Herding dogs used to be very important to keep the herds of cattle together, to guard and protect them.
Today, herding dog breeds primarily appear as guard, companion, or family dogs. The four-legged friends are considered to be very active, courageous and self-confident.
Which shepherd dog should keep your sheep dry? I would entrust my herd to number 25.
The 25 most famous herding dog breeds
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Despite its cute looks, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is not really a lap dog. Rather, the British dog breed is a small herding dog.
The sweet dogs are very active, clever and eager to work. In the past, they were mainly used as herding dogs on farms.
Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular companion dog. However, he needs a lot of attention and exercise.
2. Welsh Corgi Cardigan
The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is similar to the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. This breed is also a small herding dog from Wales.
Today, the cute four-legged friends only rarely have to guard herds of cattle. Thanks to their sociable and child-friendly nature, the little guys are wonderful family dogs.
Corgis need lots of exercise. You as the owner should be active and sporty.
Interesting:
Corgis are the Queen’s favorite dogs.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a beautiful dog from Down Under. He is one of the medium-sized herding and cattle dogs.
The four-legged friends primarily attract everyone’s attention because of their interesting coat coloration. They are very loyal, affectionate and have a mind of their own.
If you’re smiling at an Australian Cattle Dog, you should be good on your feet. The beauties are very active.
4.Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie may alternatively be titled as the Australian Shepherd. The breed was originally kept as a herding dog for sheep.
The bundles of energy are real workaholics. They need a job and lots of exercise.
Australian Kelpies are known to be very smart, alert and affectionate. They are very easy to train and get along well with children.
5.Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds of all. In the past, the pretty four-legged friends appeared primarily as herding or cattle dogs.
The animals are considered to be very clever, peaceful and alert.
If you decide to get an Australian Shepherd, it is an advantage if you already have some dog experience.
Important!
A few Australian Shepherds have the so-called merle factor. This is very often a torture breeding. This is associated with great suffering and pain for the animals. So before you decide on such a pet, you should inform yourself well!
6. Border Collie
The Border Collie has its roots in Great Britain. The breed was used there for years as a herding and driving dog.
The Border Collie has remained a workhorse. He must be constantly encouraged and challenged both mentally and physically.
When the clever four-legged friend is busy, he can be very affectionate and loyal.
Good to know:
The Border Collie is one of the smartest dog breeds out there.
7. German shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large herding dog that also cuts a fine figure as a police dog.
The popular dog breed is very versatile. Due to their self-confident and watchful nature, they appear today as a guard dog.
You should bring enough time with you for a German Shepherd Dog. They like to be the center of attention and constantly need something to do.
8. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is also known to dog lovers under the name «Beardie». The four-legged friends are the long-haired wisps among the herding dogs.
Like all herding dogs, the Bearded Collie is a workhorse. The clever animals need a lot of exercise and a task. Then they are happy.
The “Beardie” is an attentive contemporary when it is working at full capacity, but it has a mind of its own.
9 Briard
Another curly head among the shepherd dogs is the Briard. The great French are primarily noticed by their hair.
Today the dogs appear mainly as family dogs. They are very affectionate, people-related and have a strong protective instinct.
If you commit to a Briard, you will be rewarded with a loyal companion.
10. Bobtail
At first glance, the Bobtail looks like a big, cuddly teddy bear. But appearance is deceptive. A 1A herding dog slumbers in him.
The «Old English Sheepdogs», as the Bobtails are also known, are clever jokers. They make excellent family dogs and bring life into the home.
11. Groenendael
The Groenendael is classified as a Belgian Shepherd Dog. The dog breed was used as a herding and driving dog.
The black beauties are very active and intelligent. They absolutely have to go into a sporty family where they get a lot of exercise.
When the Groenendael is busy with dog sports, he shows a very loyal and affectionate demeanor.
12. Komodor
The Komodor is also a herding dog. With its distinctive coat, the breed hardly stands out in a flock of sheep.
The shaggy among the shepherd dogs originally comes from Hungary. Due to its calm and gentle nature, it is ideally suited as a family dog.
The Komodor is very brave and alert. That’s why he’s also a great watchdog.
13. Collie (long hair)
Many dog owners still associate the Rough Collie with the TV dog «Lassie». The pretty herding dogs have a very smooth and dense coat.
The dog breed is very intelligent, affectionate and has a strong protective instinct. They are born companion and family dogs.
You can’t be a couch potato for a collie. The dogs are very active and need a lot of exercise.
Important!
A few Rough Collies have the so-called merle factor. This is very often a torture breeding. This is associated with great suffering and pain for the animals. So before you decide on such a pet, you should inform yourself well!
14. Maremma-Abruzzo Sheepdog
The Maremma-Abruzzo Sheepdog is a popular herding dog from Italy. He is still used there today as a shepherd dog.
The dogs impress with their bright white coat coloration and are very independent.
A Maremma Abruzzo Sheepdog needs a lot of exercise. He wouldn’t feel comfortable in a city apartment.
15. Malinois
The Malinois is also assigned to the herding and cattle dogs.
The Belgian dog breed is in dire need of a job. This can fulfill them as a rescue or family dog.
With a Malinois, sport and exercise are a must. The breed can really push itself to the limit when it comes to dog sports in particular.
16. Puli
The Puli stands out like a sore thumb. The active herding dogs have a very distinctive coat.
The shaggy are considered active but loyal bundles of energy, which are wonderfully suited as a guard, companion or family dog.
This dog breed also needs a lot of exercise and should be used to the full with dog sports.
17. Beauceron
The Beauceron is a beautiful breed of dog from France. They don’t shy away from work and are counted among the herding dogs.
Dogs love nature and need to be kept busy all the time. They wouldn’t feel comfortable in the city.
If you choose a Beauceron, then you will get a loving companion who can also get along with children.
18. Bergamasca Shepherd Dog
The Bergamasca Shepherd Dog is a herding dog native to the Italian Alps. Unfortunately, this breed of dog has become very rare.
The dogs are medium-sized and have long, thick fur.
The Bergamasque shepherd dog is a 1A family dog. He is loving, loyal and very affectionate.
19. Berger Blanc Suisse
Alternatively, the Berger Blanc Suisse can also be called the White Shepherd Dog. The herding and cattle dogs have snow-white fur.
Today, the breed is a coveted family dog. The animals loving, people-related and fond of children.
Said families should be sporty and ideally have a property with plenty of exercise.
20. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a white herding dog from Hungary. The breed stands out mainly because of its size.
The four-legged friends are real heartbreakers. They are considered clever, attentive and have a mind of their own.
The Kuvasz does not feel comfortable with couch potatoes. He needs a lot of exercise and exercise.
21. Mudi
The Mudi is also a shepherd dog from Hungary. The dog breed is little known outside of its home country.
The dogs are very affectionate, affectionate and have an inner protective instinct. They protect family and property.
Like many herding dogs, the Mudi is an active bundle of energy. He needs a lot of exercise, sports and exercise.
22. Saarloos Wolfhound
The Saarloos Wolfhound is a cross between a German Shepherd and a wolf. The noble dogs belong to the herding and cattle dogs.
The dog breed is considered to be rather shy and sensitive. It is therefore only conditionally suitable for families with children.
However, the Saarloos Wolfhound is very lively and brims with energy. Sufficient exercise and movement is mandatory.
23. Tervueren
The Tervueren is one of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs. In the past it was used as a herding and driving dog.
The herding dog breed is very athletic and active. She is the ideal dog for sporty families.
If you use your bundle of energy enough, you will be rewarded with a loyal and caring companion.
24. Schipperke
The Schipperke is a relatively small herding dog from Belgium.
The dog breed is considered very lively and active. You need enough space and exercise.
The Schipperke is in very good hands in sporty families. It can be used wonderfully as a companion, family or guard dog.
25. Czechoslovakian wolfhound
The Czechoslovakian wolfhound, like the Saarloos wolfhound, is a cross between a wolf and a German shepherd. The large dog breed originally comes from Czechoslovakia and is classified as a herding dog.
The four-legged friends are very active, courageous and full of temperament. They make excellent service, guard, or companion dogs.
If you can handle the energy of a Czechoslovakian Wolfhound, you’ll be rewarded with a smart and affectionate companion.