Herding dog breeds are a type of working dog that were originally bred to assist farmers in managing their livestock. These dogs are known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, and are often used in a variety of roles, including herding livestock, competing in dog sports, and serving as therapy dogs. Herding dogs represent one of the primary groups of breeds as put forth by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
There are many different herding dog breeds recognized by the AKC, as represented by the following list:
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Bearded Collie
- Beauceron
- Belgian Laekenois
- Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Belgian Tervuren
- Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Berger Picard
- Border Collie
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Briard
- Canaan Dog
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Collie
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Finnish Lapphund
- German Shepherd Dog
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Miniature American Shepherd
- Mudi
- Norwegian Buhund
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Puli
- Pumi
- Pyrenean Shepherd
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Spanish Waterdog
- Swedish Vallhund
A representative sampling of descriptions is provided below:
Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as “Blue Heelers,” are intelligent and energetic dogs that were originally bred to herd cattle in Australia. They are known for their stamina, agility, and loyalty, and make excellent working and companion dogs.
Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized herding breed with a strong work ethic and a high level of intelligence. They are known for their striking appearance, with a distinctive long coat that can be a variety of colors, including black, red, and blue merle.
Belgian Malinois are a medium to large-sized breed of herding dog that is native to Belgium. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, and are often used as working dogs in a variety of roles, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and military. Belgian Malinois are energetic, active dogs that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are highly trainable and excel in a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and herding. They are also good family pets and get along well with children. Belgian Malinois have a short, thick coat that is usually fawn, mahogany, or black in color. They are a shorthaired breed and do not require a lot of grooming.
Border Collies are one of the most popular herding breeds, known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism. They excel in a variety of dog sports, including obedience, agility, and flyball, and make excellent working and companion dogs.
Bouviers des Flandres are large, powerful herding dogs with a thick, wavy coat that is typically black or fawn in color. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, and were originally bred to work on farms in Belgium.
Briards are large, shaggy herding dogs with a distinctive long, wavy coat. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, and were originally bred to work on farms in France.
Canaan Dogs are a medium-sized herding breed with a short, smooth coat that is typically black, red, or fawn in color. They are intelligent, loyal, and energetic, and were originally bred to work as guard dogs in the Middle East.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are small, energetic herding dogs with a short, thick coat that can be red, sable, black, or brindle in color. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, and make excellent working and companion dogs.
Collies are a medium-sized herding breed with a long, thick coat that can be sable, black, white, or a combination of these colors. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, and make excellent working and companion dogs.
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized herding dogs with a thick, long coat that is typically black, brown, or golden in color. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, and were originally bred to work as reindeer herders in Finland.
German Shepherds are a large, athletic herding breed with a thick, dense coat that is typically black, tan, or a combination of these colors. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty, and are often used as working dogs in a variety of tasks.
Mudi dogs are a small to medium-sized, herding dog breed that is native to Hungary. The Mudi dog has a strong, athletic build and a flexible, agile body. The breed is known for its intelligence, trainability, and versatility. Mudis are energetic, active dogs that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are well-suited to a variety of roles, including herding, agility, obedience, and search and rescue. They are also good family pets and get along well with children.
Old English Sheepdogs are a large, muscular breed of dog with a distinctive long, thick, and shaggy coat. They have a strong, sturdy build and a friendly, good-natured personality. Old English Sheepdogs are known for being intelligent, playful, and affectionate, and they get along well with children and other pets. They are a calm, patient breed that is well-suited to being a family pet. They are also very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including apartments and houses with yards. Old English Sheepdogs are a versatile breed and can excel in a variety of activities, including obedience, herding, and agility. They do require regular grooming to maintain their long, thick coat.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a small, sturdy breed of dog with short legs and a long body. They have a friendly, intelligent, and loyal personality and are known for being active and energetic. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly trainable and excel in a variety of activities, including obedience, herding, and agility. They are also popular as family pets and get along well with children and other pets. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and independent dogs that require regular mental and physical stimulation. They are well-suited to a variety of living environments, including apartments and houses with yards.
Pulis are a small to medium-sized breed of Hungarian sheepdog with a long, thick, and corded coat. They have a strong, athletic build and are known for their intelligence, trainability, and agility. Pulis are energetic and active dogs that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are well-suited to a variety of roles, including herding, agility, obedience, and search and rescue. They are also good family pets and get along well with children. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a long, corded coat that is usually black or white in color. Pulis require regular grooming to maintain their long, thick coat.
Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are small to medium-sized herding dogs that are native to the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They have a strong, athletic build and a dense, double coat that is usually sable, black, or blue merle in color. Shelties are intelligent, trainable, and energetic dogs that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are well-suited to a variety of roles, including obedience, agility, and herding. They are also popular as family pets and get along well with children and other pets. Shelties are known for their striking appearance and are often mistaken for small Rough Collies. They require regular grooming to maintain their thick, double coat.
Swedish Vallhunds, also known as the Västgötaspets or Swedish Cow Dog, are a small to medium-sized breed of herding dog that is native to Sweden. They have a strong, athletic build and a medium-length, thick coat that is usually red, sable, or gray in color. Swedish Vallhunds are intelligent, trainable, and energetic dogs that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are well-suited to a variety of roles, including herding, obedience, and agility. They are also good family pets and get along well with children. Swedish Vallhunds are a rare breed and are not well-known outside of Sweden. They require regular grooming to maintain their thick coat.
The herding dog group is comprised of remarkable dog breeds, and we look forward to providing more in-depth information in the future.