cattle dog-border collie cross. She has already become accustomed to being the farm assistant. She keeps an eye over the horses, chickens and ducks, but her favorite chore is riding the tractor to spread manure.
Jennifer Hockings, Sheridan

Kix
Kix is the best dog ever because I don’t think you could possibly make one as cute as him! Aside from being the most gorgeous dog I’ve ever seen, he is also one of the most obedient, loyal and well-mannered 1-year-old mini Australian shepherds I’ve ever seen. At just just 12 weeks old, Kix was fully house trained and was handling basic commands with ease. He is one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever seen. 
Kyle Ferguson, Marietta

Copper
“What ya up to Dad?!?” Copper was 5 months old when this picture was taken. He loves playing with his older brother, Chip, (who doesn't always want to play with him!) We call Copper our “lovable idiot!” He may not be the brightest star in the sky, but he is one of the most lovable dogs I have ever met! He loves being outside chasing anything that moves — tractors, horses, chickens, our daughter … anything! We love him lots!
Amy Whisker, El Paso

Reagan
People often wear numerous hats during their day, but have you known a dog that also wears numerous hats? Farm dog, protector, nanny, middle school and nursing home therapy dog, friend, companion … those are just some of the hats Reagan wears in a day. Reagan is protective and wary of strangers, and guards the family homestead by his sheer presence. He is extremely intelligent, hard-working and strong, and his temperament makes him a wonderful farm dog. Yet you can be certain that your grandchildren are in good hands, as well. He is always with the kids, keeping a watchful eye.  Newfoundlands are best served by people who love being outdoors, as these dogs are at their happiest when engaged in activity with a purpose.

Reagan has found many purposes to keep him happy and healthy. Three days a week, he watches over 210 middle school children. He brings smiles to their faces and loves them through hard times.  Once a month he visits a nursing home where the residents are waiting for his slobbery kisses.

When he is at home, you will find him sitting under his favorite tree, watching over the farm. When it’s time for him to come in the house, he gets along fabulously with our large family, remaining patient when the grandkids want to climb all over him or simply to snuggle up to relax in the evening.  This spring, he was the major attraction in a St. Patty’s parade, where everyone wanted to pet and love him. Reagan is so much a part of the family and community. This dog makes such a huge impact on all who come into contact with him — he is much more than just a farm dog.
Deborah Daehler, Chadwick

Yogi
Yogi is a 1-year-old Aussiepoo. Yogi is always by my side, or right behind me. He loves to take rides in the truck and tractors. He’ll even run up the tracks of the combine so he won’t be left behind. He loves running around and chasing the cows with his buddy Boz, the yellow Lab.
Olivia Wilson, Ogden

Dixie
Dixie will be 2 years old in June, and she’s a full-blooded Jack Russell terrier. She is the perfect canine candidate because she is ready to tackle any pest on the farm. She keeps us free of mice, raccoons and snakes. She never turns down an opportunity for a ride. While I’m at school, she is with my dad all day, watching him fix machinery, and riding and checking fields with him. Every day when I get home she greets me, waiting outside my car door. She is not all work; playing is her favorite by far. When my sister comes home, she loves playing volleyball with us. Dixie loves to hit the ball off her nose right back to us most of the time. Sometimes she has other plans to chase it. She was my happiness when I had surgery; she would light up my day and take naps with me, just being there for me. Something else I love is we joke about calling her a watch dog: She would watch someone rob us because she’s too lazy to get out of her bed in the garage. She is my best friend and by far one of the best I’ve had.
Kelly Shee, Willow Hill

Maggie
My dog Maggie is a black Labrador retriever. She is a great companion and farm dog. She is 8 years old. Maggie is unique because she can keep track of which tractor I am in, no matter how many come and go around our farm. She knows my pickup from my brother and nephew’s truck. She never backs down from a raccoon that has wandered onto our farm, and she catches mice as well as any cat. She loves to swim and loves to fetch any ball that can be thrown. And yes, she lives to be with her master.
Bob Johnson, New Berlin

Pearl
Pearl is the best farm dog because she loves anything to do with animals. Whether it is riding in the Gator to feed the cattle, hanging out in the stalls “protecting” the pigs while we are in the show ring, or sitting under the stand while we are clipping sheep, she is 100% ready. Pearl is a 3-year-old corgi mini Aussie who was born to work and is always ready to please. She loves truck rides and can jump in and out of the truck bed with no assistance — talk about “ups,” she has them! To top is all off, Pearl is a great big sis to her corgi brother, eskipom brother, husky sister and corgi Lab sister. Yes, it was hard to pick her from our others, but Pearl is always ready to work, which makes her the best farm dog at our house.
Samantha Kreps, Avon

Looking for more great farm dogs? Check out these stories:

Meet the 2018 Favorite Farm Dogs

Farm Dogs: Meet the Honorable Mentions