From Border Collies to Shetland Sheepdogs, breeds of herding dogs are well-known for directing other animals’ motions. Some herding dogs control with their eyes, while others use bumps, nips or barks. Herding dogs have a stick-with-it drive for work — no good comes from misdirecting livestock! Celebrated for intelligence, discretion and obedience, herding dogs were developed to respond easily to man. Because they’re quick to learn and respond to commands, we usually consider herding dogs among the most trainable and smartest dog breeds. These five breeds of herding dogs below agree!
1. German Shepherd Dog
Remarkably intelligent problem-solvers, we were developed in Germany from sheepdogs to guard, protect and work alongside man. Captain Max von Stephanitz specifically molded us for brainpower and utility. Not surprisingly, we’re one of the most popular police and military dog breeds. We also excel in search-and-rescue and service work for humans. Considered one of the smartest breeds, we absorb learning like sponges. We’re also among the most loyal guard dog breeds, sounding the alarm if newcomers approach. After all, like many (but not all) herding dogs, humans developed us to watch out for livestock — not simply herd them.
2. Bearded Collie
We’re an old breed, developed in Scotland from some combination of Polish Sheepdogs, Scotch Sheepdogs, Highland Collies or Mountain Collies. Our jobs included both herding livestock and driving them to market. Our harsh, long coats helped protect us in adverse weather conditions (yes, it rains in Scotland!). Some refer to us as bouncy. Our reputation perhaps derives from our bouncy approach for finding, and motivating, sheep to obey. Our personality is slightly bouncy, and altogether upbeat, too.
3. Australian Shepherd
No, we aren’t from Australia. We were bred right here in the south central United States. Maybe our name correlates to the herding dogs arriving with Australian sheep? Regardless, our ancestors worked here in America, keeping our animals grouped together to minimize the danger of predators. If you compare our herding skills to, for example, the Border Collie’s intense eye style, we Aussies control our livestock with a looser, close-in approach. We are agile and can turn on a dime. Humans also developed us for general farm work, guarding family and keeping ranchers company. These days we often claim the podium in sports such as agility, flyball and, of course, herding.
4. Beauceron
We’re among the large and powerful herding dogs. Indefatigable, our ancestors moved sheep over large areas, frequently traveling many miles per day. We were also developed to handle the threat of wolves and other sheep predators. The French bred us to protect the family’s home as well as their livestock. Like many other herding dog breeds (including the German Shepherd Dog and the Belgian Malinois), we’re a historical breed choice of the military and police. During the World Wars, we ran messages, detected mines and supported commando activity.
Ever wonder why breeds of herding dogs are among the best military breeds? First of all, we’re tough. Moving animals larger than we are requires a get-it-done confidence. Additionally, our readiness to learn makes us efficient working dogs. Other breeds might take months to learn what you can teach us in a week!
5. Pyrenean Shepherd
While we too trace our ancestry to France, we only weigh about 30 pounds. Therefore, we won’t be chasing many wolves or standing guard. We were bred in Southern France to herd sheep and assist with farm work. Rather than being powerful and bred for protection like our cousins the Great Pyrenees, humans developed us small, agile and sure-footed so we could work close to the flock and safely navigate on windy cliffs.
Tell us: Do you have any herding dogs? What breeds or mixes of breeds are they?
Thumbnail: Photography ©chris-mueller | Getty Images.
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