The Herding Group:
The function of these breeds is as it sounds: to herd livestock. They’re a hard-working crowd of dogs who, in most cases, work under the direction of a shepherd. This group can be broken down into two types: sheepherders and cattle herders.
The Sheep Herders:
These herding dogs were not bred to guard the flock, but to move it. They are agile, alert, and very active. Easily trained, the sheepherders are devoted to their family, not prone to roaming, and tolerant of children. They can be protective of their property and suspicious of strangers, but they are not generally prone to serious aggression problems.
These dogs love to exercise, work, and play. Always on the lookout for something to herd, they’ll happily settle for children if sheep aren’t available.
- Australian Shepherd
- Bearded Collie
- Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Belgian Tervuren
- Border Collie
- Collie
- German Shepherd Dog
- Old English Sheepdog
- Puli
- Shetland Sheepdog
The Collie is a sheep herder.
The Cattle/Sheep Driving Dogs:
From the Herding group, these dogs were bred to drive sheep and move cattle long distances, often without man’s direction. A hardy bunch, cattle/sheep driving dogs are more solidly built and stockier than the sheepherders. Athletic, dominant, and less predictable than their cousins, they need clear and consistent training. Generally reserved with strangers, they need early socialization to prevent aggression.
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Briard
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
