Herding dog breeds possess a unique combination of value, beauty, and charm that sets them apart from other types of dogs. They have purposeful and intelligent expressions, often framed by attentive eyes and distinctive coats.
Similarly, their natural herding instincts translate into grace and agility in their movements. They are vital partners to farmers, ranchers, and dog enthusiasts alike. Today, we have listed 20 Herding dogs that are highly regarded worldwide.
1. Border Collie
Border Collie are the herding dogs from England. Its history dates back to the 19th century when they were bred for working livestock.
Their most remarkable feature is their intelligence, unmatched in the canine world. They are one of the smartest dog breeds. They have an instinctive ability to anticipate and control the movements of livestock, making them indispensable in herding and an agility marvel in dog sports.
2. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, actually originated in the United States. Known for its striking appearance and herding capabilities, this breed is characterized by a medium-sized, well-muscled body and a lush double coat.
Australian Shepherds are also celebrated for their vibrant coat colors and patterns, which add to their beauty and individuality. Beyond their herding talents, their friendly disposition and devotion to their families have endeared them as cherished pets and competitors in dog sports.
3. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a highly capable herding dog known for its intelligence, strength, and agility. With its natural instinct to control and move livestock, it excels in herding and managing large groups of animals.
Its protective nature, loyalty, and willingness to work make it a reliable and efficient herding companion. They also have a playful side. They enjoy interactive play and can be a source of entertainment and fun.
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a highly skilled herding dog despite its diminutive size. It has a remarkable history in herding livestock, especially cattle. They have low-slung bodies and incredible agility, enabling them to nip at the heels of cattle and other livestock.
Their intelligence, boundless energy, and strong herding instincts make them effective herders. Their herding heritage remains a testament to their value as working dogs, even in modern times, and they continue to be cherished as loyal companions.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
As the name suggests, the Shetland Sheepdog is a breed of dog for herding sheep. They were originally bred to work in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, where they herded sheep on rugged terrain.
Shelters have a strong desire to please their owners and are quick learners, excelling at following commands and directing livestock. Their sharp senses, including keen eyesight and acute hearing, aid them in controlling and guiding the flock.
6. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a highly regarded herding dog breed known for its intelligence, versatility, and strong work ethic. Originating from Belgium, these dogs have excelled in herding sheep and cattle.
Today, the Belgian Malinois is more commonly associated with police, military, and search-and-rescue work. Their keen instincts, endurance, and unwavering loyalty make them exceptional working dogs.
7. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a breed of herding dog that originated in Australia.
This breed was developed for herding livestock, particularly cattle. They are known for their ability to control and move cattle by nipping at their heels. While some Australian Cattle Dogs are kept as family pets, many still work on farms and ranches.
8. Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog is a large and distinctive breed known for its shaggy, fluffy coat and charming personality.
Historically, Old English Sheepdogs were bred for herding livestock, particularly sheep. They have a strong herding instinct, and even as pets, they may try to herd their family members.
9. Puli
The Puli was originally bred in Hungary as a herding dog, and they have a strong herding instinct. They are known for their ability to round up and drive livestock, especially sheep. They are known worldwide for their corded coat which gives them a dreadlock-like appearance.
Pulis are also valued for their intelligence, alertness, and protective instincts. They are loyal and make excellent watchdogs.
10. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Corgi is a herding dog breed known for its distinctive appearance and charming personality. They are small, sturdy dogs with a long body and short legs.
Cardigans were originally bred in Wales for herding cattle and sheep. They still retain their herding instincts, which can sometimes manifest in their behavior, such as nipping at the heels of people or animals.
11. Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized, herding dog breed hailing from Norway. They have a natural inclination to herd livestock, such as cattle and sheep. This herding instinct is an integral part of their breed heritage and has been selectively bred for over generations.
Apart from nipping or barking, Buhunds often have an "eye" for movement, which means they are keenly observant of the animals they are herding. They use their eyes to monitor and control the movement of livestock, often staring intensely at the animals to guide them.
12. Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphund is a versatile and highly intelligent dog breed originating from the northern regions of Finland and Sweden. They are medium-sized, sturdy dogs with a strong, square-shaped body.
Finnish Lapphunds were bred as herding dogs for reindeer, and they still retain their herding instincts. They were used by the indigenous Sámi people in the Arctic regions of Finland.
13. Pumi
Pumi is another small to medium-sized herding dog breed known for its lively personality and distinctive appearance. They have a square-shaped body, a curly tail that rests on their back, and a wedge-shaped head. Their most distinctive feature is their curly, weather-resistant coat.
They have an innate desire to control and move livestock, and they often display behaviors associated with herding. Pumik typically exhibit circling behavior when herding. They may use nipping and barking to guide and control the livestock.
14. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small and spirited terrier breed that originated in Australia. They were originally bred for hunting small vermin and herding. Their tenacity and keen hunting instincts are still part of their breed heritage.
This spirited breed is an ideal family pet and has excellent watchdogs. They will alert their owners to any potential threats with their sharp barking.
15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are the medium sized herding dogs from Poland. They have a shaggy, double coat that covers their eyes and gives them an endearing appearance.
While the Polish Lowland Sheepdog may not be as common as some other breeds, it has a dedicated following among those who appreciate its intelligence and herding heritage.
16. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees is a large and majestic breed known for its gentle nature and strong protective instincts. They have a thick, predominantly white double coat, which serves as camouflage when guarding livestock in snowy mountain regions.
They were more of a livestock guardian than herding as their primary function was to deter predators such as wolves, bears, and other large animals that posed a threat to the livestock. They are still used as livestock guardians on farms and ranches, particularly in regions where large predators remain a concern.
17. Pyrenean Sheepdog
Pyrenean Sheepdog is a herding dog breed originating from the Pyrenees region between France and Spain. It is an intelligent, active, and skilled breed with a strong work ethic.
They were used to assist shepherds in managing flocks of sheep and highly valued for their herding skills and versatility in navigating the mountainous terrain. Their loyalty and herding abilities make them an asset in herding tasks and a beloved family pet.
18. Beauceron
The Beauceron, also known as the Berger de Beauce or Bas Rouge, is one of the french herding dog breeds that has a strong and natural herding instinct.
Beaucerons excel at directing and controlling livestock. They use their body and positioning to guide and move animals in a particular direction. Their herding style typically involves circling and pushing the livestock forward. They are naturally alert and vigilant which is valuable for keeping the animals safe.
19. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is among the large herding dog breeds. It is a powerful breed known for its strength, stability, and gentle temperament.
They were historically bred in the Swiss Alps as working dogs for various tasks, including pulling carts, herding cattle, and guarding livestock. They have a strong work ethic and are well-suited for tasks that require strength and stability.
20. Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie is a medium to large herding breed known for its distinctive appearance, lively personality, and herding instincts. Beardie have a distinctive shaggy, long, and dense double coat that covers their eyes and body.
Bearded Collie and Border Collie may sound similar but they are two distinct breeds. Bearded Collies are sociable and outgoing family dogs with a softer approach to herding, while Border Collies are highly intelligent, intense herding dogs known for their strong work ethic and high energy levels.
Petjurni Team
