Certain dog breeds have been used for centuries to herd flocks of animals. These breeds rely on their athleticism and intelligence, which makes them some of the most popular and trainable canines on the planet. That being said, here are some of the best herding dog breeds, and what you’ll want to know about each of them.
Border Collie
The Border Collie got its name because it was used as a herding dog between the border of Scotland and England. This breed was developed to herd sheep, and they are one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. They’re especially known for their sharp, dominant stare, which convinces even the most stubborn of herd members to finally give in!
Of the sheep herding dog breeds, the Border Collie is probably the best at its job, and this breed has broken records for agility, trainability, and herding all over the world!
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was originally developed in Germany to herd sheep. They were especially good at patrolling around a flock of sheep and ensuring that no stray member got away, as well as protecting the flock from any dangerous predators.
Today, however, the German Shepherd has branched out quite a bit, and is now very popular as a police dog, search and rescue dog, and many other important careers! Now, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, second only to the pug!
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a fearless breed that was developed to herd cattle, and its origins can be traced back before the 1800s. While medium in size, and much smaller than the cattle themselves, these dogs are actually the perfect size to nip at cow’s ankles, steering them in the direction they want them to go.
Cattle herding dog breeds need a certain amount of courage, but unfortunately its tendency to nip can cause aggressive behavior towards humans if not properly socialized.
Australian Shepherd
Believe it or not, the Australian Shepherd is actually not an Australian breed! These beautiful, long-haired dogs are known for their tri-color coats and piercing eyes. Like the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd’s distinctive intimidating stare is used to convince flocks of sheep and other livestock into following directions.
These dogs need a lot of exercise and enrichment to stay entertained, or else they engage in destructive habits out of boredom.
Briard
The Briard is an ancient French breed that was used to fearlessly defend herds against predators. This large, shaggy-looking dog was popular for its ability to not only defend flocks, but herd them as well. Despite their heavy-looking coat, the Briard is wonderfully agile, making them perfect for weaving around flocks of sheep. During World War I, this strong, hardworking was also used to pull carts and help with other difficult chores.
Tervuren
The Tervuren is a large, longhaired Belgian breed with a fox-like face and pointed ears. These dogs were used primarily for their endurance while herding, but their strong and courageous demeanor also made them wonderful protectors of both flocks and families.
While the Tervuren’s skills as a herder aren’t needed quite as much as they were long ago, we humans still find wonderful ways to put its hardworking energy to good use. Today, the Tervuren is incredibly popular as a police dog, watchdog, guide dog, and so much more!
Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is one of the small herding breeds, and its short legs and erect ears make it resemble a Corgi. Its short legs are actually perfectly suited for nipping at the heels of cattle, while also avoiding being kicked by their powerful hooves. These lively little dogs are also popular for training in agility and obedience, among other competitive activities.
Mudi
The Mudi is a rare herding breed from Hungary which nearly became extinct during World War II. Like many other Hungarian dog breeds during World War II, many Mudi were killed, and the breed is far rarer than it once was.
Still, this dog remains popular in Hungary, where it is commonly used to herd both cattle and sheep. Outside of its native country, however, there are only estimated to be a few thousand Mudi all over the world.
Bergamasco
Like all herding dog breeds, the Bergamasco is incredibly agile and intelligent. This powerful herding dog, however, is unique for its thick, coiled coat. While its coat does look gorgeous, though, it’s not just for looks! The Bergamasco’s thick coat is perfect for protecting it from the vicious bites of predators such as wolves. This is why the Bergamasco has traditionally been used to protect flocks of sheep from predators.
Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is an alert, medium-sized dog with long fur and adorable pointed ears. This is an ancient dog breed that was originally used to herd reindeer in Finland. These dogs are known for their extreme reflexes, which helped to keep them out of harm’s way if a reindeer turned to kick or buck at them. They are also known for their incredibly loud and sharp bark, which helps to control herds.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a classic, fluffy herding dog known for its intelligence and gentle demeanor. Despite their name, however, the Old English Sheepdog wasn’t originally used for herding sheep. Instead, they were used to herd droves of cattle over large stretches of land. Today, they are most popular as watchdogs, as they are large, muscular, and have a distinctive ringing bark.
Bouvier Des Flandres
Of the European herding dog breeds, the Bouvier Des Flandres is probably one of the most versatile. In the early days, these dogs were used to herd and protect flocks of cattle and sheep, as well as to pull carts. Now, their strength and intelligence makes them a popular dog for search-and-rescue as well as police work. While incredibly hardworking, these dogs are also gentle and loving, and make wonderful family pets.
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