These working class dogs are often seen as the backbone of Canidale, who work often as a single body to ensure the smooth running of their individual farms, and ensure the economy of Canidale continues to thrive. The farms are broken into plots, each human owns whatever is within the fence border they have been given or they just run it for a period of time. But these dogs run their plough, some dogs lines having been apart of Farmstead for hundreds of years. Before the town of Canidale came to be, there was just Farmstead.

Like most of the world, farming has been something that has carved the lands brought to new lands by colonizers. Many of the dogs brought to the new lands were foreign and unseen breeds, but they are now some of the most popular dogs for working. Hounds and collies are those with the most footing in Farmstead, with history behind their breeds, like the coonhounds and rough collies.

The second known faction leader was a Rough Collie named Shep. Despite the name, Shep was female, and she didn’t allow this to let anyone doubt her worth. After a bad storm ruined most of the harvest, setting ablaze two barns from lightning strikes- Shep was one of the only dogs who rushed to try and save the remaining harvest.

But Shep is also known for surviving a strike by lightning. With corn in her maw, Shep had ran back towards her owners when she was struck by lightning, halting her in her tracks and sending her to the earthy floor. The other dogs thought it had to have killed her, with moments passing, shock rushing through them before the rough furred dog rose to her paws. Shaking out her pelt, and picking up the heads of corn as though nothing had happened.Many more stories of Shep are passed on. One of her, with the aid of bigger dogs like Wolfhounds and Deerhounds, fighting off the wolves that went for the grazing cattle. Soon most farmers and ranchers had guns in hand to aid them, but until those days came hand in hand- dogs were their best protection. Her young were the first dogs in Canidale to be born among the sheep, and to be raised within the flock and gain the rank of Shepherd- after their mother, to protect the flock.

To this day, Shepherd is still one of the most respected jobs in Farmstead.

All dogs may have any job that suits them. Remember that these dogs are there for the reason that the farmer specifically has them for, therefore, all dogs should have a place ready for them without needing to find it on their own. 

While Farmstead dogs are still technically pets as they live among humans, these dogs more often live their lives completely outdoors, and have a strong bond with the land and animals that they are tasked with caring for. Their relationship with humans is more based on working together, than it is about being a part of the home and family. 

All of these jobs are equally important and integral to a running farm

Shepherd

These dogs are the ones who keep sheep and goats safe while they are out to graze, as well as help to move them to new pastures. 

• How does your dog get along with the flock? Showcase your character's relationship with the animals they care for – will it showcast moments of empathy and understanding? Or is the nature of their relationship something different?

• A challenging situation arises! Your shepherd dog must protect their flock from a sudden and unexpected danger. How do they handle it?

• Out there in the grasslands, your character spots a lone sheep. It’s not from their flock but they recognize it as one of the neighbors’  – will your character attempt to herd them back safely? Or are they too busy looking after their own sheep to worry over somebody else’s?

Herder

These dogs are similar to Shepherds, but are tasked with the care and safety of cattle, horses, and other large livestock. 

• Herders must interact with all sorts of animals around the farm; tell us about their most interesting interactions with the different animals they care for. 

• Has your character ever had to reconcile a conflict between different species of livestock under their care? How do they do it?

Plot Guardian

These dogs are specialized to protect the farmer’s lands as well as the smaller livestock like chickens, ducks, and other poultry, etc. They also take care of the young animals that have been separated from their mothers. 

• Protect the farm from lurking dangers. Wild animals roam free out there in the grasslands, what would your character do if a wild predator ever tried to sneak into your farm in search of something to eat?

• Part of a plot guardian’s job is to take care of young animals that have been separated from their mothers. How does your character fair with having to nurture such a small creature? Are they any good at being tender?

Ratter

These dogs are usually smaller terrier types, and are tasked with keeping the farmlands free of any rodents and vermin that may threaten the crops.

• A particularly experienced vermin throws your dog into a relentless pursuit! Your character’s skills and stamina are put to the test – will they manage to snatch the victory? Or does the rodent live to see another day?

Hunter

Gundogs, spaniels, retrievers, and hounds, these dogs work alongside their humans closely in order to aid them in hunting various wild prey. The Hunters have some of the closest relationships with their humans out of all of the farmstead jobs. 

• What were some of the challenges and rewards of your hunter dog’s latest hunt? Was it successful? Or did they return home empty handed?

• Behind any good hunting dog there’s massive amounts of work and preparation. Showcare some of the training and challenges your character has had to go through in order to accompany their human out into the field. 

• Your character’s human companion shoots a bird off the sky. Success! Your character runs ahead to retrieve their human’s rightful price but as they arrive at the scene it turns out a clever coyote has arrived just at the same time. What does your character do? Will they stand their ground or will they let the wild one walk away with it?

Retired

Elders or those who cannot work.Perhaps they got hurt during work or life didn’t go as desired. Taken aside to enjoy their older years or rest until they are capable of entering work life once more.

• Is your character enjoying their calmer days, or do they feel like they’re missing out? Perhaps someone else comes in to take their place in work. How do they feel?

• Are they a senior ? Consider becoming a mentor  to a younger, less experienced dog who strives to become great!

• Has retirement come due to an injury? That makes a story to share. Illustrating or showcasing your writing suits the task perfectly!

These are the laws that are known among the Farmstead dogs, they are important to be remembered throughout one's day and with someone's actions. If someone breaks a law, depending on the severity, there will be consequences which will be taken under the heavy gaze of the Canine Council. 

1. A crime that results in blood, murder, assault, rape or such dark crimes are to be immediately put to trial by the Canine Council. *Please note the group if you are wanting to have a plot involving something in this law.

2. A dog's responsibility is to their farm first, and foremost. It is forbidden for a dog to abandon its farm duties.

3. Harming livestock is against the law. Intentional or unintentional, this offense will be handled by a trial of the farm Advisers and Faction Leader. 

4. Harming humans is against the law. Intentional or unintentional, this offense will be handled by a trial of the entire Canine Council. 

5. Your human is your alpha, and you must follow their rules to the best of your ability. 

6. Stealing is forbidden. If you need something, ask. 

7. Farm dogs should help dogs from other farms or factions if they have the ability to do so. 

8. If you are in a bad situation with your human regarding abuse, the council is there to help you with such issues. Do not be afraid to speak up and get help.

Disclaimer: These laws are meant as in-game laws, but as the creators of your character you can make them purposely break these laws which if desired/if caught will result in trial and punishment by the Council.

Farmstead

Respect among themselves is not only preferred, but also required. The farmstead is desired to work equivalent to a beehive. No roles are lesser than the other. These dogs are mainly working dogs. Hence why they rarely live as pets. Expected to be loyal and independent, able to take their own decisions. In contrast, they shouldn't shy away from help if needed.  Wishful thinking for the faction.

 Clearly, no one is identical. Some may be less eager to combine strength. Others may  rely on others.  

• Rumors of a white deer that grants wishes or luck if spotted.

• An ongoing gossip their faction leader got the spot thanks to nepotism. 

Pets

Dogs that live with their fellow humans are the  companions. Often perceived with equal respect. However, unlike the farmstead, pets can just be that.

Working dogs are welcomed with pleasure. However, those who are just there to accompany people tend to be cut off with slack. Not disrespected, but seen as the lazy version or simply a coddled up dog.Separation or directly bad attitude is regarded as bad behavior from any farm dog. 

Despite their differences, they are seen as alike and welcomed with pleasure (or with negativity, depending on the character).

Overall, pets are usually viewed positively.

• Rumors of bad orientation around the land 

• Coddled up lap dogs.

• Rumors of them being helpful only for appearances. 

Strays

Loners of town. Carefully observed, they tend to be treated with skepticism. They care to themselves and have no ones rules to follow. Hence why they are viewed as the true outsider. It becomes hard to predict their intentions. Being wary of them is common knowledge amongst farmstead ( often guardians as that's their given task.) There is little difference between a stray entering your land and a fox. Yet, both have the same trait that is admirable. Loners have to tend themselves. They are truly independent and that's an desirable trait. On other hand, this causes the rules of keeping an eye for your belongings. What may stop them from taking what's yours to their own gain?

Although those who take action without reason, or act out irrationally will get scolded. If harm was done, it will be taken to the council or faction leader. Situation may vary depending on the scene. 

• Rumours of flea infestation 

• Rumours of theft

Junkyard

Not much unlike Strays, Junkyard dogs have little control. They do as they please. Where they differ from strays, is that they come in pairs. How upsetting is that? It is not well known whether they are hard working, or slacking around the mess. They say that humans might be bad and yet they choose to linger around their garbage ? Many farmstead dogs are not fond of the ones who come from junkyard. Known for creating trouble and lacking dicipline. Would it truly count as unfair to simply state the fact? or are they wrong. Often, the farmstead will simply prefer to be safe than sorry.

• Rumors of theft

• Junkyard dogs are ill smelling and might carry diseases