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Types of Herding Dogs

Australian ​Kelpie​
Australian ​Kelpie​

A compact, robust, enthusiastic and tireless working dog. Excellent at herding, the Australian Kelpie is the most popular and successful working dog. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic for a couch dog or apartment existence.

Australian ​Shepherd​
Australian ​Shepherd​

Both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are excellent herding dogs. Their mix is a perfect farm dog. He is a hard-working, hyperactive, herding dog that only rests when it’s night. He is also super smart thanks to his Border Collie side.

Bearded ​Collie​
Bearded ​Collie​

The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog with a medium length coat that follows the natural lines of the body and allows plenty of daylight under the body. The body is long and lean, and, though strongly made, does not appear heavy. A bright inquiring expression is a distinctive feature of the breed.

source: akc.org
Beauceron​
Beauceron​

They're easy to train, but like many herding dogs, they'll be happiest and healthiest with a job to do. Bored Beaucerons are prone to destructive behaviors. Start training early and be firm and consistent.

Belgian ​Shepherd dog​
Belgian ​Shepherd dog​

Belgian Shepherd Dog breed also called Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge has an ancestry which is common to many of the herding dogs used throughout the modern world.

source: k9rl.com
Bergamasco ​Shepherd​
Bergamasco ​Shepherd​

Dogs stand 23½ inches and bitches 22 inches, measured at the withers. One inch taller or shorter than the ideal is acceptable. Males weigh between 70 and 84 pounds. Females weigh between 57 and 71 pounds. The Bergamasco is a muscular, heavy-boned herding dog with plenty of substance.

Berger Blanc ​Suisse​
Berger Blanc ​Suisse​

Herding Height: Male 24-26 in, Female 22-24 in Weight: Male 66-88 lb, Female 55-77 lb Coat: Pure white, short or long with a dense double coat Berger Blanc Suisse is a medium-sized, well-balanced and muscular dog. It has become one of the most versatile working dogs serving mankind due to its high degree of intelligence and sense of loyalty.

Berger Picard​
Berger Picard​

The Berger Picard is a lanky herding dog of strong bone and sturdy build. Picards spent centuries as take-charge independent problem-solvers, so early socialization and positive training are necessary to cope with their stubborn streak.

source: akc.org
Black Mouth ​Cur​
Black Mouth ​Cur​

The Black Mouth Cur is an unquestionably muscular, sturdy, rugged Southern dog. The coat comes in a variety of shades of yellow, fawns and brindle. Some BM Curs are born with heavier coats and some are born with lighter coats; these two different coat types can appear in the same litter.

Border Collie​
Border Collie​

In this short video Brendan Ferris of Kells Sheep Centre shows how Border Collies are used to herd sheep. Brendan and his dogs are not only very skilled at w... In this …

source: youtube.com
Bouvier des ​Flandres​
Bouvier des ​Flandres​

WHAT IS BOUVIER DES FLANDRES BEHAVIOR LIKE? This breed is very energetic, alert, and protective. The fearless Bouvier des Flandres can be somewhat prone to barking. HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A BOUVIER DES FLANDRES ? Bouviers des Flandres can be challenging to train — this is an independent-minded and strong-willed dog.

Briard​
Briard​

The Briard is a close relative of the smooth-coated Beauceron, another French pasture breed known for its dual herding and guarding ability. By the 1800s, the Briard was a cherished French institution—even Napoleon, who had an aversion to dogs, was said to be a fan of the breed.

source: akc.org
Cão da Serra ​de Aires​
Cão da Serra ​de Aires​

The Cão da Serra de Aires (FCI no. 93) is a medium-sized breed of dog of the herding dog type, and is one of the indigenous regional dogs of Portugal.Called the Portuguese Sheepdog in English, the original name refers to the Serra de Aires, a mountain near Monforte in the Alentejo region, often mistaken winth the "Serra d'Aire" a range of hills or mountains marking the boundary between ...

Cardigan ​Welsh Corgi​
Cardigan ​Welsh Corgi​

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi / ˈ k ɔːr ɡ i / is one of two separate dog breeds known as Welsh corgis that originated in Wales, predating the other breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is one of the oldest breeds of the British Isles.

Catalan ​Sheepdog​
Catalan ​Sheepdog​

Catalan sheepdog, sitting Catalan Sheepdog Catalan sheepdogs range in size from 17 to 19 in (45 to 55 cm) in height and 45 to 60 lb (20 to 27 kg) in weight for males, with females being smaller.

image: petguide.com
Croatian ​Sheepdog​
Croatian ​Sheepdog​

The Croatian Sheepdog is a very good breed for dog sports. They can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests.

Dutch ​Shepherd​
Dutch ​Shepherd​

The Dutch Shepherds are among the most competent of all shepherd dogs at such tasks as agility, catch, obedience competitions, guard work, herding, field trailing and companionship. Attached to its territory, and an enthusiastic worker, this affectionate, happy-to-be-around dog is obedient, sober and very loyal to its handler and family.

English ​Shepherd​
English ​Shepherd​

The English Shepherd temperament is the defining characteristic of the breed, with high intelligence and often a unique type of kindness for those in his home, both animals and people.

Finnish ​Lapphund​
Finnish ​Lapphund​

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized, strongly-built dog. It has a profuse coat with pricked, highly mobile ears, distinctive markings and an elegant nose. Colours of black:cream,tan,white and gray.brown and white also brown and cream.

image: petwave.com
German ​Shepherd​
German ​Shepherd​

German Shepherd herding dogs are selected for their strong prey drive since a strong prey drive is fundamental to maintaining a sustained high energy in the dog while working sheep. How the dog naturally expresses, or is allowed to express, this natural prey instinct while working sheep illustrates the fundamental difference between the German Shepherd’s style and other forms of sheep herding.

Groenendael​
Groenendael​

Belgian Shepherd Dog breed also called Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge has an ancestry which is common to many of the herding dogs used throughout the modern world.

source: k9rl.com
Icelandic ​Sheepdog​
Icelandic ​Sheepdog​

Another was the spitz-type dogs the Icelanders used for herding sheep and rounding up ponies, forerunners of the modern Icelandic Sheepdog. Today, Iceland is still distinctly Scandinavian and the Icelandic Sheepdog is a beloved national symbol.

source: akc.org
Kerry Blue ​Terrier​
Kerry Blue ​Terrier​

The Kerry Blue Terrier is extraordinarily bright and full of life. He has a high energy level, is always ready to play, and wants to be wherever you are. This sounds great, and it can be -- but it does have its downsides. You cannot leave a Kerry Blue Terrier alone all day, or stick him in the back yard and expect him to be passive and content.

Lapponian ​Herder​
Lapponian ​Herder​

In general, the Lapponian Herder is a gentle, friendly dog. As with any breed, individual temperaments vary. The dog is a high-energy breed, requiring a job to do or a sport to play. Daily exercise is an absolute must for this herding dog. These dogs are typically accepting of any animal in the home, but herding instincts must be curbed.

Malinois dog​
Malinois dog​

The Belgian Malinois is a well balanced, square dog, elegant in appearance with an exceedingly proud carriage of the head and neck. The dog is strong, agile, well muscled, alert, and full of life. He stands squarely on all fours and viewed from the side, the topline, forelegs, and hind legs closely approximate a square.

source: akc.org
Miniature ​American Shepherd​
Miniature ​American Shepherd​

The Miniature American Shepherd Club of America is the official parent club for the Miniature American Shepherd and to accept the Miniature American Shepherd into the AKC Stud Book on June 1, 2015. The breed will be eligible to compete in the Herding Group beginning July 1, 2015.

source: akc.org
Mudi​
Mudi​

The Mudi (in Hungarian, the plural form of mudi is mudik) is a herding dog breed from Hungary. It is closely related to the Puli and Pumi, from which it was separated in the 1930s. Today, the Mudi is bred for work, sport, companionship, and show.

Norwegian ​Buhund​
Norwegian ​Buhund​

The Norwegian Buhund is a herding dog. It is a typical northern breed, a little under medium size and squarely built, with a tightly curled tail carried over the back. The head is wedge-shaped and not too heavy, with prick ears.

source: akc.org
Old English ​Sheepdog​
Old English ​Sheepdog​

Huggable, huge, and puffy, the Old English Sheepdog is kind of a big deal. This breed was the original cinematic Shaggy Dog, and Paul McCartney's Old English Sheepdog, Martha, inspired “Fool on a Hill” and other Beatles songs. These fun-loving, eye-catching dogs are somewhat rare and are among the hairiest breeds around.

Pembroke ​Welsh Corgi​
Pembroke ​Welsh Corgi​

3. He's a World-Class Herding Dog. Don't let their size fool you, these dogs have been herding for decades! From the beginning, the Welsh used Pembroke Welsh Corgis as herding dogs, family companions, and guardians of the farm. Even today, these dogs are still expert herders.

source: akc.org
Polish ​Lowland Sheepdog​
Polish ​Lowland Sheepdog​

A Polish Lowland Sheepdog at a dog show in Racibórz, Poland. Known in its present form in Poland from at least the thirteenth century, the PON is most likely descended from the Puli, Tibetan Terrier and the herding dogs.

Poodle​
Poodle​

Cora is shown in her summer clip; in winter, her fur twists itself into a corded-type coat. For a brief description of Poodles/proto-Poodles used as herding dogs, see Ernest H. Hart, The Poodle Handbook (Neptune City: TFH: 1966), p. 16. Herding techniques vary.

Puli​
Puli​

The Puli is a small-medium breed of Hungarian herding and livestock guarding dog known for its long, corded coat. The tight curls of the coat appear similar to dreadlocks. A similar-looking, but much larger breed – also Hungarian – is the Komondor. The term used for a group of Puli is Pulik.

Pumi dog​
Pumi dog​

The Pumi is a medium-small breed of sheep dog from Hungary. They are versatile stock dogs, equally adept at gathering, driving and keeping stock under control. They have a long head with semi-erect ears, a whimsical expression and a tail that forms a circle over the back. The coat is a combination of wavy and curly hair, forming curls all over the body. The Pumi is considered to have arisen from cross-breeding of Hungarian Pulik with French and German herding dogs from the 17th century onwards.

Pyrenean ​Shepherd​
Pyrenean ​Shepherd​

Enthusiastic, mischievous, and whip-smart, the Pyrenean Shepherd is an indefatigable herder descended from ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains. Tough and sinewy Pyr Sheps come in “rough-faced” and “smooth-faced” coat varieties.

source: akc.org
image: petwave.com
Rottweiler​
Rottweiler​

The Rottweiler's style of herding can be described as: loose-eyed and gathering. Some handlers have found that they are especially suited to move stubborn stock that basically ignore smaller herding breeds - Rottweilers are not a cower to danger breed, which well equips them for the tougher jobs.

Rough Collie​
Rough Collie​

If you are herding sheep, the best dog you could find is an Australian Shepherd from stockdog lines. Rough Collies are meant for that, but not all of them really herd anymore, and their coats are incredible to care for. There are some great Aussies in ARPH Aussie Rescue - or I can point you toward some reputable breeders of real herding dogs.

Samoyed dog​
Samoyed dog​

Herding dogs have long been important in livestock industries. They are used in many countries of the world in day to day activities on sheep, goat, and cattle ranches. Today there is an increased interest by "weekend herders" (who live in cities and don't own livestock) interested in working with their dogs and helping preserve the talents and abilities of the herding dog.

source: samoyed.org
Schapendoes​
Schapendoes​

When the breed club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in 1947, the Schapendoes breed was resuscitated. The Schapendoes is a lightly-built, long-coated, medium-sized dog. His movements are effortless and springy and his astounding ability to jump makes him excel at agility and other dog sports. With an attentive and courageous character, he is intelligent, watchful, lively, friendly and high-spirited. Towards people familiar to him, he develops great affection and loyalty.

source: akc.org
Schipperke​
Schipperke​

The Schipperke, Belgium's "little captain," is the traditional barge dog of the Low Countries. Curious, lively, and intense but mischievous, this little black dog is a robust, long-lived companion for whom there is never a dull moment.

source: akc.org
Scotch Collie​
Scotch Collie​

The Scotch Collies or Old Time Scotch Collies are landrace dogs, consistent enough to be recognized as a breed, though their appearance is somewhat variable as compared to standardized breeds. Before becoming popular as a pet, these Collies, and their ancestors were considered working-type dogs used for herding livestock for centuries.

Shetland ​Sheepdog​
Shetland ​Sheepdog​

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands. The original name of this breed was Shetland Collie, but when this caused controversy among the Rough Collie breeders of the time, the breed's name was formally changed to Shetland Sheepdog.

Smooth Collie​
Smooth Collie​

Descended from generations of herding dogs, the Collie is believed to be native to Scotland. They were originally utilized for water rescue, herding, guiding and guarding. Today, the rough Collie is more popular than the smooth Collie in the United States.

Soft-Coated ​Wheaten Terrier​
Soft-Coated ​Wheaten Terrier​

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier as a Herding Dog: Historical Heritage, Current Capabilities A proposal to the American Kennel Club To Recognize the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier As Eligible To Participate in AKC All-Breed Herding Events by Suzanne Stone Member, Performance Committee, and Connie Koehler Chair, Public Education and Member, Performance Committee Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of ...

source: scwtca.org
Spanish ​Water Dog​
Spanish ​Water Dog​

The Spanish Water Dog became eligible for AKC registration December 1, 2014 and was eligible to compete in the Herding Group, beginning January 1, 2015. AKC will maintain an open registry for the breed until January 1, 2020.

source: akc.org
image: purina.com
Stumpy Tail ​Cattle dog​
Stumpy Tail ​Cattle dog​

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a naturally bobtailed or tailless, medium-sized breed of Cattle Dog (not to be confused with the Australian Cattle Dog, aka "Queensland Heeler"). The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was developed in Australia to herd cattle, and descends from crosses between European herding dogs and the Australian dingo.

image: imgkid.com
Swedish ​Lapphund​
Swedish ​Lapphund​

The Swedish Lapphund (Swedish: Svensk lapphund) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type from Sweden, one of three Lapphund breeds developed from a type of dog used by the Sami people for herding and guarding their reindeer.

Swedish ​Shepherd​
Swedish ​Shepherd​

The Swedish Vallhund, also known as the Västgötaspets and Swedish cow dog, is a breed of dog native to Sweden. The breed's name, Vallhund, when translated into English, means herding dog, as the Swedish Vallhund was originally bred as a drover and herder of cows over 1,000 years ago.

image: k9rl.com
Tervuren​
Tervuren​

Today’s Tervs are employed as military and police K-9s, search-and-rescue workers, service dogs for the disabled, actors (in the movie “The Company of Wolves,” the wolves are played by Tervs), and champions at dog shows, on agility courses, and in obedience and herding trials.

source: akc.org
Tibetan ​Terrier​
Tibetan ​Terrier​

Home → Dog Breeds → Tibetan Terrier → Tibetan Terrier Dog Breed Review Tibetan Terrier Temperament: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em Tibetan Terrier Temperament, Personality, Behavior, Traits, and Characteristics, by Michele Welton.

image: dogsofsf.com