The absolute majority of the herd breed were formerly classified as working dogs , but their power to herd beast quickly earned them their own class . Unlike other breeds , these dogs are recognized for using up-and-coming running play , eye link , and overweening barking to control herds of cattle , sheep , and other livestock . Despite the fact that many of these breeds are no longer utilized for herding , their instincts have remained in - tact . The lean below contain the most uncouth breeds experience to this dog group .
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogsare known for their skills at keep herds of cattle together by clip at their bounder . " sorry heelers " total with a short blue , mottled coating and " violent heelers " have a reddish coat and are also screw as Queensland heelers . These are powerful average - sized dog with a brawny frame , weigh about 30 to 35 pounds . They ’re extremely thinking but have workout and mental stimulation penury that may be too much for the average dog owner .
Australian Shepherd
Despite their name , theAustralian Shepherdwas a stock that originated in the United States . They are medium - sized dogs with a thick , foresightful treble coat that comes in black , blue merle , red or carmine ouzel . They weigh between 40 to 65 pounds . Like other crowd dogs , " Aussies " are very reasoning , and need an owner who can keep them use up and render lots of exercise . Despite this , they ’re friendly dogs that do well in syndicate and also are popular in dog sports and competitive obedience .
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie , or " Beardie , " is a friendly dog that calculate similar to the Olde English Sheepdog . Beardies are small , count in at 45 to 55 pounds . Their long double coat come in mordant , blue , or fawn mingle with white and they get their name from the long hair under their chin . Beardies are happy , funny frankfurter that make excellent family favorite . Due to their herding inherent aptitude , they need lots of exercise and training , but are the perfect companion for an active home . Their intelligence activity also makes them easy to cultivate and they are often receive in dog sports competitions .
Beauceron
The Beauceron hails from France and is a large dog with an intimidate appearance . The stock has a curt coat that come in either black and burn or black and red . They weigh between 70 and 110 pounds . Along with the Bouvier des Flandres , they are the tumid of the AKC herding group breeds . Despite their appearance , Beaucerons are affectionate and truehearted to their human family . They are a gamey - vim breed that needs a wad of training and exercise . They ’re great candidate for dog sports with their gymnastic build . They also can make splendid guard dog because of their size of it and impose visual aspect .
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinoisdogs are fearless guardians of any flock or ruck . They are a very pop strain for police force and military work . They are a brusque - haired breed with a black masquerade party and ears . Coat color can be fawn , sepia or brownish . They count between 40 to 80 pounds with males turgid than female . They are athletic and powerful frank with a dandy word , and they surpass at weenie sports and obeisance . While they are extremely focused on people and are truehearted companions , their intelligence , employment needs , and disposition can make them a difficult dog for the medium person to keep .
Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog is bonk for its distinctive long , shiny blackened dual pelage . They have a long , bland , tapered muzzle and pointed spike like the Collie and weigh between 45 to 65 pounds . Because of their smarts , they are used in many areas such as search and rescue , tracking , and competitive obedience . They are also known for being sensitive and aristocratical with humans and surpass at therapy work .
Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren looks similar to the Belgian Sheepdog , but with a grayish brown to mahogany and black coat . They matter between 45 to 75 pounds . They are also like the Belgian Sheepdog in their tender , loving nature and are splendid choice for serve and therapy frump work . They can also be find at dog sports and private-enterprise obedience trial as they are great athlete and easy to civilise . Though they are fond dogs , they are n’t a salutary option for owners who can not put the time into training and exercising them . They are a in high spirits energy , mentally active breed that needs a problem to stick around happy .
Bergamasco Sheepdog
This unusual stock looks like an Old English Sheepdog with dreadlocks . TheBergamascoSheepdogis a big dog , weighing 55 to 85 pound with a muscular , heavy soma . Their unusual pelt is design to keep them ardent , as they were breed to protect and herd flocks on the dusty slope of the Alps . They are intelligent dogs that have a born instinct to be protective and are fast to their humans . Their unusual coat is actually light to give care for , and they are a small peeling breed that some even consider hypoallergenic . The coating comes in various shades of grey to melanize . Unlike many other herding andiron , they do not have excessive use needs and have a mellower disposition .
Berger Picard
Another herding breed originate from France is the merry Berger Picard . These dogs are have it away for being sassy , funny , and eager to spend time with their people . They are a rarefied breed , having almost gone extinct after the World Wars in Europe . These dogs are medium - sized , weighing about 50 to 70 pounds , and have a typical shaggy double coat that come in in either grayish brown or brindle . They have an acrobatic build with distinctive erect spike and a " J - shaped " shadower . Berger Picards have a lot of energy so they can make a good family hot dog with an alive family line that provides a wad of day-by-day utilisation . They also excel at training activities such as dog-iron sports and competitive obedience .
Border Collie
wide recognized as themost healthy breedof dogs , Border Colliesare gifted Herder . They ’re a favored alternative among frump trainers , dog sports , and obedience competition because of their combination of intelligence and an intense focus on their the great unwashed . Border Collies are medium - size dogs with a long duple coat that can be rough or still and come in any color , although grim and bloodless is probably the most popular coloring . They count between 30 to 55 pounds . Border Collies can make wonderful family dogs , but they call for a tidy sum of exercise and preparation to keep them from becoming destructive .
Bouvier des Flandres
This hotdog strain originated in Belgian , and was developed to assist ranchers crowd oxen . Their name think " cowherd from Flanders . " TheBouvier des Flandrescan be an intimidating sight , as they ’re large with thick fur and an inflict build . In reality , they ’re quite mellow and make excellent family dogs with right socialization and training . They are also known for being protective of their families and can make good watch dog . The Bouvier , as well as the Beauceron , is the great of the AKC herding grouping breeds , weighing between 65 and 110 pounds . They are known for their thick , shaggy fur , especially around their side , make believe their head look twice as heavy . Their coat is often solid bleak , but can also come in fawn and various shadiness of brindle .
Briard
When it comes to herding , Briards are just as skilled as they are beautiful . They have a long , sheeny coat that comes in black , tawny , or gray . A classifiable feature article of their hair is the strands find on their ears and above the optic . briard weigh between 55 and 100 Irish punt and have a secure , athletic build underneath their coat . They ’re highly well-informed and can be protective around stranger , making them a good guard dog for a class uncoerced to put in the time to socialise and train them . They do need a mickle of daily physical exertion so they are not a good pick for a family that can not leave for their regular needs . They are an first-class option for someone who wants to contend in bounder sports such as herding , lightsomeness , and competitive respect .
Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed , with descent that date back to the time of the Bible . They are the home dog of Israel and were bred to herd and guard flocks . This is a medium - size dog weighing between 35 and 55 lbf. , with a myopic double coat , erect ears , and a downy tail like a spitz . They can be protective and territorial , and postulate a lot of training and socialisation to keep their guarding instincts at true laurel . They also involve a hatful of example and will not do well in a sedate family that does not put the time into providing for the hound ’s genial and physical need . They ’re a great option for dog sports such as herding and lightness .
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
There are two types of Corgis , theCardigan and Pembroke . The Cardigan has larger , rounder capitulum compared to the Pembroke , which has a longer body and gag . They weigh between 25 to 38 pounds and have a stalwart body with short stage . Their double coat is little and can be black , black and tan , pitch-black and brindle , blue merle , brindle , scarlet , and sable . They often have lily-white markings accompanying these colors . They are smart , high - energy dogs who are untrusting of strangers , so they ’re a good selection for a smaller - sized dog that can be both a companion and watchdog .
Smooth Collie and Rough Collie
The collie comes in two variations ; theStandard Rough Collieand the Smooth Collie . The Rough Collie is among the oldest breeds of any listing of herding dogs , and they herald from Scotland and England . They are also famous for being featured in the Lassie moving picture and boob tube appearance . Collies weigh between 50 and 75 punt and have a elegant , athletic trunk with a long , flat tapered point . They come in black , gentle , merle , sable , and white , as well as various combinations of these . The Rough Collie has a long , thick coat whereas the Smooth Collie has a short pelage . Collies are recognize for their loyalty , intelligence , and honey of their phratry , and make a great choice for just about any eccentric of action . They do necessitate regular training and usage because like all herding hound , they be given to have a lot of push to burn .
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog , or " Entles , " hail from Switzerland and are known as the " laughing dog " of the Swiss Alps realm . They were bred to herd cattle and have a strong work ethic couple with athletic ability and canine smarts . They can do well in category with older children , and take dedicated time for training , socialization , and everyday exercise . They more often than not have a friendly disposition , though they can be protective of their people . They are a medium - sized weenie weighing between 40 and 65 pounds . They have an acrobatic torso with short leg , floppy spike , and an sound face . Their short , glistening washing - and - wear tricolor coat comes in a combination of inglorious , tan , and lily-white . They are a great choice for an active life style and surpass at all type of dog sports and breeding activities .
Finnish Lapphund
An unusual entry in the herding grouping is the gratifying Finnish Lapphund . These dog were bred to crowd reindeer and they have a thickheaded , fluffy double coat to keep them ardent in harsh wintertime climates . They weigh between 30 and 50 pounds and reckon similar to many other northern spitz breed with a fox - like nerve , bite ear , and a flossy butt . They are one of the tranquil herding breeds and make respectable household dogs , put up they get enough exercising . Although this stock is hard to regain in the United States , they ’re immensely democratic in their home country of Finland .
German Shepherd Dog
TheGerman Shepherd Dog , also hump as the GSD in the Canis familiaris world , may be thought of as a workings strain because of their popularity for military and police force work , but they are actually a herding breed . They are versatile bounder that surpass in obedience , search and rescue , service pawl work , and more . German Shepherd Dogs are known for being ferociously loyal to their human sept and can be very protective . They can make practiced family dogs with right socialisation and education . The breed has a short , thick coat that generally come in shameful and tan , although some can have a pale burn through ruby gold color , as well as black and sable . There is also a long - hairy variety . They are a large breed blackguard , matter between 50 and 90 pounds .
Icelandic Sheepdog
Another rarified herding breed in the U.S. is the Icelandic Sheepdog . This breed is the only one native to Iceland , and like other northerly breeds , has a spitz - type appearance . They have prick ears , an intelligent Charles James Fox - like face , fluffy curled tail assembly and a thick double coat that can be little or long . Their coat comes in a mix of white and black , chocolate , cream , dun , gold , gray , red , sable , or tan . The Icelandic Sheepdog weighs about 25 to 30 pounds and is a good alternative for a small- to intermediate - sized family hotdog . They have a generally happy , aroused temperament and can be gimcrack when they ’re feeling industrious .
Miniature American Shepherd
If you screw the Australian Shepherd but prefer a smaller wienerwurst , a Miniature American Shepherd is the perfect stock for you . These dogs weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and look like a " mini " version of theAussiefrom which the stock was created . They have a fluffy double coating that comes in black , red , or merle . They are favorable dogs who can be dependable home companion , though they ’ll do best in an active house that can give them plenty of genial and physical enrichment . They do well in any type of pawl sport or preparation action , as well as therapy work .
Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is another herding breed from the spitz family . They are average - sized firedog weighing between 25 and 40 lbf. , and have a weatherproof double coating . Like other spitz breeds , they have luff ear , a " crafty " face , and a preen , curl bottom . Their coating , which can be short or medium , comes in either fateful or wheaten . They make undecomposed family heel as they are jazz with masses and protective of their homes . They will need a fate of utilization , so they ’re a ripe choice for active homes with older children who enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking . They also are great choices for any eccentric of high - energy domestic dog sport and are easy to school .
Olde English Sheepdog
Olde English Sheepdogs are well known as intrepid and aristocratical shielder of sheep . They are known for their thick , downy three-fold pelage that comes in dingy , blue merle , gray , or grizzle mixed with white or solid colorations . They weigh between 70 and 90 pound and very athletic and spry despite their thick hair and large form . sometime English Sheepdogs are calmer than other herding strain , which makes them excellent family dog , even with smaller youngster . They are protective of their family and will alert to the comportment of stranger . They do need regular physical exercise but delight participating in many activity , such as education classes , cad sports , and therapy dog work .
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
ThePembroke Welsh Corgiis probably most well experience as the beloved strain of the Queen of England . Like Cardigan Welsh Corgis , they have a long body with short legs . They take issue from the Cardigan in that they have straighter pinna , slightly shortsighted legs , and shorter stern . They weigh between 25 and 30 pound and descend in fawn , red , sable , or mordant and tan , with blank unify into most color combinations . Pembrokes can be more irritable than Cardigans , but they ’re also less leery of strangers and can be a good crime syndicate hot dog , although they will nip and dog minuscule children . They are very intelligent and will need regular mental and physical exercise .
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a very alike look to the Olde English Sheepdog , although this breed is smaller . They are cognize as PONs , which means Polski Owczarek Nizinny , the breed ’s name in Polish . They weigh between 30 and 50 pounds . Like their English opposite number , they are calmer than some other herding breeds and have an warm , pleasant demeanor . They ’re a good alternative for families and can be protective , have sex companions who savor children . They need socialization and training as they can be untrusting of stranger .
Puli
This small - sized herding dog has a distinctive look as it is covered with wooly " cords . " They look like a hotdog that drop too much time with a haircloth crimper and curling iron . The pelage number in black , chocolate-brown , emollient , rust , silver medal , or white . They weigh in around 25 to 40 British pound , and despite their small size they have an athletic frame . In fact , they ’re known as the " acrobat of the andiron world . " you’re able to find Pulis regularly vie in dog sport such as lightness . They have a moderate storey of DOE and are intelligent grooming companions . Pulis are know for let a playful , play temperament and are a good choice as an active folk dog .
Pumi
The Pumi is a Hungarian breed with a friendly , happy - go - favourable facial expression and industrious personality . They are on the small side , weighing about 20 to 30 pounds . Their boneheaded coat is made up of tight curls to protect them from the weather , and it comes in black , black and tan , fawn , hoar , or snowy colorations . They are fresh heel that delight training and working , and are known to bark , so respect preparation too soon is a must . These weenie are tough to chance in the United States , though they ’re democratic in their aboriginal Hungary .
Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyenean Shepherd , or Berger des Pyrénées , develop in the Pyrénées Mountains in France as a sheep herd dog . They are also know as the Pyr Shep in the U.S. They are small dogs , weigh 15 to 35 quid and have a distinctive , triangular - form promontory . Their coat get in either a still forgetful interlingual rendition , or a rough long or medium mode . Coat colours include black , blue , brindle , dun , gray , white , or black and white . They are happy , fun - hump dogs that do well in families , though they do need a passel of utilization and genial enrichment . They are very athletic and stand out at sportsman such as herding , flyball , and lightsomeness .
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are compact , but do n’t let their modest stature fool you . They are quite skilled when it do to keep a herd in edict . Appearance - wise , they look like a miniature variant of the Rough Collie , weighing in around 15 to 25 pounds . They are the belittled of the herding breed group in the American Kennel Club . " Shelties " are a beloved family frump and are wonderful with children . They are know for bark , so you ’ll want to start obedience education and socialisation early . They also need a mountain of mental and physical enrichment to keep them from get bored . Shelties are pop in many dog sport such as competitive respect , rallying , and nimbleness , as well as john grooming and therapy dog work .
Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a medium - sized wienerwurst weigh between 30 to 50 pounds . It has a short , wooly , curly coating that is water resistant . Their pelage comes in sinister , beige , brown , white , or a particolor mix . Spanish Water Dogs adore water , as their name imply , and they ’re an excellent companion dog for people who savour the outdoors . They do well with families , though they may be a better pick for those with old nipper as they will track and nip little kids . They need a good amount of daily physical exertion , but they are not as hyper as some other herding breed .
Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is believed to have been create over 1,000 years ago by the Vikings in what is now Sweden . They are also called the Vilkingarnas Hund , which mean Viking Dog . These are small spitz hotdog , weighing between 25 to 35 pound . They have a stocky consistence with short leg and a tough build . Some Vallhunds have no buns , while others have a small stub or a sodding curl tail . Their gun muzzle is long with big , pointed ear and sound middle . Their double coat is unforesightful and harsh and they follow in a sable colour sport grey to red shades and sometimes ashen marking . Vallhunds are favorable , forthcoming dogs that bask masses and grooming , and can make gumptious , charming associate .
Which Herding Dog Best Suits Me?
Herding dogs subsist in so many various breeds that picking the " perfect " one for you might be tough . Breeds such as the Border Collie , German Shepherd Dog , and Belgian Malinois are idealistic choices if you ’re seek an active , enthusiastic , and clever companion to do outside and breeding activity with . Other herding breeds , such as the Rough Collie , Shetland Sheepdog , and Olde English Sheepdog , are well suit as calmer fellowship companions . Overall , herd breeds have a restrained demand for exercise , with some receive higher requirements than others . If you need to fetch a herding hound into your family , ensure you love how energetic the breed is and whether it will get along with youngsters , as some herding wiener can nip and go after small fry as if they were a plenty to crowd and guard .
