There are many dog breeds used for
herding sheep, goats, cattle, and other livestock. Typically these
dogs are very intelligent and do not always make ideal house pets
because of their love of “work”.
Certain breeds of dogs used for herding
are more popular in some areas than in others.
Border Collie
Border collies are one of the most
popular herding dogs. They are highly intelligent and have a real
desire to please. Movie fans will recognize this breed from the film
“Babe” (the talking pig).
They are sleek dogs with medium length
hair. The most popular color for a border collie is black with
white, however they can also be tri-colored or brown and white. They
stand about knee high. Border collies always have an alert look in
their eye, as though they are always looking for cues. If not used
for herding, they enjoy agility.
Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as red heelers or blue
heelers (according to their color), these dogs are tough and robust.
Nipping at the heels of livestock is very much discouraged in other
breeds of herding dog (such as the border collie), but the Australian
Cattle dog was originally bred to nip at the heels of livestock as
part of its herding behavior. Although this is not as common as it
was, some dogs will still nip at running kids, or other pets.
These dogs did originate in Australia
and were the product of herding dogs crossed with a few dingoes.
Welsh Corgi
 |
| photo from wikimedia commons |
Welsh corgies are sometimes referred to
as “The Queen's Dog” because of Queen Elizabeth's love of
Pembroke Welsh corgis. The other type of Welsh corgi is the Cardigan
Welsh corgi. The difference between the two is mainly that the
Pembroke does not have a tail and is slightly smaller. Welsh corgis
were bred to be short so they can avoid getting kicked by an angry cow or
steer.
German Shepherd
 |
| ©B Nelson - German Shepherd dog |
Once a popular herding dog the German
Shepherd is now more often used as a police, or personal protection
dog. In fact most people no longer associate them with being
herding dogs despite it being part of their name.
Of course there are other collie
breeds, the Shetland sheep dog, and many other dog breeds which are
also popular for herding. Herding breeds should all be considered
fairly intelligent and good for people who have lots of time to keep
their dog mentally stimulated if not using it for herding.
