These 10 Herding Dogs Are So Incredible, You’ll Dream of Becoming a Rancher
Every dog has that one thing that sets them apart from the rest, and for some, it’s their unmatched ability to herd and drive a huge herd of animals— better known as herding dog breeds.
Typically, dog breeds in the herding group — classified under the American Kennel Club (AKC) herding dog breeds — are exceptionally intelligent, highly trainable, super alert, eager to please, have high energy levels, and possess a strong work ethic.
Besides thriving best when “put to work,” these small and large herding dog breeds also make incredible companion dogs for families. However, given how energetic they are, they’re best suited for active households where they are assured of lots of physically and mentally stimulating activities every day.
It’s worth noting that because of their strong herding instincts, these breeds of herding dogs may have a tendency to nip at the ankles of fast-moving people like young children and other household pets. Thankfully, this undesirable instinctual behavior can be corrected with the appropriate training.
Now, whether you’re looking for “cow herding dog breeds”, “Sheep herding dog breeds” or are curious about different breeds of herding dogs, here are 10 dog breeds for herding that were born for the farm and ranch life:
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are herders at heart; there’s nothing they love more than managing and protecting livestock. These medium-sized, intelligent working dogs originated from Northumberland — the Border between England and Scotland — where they were initially kept to herd vast flocks of sheep.
During the first-ever sheepdog trial organized in Wales in 1873, Border Collies found instant fame when they successfully drove sheep into a pen by simply following whistles and hand signals from their owners. In other words, these athletic dogs are the ultimate self-thinkers who excel in their herding role without being pushed too hard.
Border Collies are famous for their intense “herding gaze” that enables them to get cattle moving and intimidate unwanted predators
“Our most recent Border Collie comes from a working line and has very strong herding instincts compared to previous Border Collies we’ve owned. She’s a family dog and my long-distance running companion. We do a lot to keep her beautiful brain stimulated. Even so, it’s been a long process training her to relax and not always be searching for what or who to herd. Our trainer, who we love, frequently passes jokes, “She needs a goat farm, or sheep, or chickens, or anything she can herd,” wrote Reddit user @boopingbcollie in a discussion on Border Collies.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
We can’t talk about Australian herding dog breeds without mentioning the Australian Cattle Dog. As their name suggests, Australian Cattle Dogs trace their roots to Australia, where they were considered valuable assets for cattle herders.
Known for its strength, stamina, and tenacious sense of duty, the Australian cattle dog would herd cattle over long distances in rugged terrains by nipping at their heel.
Besides their impeccable herding skills, Australian Cattle dogs excel in vigorous dog sports such as obedience, dock diving, agility, and lure coursing. These intelligent, high-energy dogs are loyal, affectionate, and friendly to their families but can be quite wary of strangers. Australian Cattle dogs are best suited for experienced owners, though, not first-time owners.
“Cattle dogs are not great for the first-time dog owner. I have been teaching dog training classes and training dogs professionally for 15 years. My cattle dog, who I got as a puppy and is now 5 years old, is by far the most challenging dog I’ve owned. He needs far more exercise, training, and mental stimulation in order to be tolerable in my home,” wrote user @dt_jenny in a Reddit post on Australian Cattle Dogs.
3. Australian Shepherd Dog
Said to have originated from the United States, Australian Shepherds — fondly nicknamed Aussies — live for their job: herding livestock and working as an all-purpose farm dog.
Their herding instincts are so strong that they may even attempt to herd their humans! Aussies are highly energetic, intelligent dogs who need a lot of daily activity to be the happiest. So, if your ideal canine companion is a calm couch potato, the Australian Shepherd isn’t the dog for you. Australian Shepherds are friendly and protective of their families and are often eager to please.
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4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, one of the most dependable small herding dog breeds you could ask for, was originally bred in the Pembrokeshire region of Wales.
These short, sturdy dogs were cherished by ancient farmers in Wales as they were experts at escorting cows to grazing lands, keeping an eye on them, and driving them back home just in time for milking. To date, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can control livestock much bigger than them with success just by their unwavering determination, speed, and quick nip. These spirited dogs often participate in the American Kennel Club’s herding competitions.
“So, my neighbor used to have four chickens. I would sometimes catch one or two in my yard and would corner them and throw them back over the fence. One morning I let my male Pembroke Welsh Corgi out, and all four chickens were chilling in the back area of my yard, just pecking the grass. He went NUTS! He ran up to them and corralled them, ran circles around them to keep them confined, and was barking. It was amazing to see him doing it, considering he’s never had a day of any kind of herding training. He helped me get them in a corner and get them back over,” wrote user @Nixplosion in a Reddit discussion on Corgis and herding.
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5. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog — currently Israel’s national dog breed — is an ancient breed that traces its roots to the Middle East, where they were originally bred to herd livestock in the desert regions. In other words, these Canaan dogs were born with the herding genes.
Quick, watchful, and intelligent, the Canaan dog doesn’t have the boundless energy commonly seen in most herding dogs. Still, they are best suited for active owners who have the time to meet their daily mental and physical stimulation.
6. Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs are native to Iceland, just as their name suggests. This energetic, medium-sized dog would herd sheep, cattle, and even horses for farmers throughout Iceland, and they’re performers in the herding sector to date.
One interesting thing about the Icelandic Sheepdog as a herder is that, unlike other herding dogs who execute their jobs silently — that is, without having to bark at cattle to get them moving — Icelandic Sheepdogs are loud barkers who can barely herd without being vocal.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is among the best sheep-herding dog breeds to own. Beyond their outstanding herding skills, these dogs are loved for their good nature and cheerful spirits.
7. Shetland Sheepdog
Another dog that MUST appear on the list of breeds of sheep-herding dogs is the Shetland Sheepdog. Originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog — affectionately called the Sheltie — was specifically kept to herd sheep, ponies, and poultry.
Their ability to drive and control livestock in the Island’s rocky terrain made Shetland Sheepdogs popular among farmers in the region. Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are also quite vocal while herding.
“I had a Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) who used to herd me and my friends when we were little. Later on, my would take her to the local park, and she would nip at other smaller dogs,” wrote user @lazer_sandwich in a Reddit discussion on herding dogs.
8. Australian Kelpie
Described as an agile dog who’s ever eager and ready to work, the Australian Kelpie is an incredible herding dog.
Kelpies, as they’re fondly called, were developed in Australia after crossing Collies imported from Scotland with other popular local working dogs. This cross-breeding aimed to create a breed that could herd livestock — particularly sheep — with ease in the harsh Australian climate. The outcome was the Australian Kelpie, who met these herding expectations.
Today, Kelpies are admired for their outstanding herding capabilities and hardworking spirits. Beyond being among the most reliable cattle herding dog breeds, these high-energy dogs also make very loyal, protective companions.
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9. Bearded Collie
Native to Scotland, the Bearded Collie — commonly called the Beardie — was a favorite among Scottish shepherds because it did exceptionally well in driving cattle for long hours to pastured areas and markets for sale. Unlike most herding dogs that often nip at cattle’s heels to get them to move, the Beardie mostly uses its intense gaze to do so.
Beyond their herding prowess, Bearded Collies are gentle, loving pets who get along with adults and children alike.
10. Lancashire Heeler
Admired for its short stature, the Lancashire Heeler is one of the newest herding dogs to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. They were originally bred by farmers in Lancashire, Northern England, to herd and drive cattle. These dogs nipped at the heel of cattle, hence their name “heeler.”
The Lancashire Heeler is famous for its lively disposition, intelligence, and playful nature, which makes it a worthy family pet to an active home.
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