Best herding dog breeds
If you are a farmer or shepherd, then you will probably learn about the best dog breeds for herding via your training and experience for the job. On a working farm, a herding dog breed is an invaluable resource as well as being a farmer's best friend. There are different types of herding, so there are different types of herding dogs for the animals involved. For example, there are sheepdog breeds which may be more midsized or cattle dog breeds which may be bigger.
However, this is not always the case. Many herding dog breeds are great for herding any animal, despite their own size. If you want a herding dog breed as a pet, but don't necessarily have your own animals to care for, there are still many benefits of having shepherd dog types. Even if they are not looking after groups of sheep, they can be wonderful and loyal companions. They tend to be more intelligent dogs which need a lot of exercise, so just make sure, if you do get a herding dog breed, you are able to meet these needs.
However, this is not always the case. Many herding dog breeds are great for herding any animal, despite their own size. If you want a herding dog breed as a pet, but don't necessarily have your own animals to care for, there are still many benefits of having shepherd dog types. Even if they are not looking after groups of sheep, they can be wonderful and loyal companions. They tend to be more intelligent dogs which need a lot of exercise, so just make sure, if you do get a herding dog breed, you are able to meet these needs.
32 breeds
The Schapendoes, is a dog native to the Netherlands that was traditionally used as a herding dog and general farm dog due to its agility and intelligence. Over the years, the Schapendoes has become an excellent family dog thanks to its cheerful and affectionate nature. They also have a strong desire...
The Swedish Lapphund is a Spitz dog breed from Sweden, one of three Lapphund breeds that evolved from a type of dog used by the Sámi to herd and guard their reindeer. Its thick coat and cunning appearance give this dog a very sweet and peculiar look. It stands out as an exceptional working dog that is...
The Mudi is a dog breed native to Hungary that has traditionally been used for herding cattle. Their great intelligence and ability to adapt have allowed these dogs to be used in different tasks and disciplines over the years. However, their populations in the world are scarce and they are a difficult...
The Pumi is a dog breed originally from Hungary and has the general characteristics of the Terrier. Originally it was used as a sheepdog, although they have been used for various working-dog tasks throughout their history. It is an intelligent, restless and very bold breed with their family. At the same time,...
The Majorero dog is a native dog breed of the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary archipelago, where it is popularly known as the Bardino dog. This breed has been used as a guard and herding dog for more than six centuries. But it was only at the end of the last century that the Royal Canine Society...
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog native to Iceland, where it is considered a popular national symbol. Due to its hardiness, agility and intelligence, it has been used to herd cattle and sheep throughout history. However, in addition to its role as a shepherd and protector of the herds, it is...
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a small, but elegant dog breed. Similar in appearance to a rough Collie, their small size doesn't prevent them from being a tireless worker. Currently the Shetland sheepdog is more commonly found as a companion animal due to their beauty and...
Irish Wolfhounds is one of the most loved and appreciated Irish breeds. Its history is ancient yet well-known as it was already mentioned by Julius Caesar in the comments on the Gallic War. At that time they were valued for their combat skills, especially for the ferocity with which they attacked their...
The Old English Sheepdog, also known as the English Bobtail, is a large dog with a square-shaped body and with a long and abundant coat that covers the entire body. If you're thinking of adopting an Old English Sheepdog, this breed sheet is perfect for you!
In this AnimalWised breed sheet, we're going...
The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog from Mechelan, Beligium. Although they were originally working dogs, they are now used as companion dogs thanks to their strong loyalty and intelligence. If you're thinking of adopting a Belgian Malinois, this is the perfect breed sheet for you.
In this AnimalWised...
The Australian Shepherd breed is a medium-sizes, agile and intelligent dog. Due to its energetic and hard-working character, They make great working and companion dogs. These dogs need a large space to meet their energetic needs and a loving family as they are also very affectionate and loyal.
In this...
The Chow-Chow dog is probably one of the most popular dog breeds from China. In northern China they are referred to as “Songshi-Quan”, which means “puffy-lion dog”. Although they are known for their beautiful and puffy coat, their most distinctive feature is the color of their tongue, which is blue....
In the most rural environments of the Spanish countryside we find the historical breed, the Spanish Mastiff. Considered the largest dog in Spain, they are known for their incredible physique. They're also known for their guarding skills. However, nowadays the Spanish Mastiff makes an excellent animal companion,...
A Rough Collie, also know as the long-haired Collie, is a very well-known shepherd dog. Due to its beauty and good character, this dog has become one of the most appreciated breeds among show dogs and pets. It is also known in simple as a Collie (although there are varieties) or, erroneously, as Lassie.
In...
The Cardigan welsh corgi is a small dog that used to be used to help shepherds in Whales. This breed is a close relative to the Pembroke welsh corgi. This breed is very loyal to its family. They are very intelligent and easy to train.
If you want to know more about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, take a look...
The beauceron, also known as the french shorthaired sheperd, shepherd of Beauce or Berger de Beauce is a sheepdog of French origin. There is very little information about this breed in Europe and the rest of the world. It is an intelligent and active dog, capable of developing all kinds of exercises,...
The short-haired collie, or smooth collie, is practically the same as the long-haired collie, the only difference being the length of the coat. This dog is not as well known as its longhair counterpart.
The difference in the coat presents a perfect adoption option for people who love Collies but don’t...
The American Pit Bull Terrier or APBT was first bred to help in farm work, although they were soon made to participate in bloodsports and dogfights. They are tenacious dogs, and although there are stronger breeds, they are very powerful.
Although American Pit Bull Terriers have been trusted companions and nanny...
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog is a true example of the close kinship between dogs and wolves. Having originated from German shepherds and wolves, this breed has mixed qualities of both a shepherd dog and wild wolf.
Due to its recen introduction, many people are unaware of the general characteristics of a...
The Swiss white shepherd (berger blanc suisse), of wolfish appearance with dense white fur, is one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Both morphologically and phylogenetically, this dog is essentially a white-haired German shepherd.
Throughout its history, the breed has received a large amount...
The Afghan hound is a dog from Afghanistan. It is considered a very special breed by those who have had one. Its combination of personality, energy and physical appearance make this dog a unique and special specimen. It is believed that it descends from the Saluki, an Iranian dog with similar characteristics....
The boerboel is a breed of molossian dog that comes from South Africa. It has received various names, including the African Boerboel or South African Mastiff. Their ancestors are the bullmastiff, the great Dane and the bullensbeisser, which is extinct.
The first examples of boerboels date back 1600....
Because of their kinship with the schnauzer and their past as a shepherd dog, Giant Schnauzers are large, robust and strong dogs. They serve both as surveillance and protection dogs. Being so big, they need a good dose of daily exercise, so we do not recommend this dog for people who do not have time...
The Kangal is the national dog of Turkey. Its name comes from the district of Kangal in the province of Sivas, where this breed originated. This dog’s purpose was to guard and protect sheep, but not guide them. Its size, courage and determination made it a perfect defender against predators or thieves....
Don't let their size fool you, the Lancashire Heeler is one big ball of energy. Known in the past for being herd and cattle dogs, they are extremely active and intelligent, which makes them a great companion for a family with children that love to take long walks and runs to spend time together. This British...
If you are thinking of adopting an adult or puppy Siberian Husky and need some information, in this breed card from AnimalWised we will detail everything you need to know about this type of dog. This card will include covering its character, behavior, relationship with other animals and the specific care...
The shar pei is a very peculiar breed of dog, known worldwide for its wrinkles and body shape. From both Chinese and American origin, this dog is popular and appreciated in many regions and in some places is considered as a symbol of social status.
In this AnimalWised breed file we will go everything...
The Australian Cattle Dog or ACD, also nicknamed Queensland heeler, and Red or Blue Heeler depending on their coloring, is a beloved dog breed with amazing qualities for advanced training, herding and sports.
They are excellent dogs, but they are not suitable for just any owner. They have great physical...
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beautiful, family-oriented breed that gives excellent results in search and rescue and therapy support. These dogs are calm, docile and sociable, besides being very clever. They are not suitable for apartments or small houses, as they need lots of physical exercise and...
They are known as the smartest dog breed in the world: these dogs are very easy to train, willing to learn, and perfect for competitions and sports such as Dog Agility. The Border Collie or Scottish Sheepdog is an amazing dog breed with many skills and qualities.
The American Staffordshire Terrier or Amstaff, is a dog originally from the English region of Staffordshire. Among their ancestors we find the English bulldog, the black and tan terrier, the fox terrier or the white English terrier. Later, this breed was popularized in the USA, where they developed a heavier...
The Pyrenees Mountain dog is also known as the Great Pyrenees. Historically, this large and resistant mountain dog was used as a livestock guardian dog, but now they are well-loved for being wonderful family dogs.
In this Animalwised breedfile we will tell you you all the characteristics of the Great Pyrenees,...