Herding Dog Breeds

 

Are you in search of an active, intelligent dog proficient in agility, treibball, and flying disc activities? Look no further than the 32 herding dog breeds, but be sure to provide them with a purpose, or they'll find one for themselves.

Herding dog breeds are exceptionally intelligent, originally bred for the task of rounding up and safeguarding livestock. These high-energy breeds are not only skilled at herding but also excel in intelligence and close collaboration with humans.

Among the most popular herding breeds suitable for pets are:

• German Shepherd Dog
• Australian Shepherd
• Belgian Malinois
• Collie
• Old English Sheepdog
• Bearded Collie

The most popular among the smaller herding breeds include:

• Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
• Miniature American Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog (Red or Blue Heeler)
• Border Collie
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes 32 herding dog breeds in the Herding Group. The AKC categorizes dogs into groups based on the original tasks each breed was bred for. While initially part of the Working Dog group, a distinct category for herding breeds was established in 1983.

Herding Dog Behavior

By nature, herding dogs possess a strong drive to control livestock by gathering and protecting them, making them well-suited for work on farms. Some herding breeds, such as Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, excel in protection work like Schutzhund, as well as various police roles such as narcotics detection and cadaver searches.

Key characteristics of herding dog breeds include:

• High energy levels
• Exceptional intelligence
• Loyalty
• Athleticism
• Activeness
• Protective instincts
• Trainability
• Industriousness
• Responsiveness to their handlers

Training is essential for herding dogs, and they require more than basic obedience skills, especially since nipping is a part of their instinctual behavior. Efforts should be made to mitigate this tendency from an early stage. Bored herding dogs can pose behavior challenges and may attempt to herd children or even adults without proper training and outlets for their natural instincts. Often referred to as stock dogs, they are sensitive to sound and movement, which may lead them to chase wildlife and even cars. Consequently, training and providing appropriate stimulation and engagement are crucial.

As herding dogs thrive when given a job, they are best suited for active families with the time to meet their mental and physical needs. Even if your working dog doesn't have a flock to tend to, you can engage their intellect with mental and physical activities in your backyard or through organized classes.

Top Activities for Herding Dog Breeds

• Agility
• Treibball (urban herding)
• Flyball
• Flirt pole
• Flying disc/disc dog
• Trick training
• Nose work
• Canine freestyle

The American public has developed a fondness for smart and family-oriented herding dogs like Lassie, the Collie, and Rin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog. More recently, Chaser, the Border Collie owned by behavior psychologist John W. Pilley, captured our hearts by understanding over 1000 words. Today, these intelligent and spirited dogs have become integral members of many families.

While herding dog breeds make fantastic companions, they are not content as couch potatoes or pampered spa enthusiasts. They require substantial mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. Herding is ingrained in their DNA, so providing them with a purpose will ensure both you and your stock dog lead active and fulfilling lives in the long run.