The Herding Group - Breed and Temperament

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Australian Shepherd  - A high energy breed of dog that is loving and intelligent - friendly with children

Herding Dog Breed. Alert, Busy And Determined. Clear The Way! Here Comes The Herding Dog"

by: John E Adams Herding dog breed.

 A Short History of Herding Dogs The herding dog has a long history, tracing as far back as Neolithic times in Europe when early farmers and domesticators in lands that are now Britain needed a more efficient, quicker way to move livestock from one place to another. These early herding dogs were very large and powerful dogs. They were generally rough with the livestock and could be quite hard to control for their owners, but had an uncanny ability to gather and herd livestock. By the nineteenth century, it became apparent that a dog that was both more versatile and more gentle with the animals was needed. Farmers could not afford to feed multiple large dogs for their needs. They required a single dog who could not only nimbly gather and keep an eye on sheep and other livestock, but also hunt game and sniff out sheep that might have been buried in snow. With a bond so close that required the farmer to trust his dog explicitly, he also needed an animal that was more cooperative and affectionate. It needed to be sensitive to the human voice, a whistle and hand gestures as it would be working alone, far away from the farmer in the field. For that reason, there were multiple breeds introduced into the early strain of herding dogs. The Whippet was selected because it was both quiet and quick. Pointers and setters were used to provide a good nose and a keen eye. Eventually, the perfect breed of dog developed –one that had a superior athletic inclination, light and fast movement, unmistakable livestock sense, and a good temperament that easily matched its handler. The first modern herding dog, the Border Collie was introduced in 1894 in Northumbria, along the English and Scottish Border. In other countries, the same early ancestors of that first Border Collie began to spread out, taking on work in the growing expanse of the United States West. Cattle herding dogs soon became common and immigrants arrived with other livestock that could live comfortably off of the land, along with their herding dogs. Today, there are many breeds of herding dogs, all developed in the same manner or from the same breeding as the Border Collie, with the goal of creating a breed that was both quick and quiet, but able to bond well with its owner and seek out livestock easily. Various types of herding dogs included the German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie, and many more. Each breed has become well known in the years since those early breeds were developed as a loyal, intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog. Today, most herding dogs are kept as pets by families rather than used in the field to herd sheep. Because they were bred to connect with their owners so well and be so sociable, herding dogs make ideal pets, both gentle and familiar with children and playful with adults. Herding dogs have a vast supply of energy and a seemingly human-like intelligence at times, all hallmarks of their careful breeding.

but may nip due to his herding instinct.

Bearded Collie - A high energy breed that is eager to please - friendly with children - tends to herd and nip.

Beauceron -  A calm and  intelligent breed who is obedient and eager to please his owner - friendly with other animals that he knows but territorial to strangers and animals they don't know - excellent guard dog.

Belgian Malinois -  A very territorial high energy breed that needs to be socialized early - perfect as a guard dog or police dog, they can make great family pets also - dominant with other dogs, they generally get along with children.

Belgian Sheepdog - A smart obediant breed that is territorial and sometimes shy - can be good with children if socialized early - another great guard dog.

Belgian Tervuren - Another breed who is bred to be an excellent guard or police dog - loving and loyal as a family pet - territorial and dominant with other dogs and pets.

Border Collie - Very trainable highly intelligent high energy breed that gets along with other dogs and children (although can nip due to its natural herding instinct) - makes a good family pet but needs a lot of attention - excells at obedience and agility training.

Bouvier des Flandres - An excellent dog with children, this dog has a calm and obedient nature - if not socialized at an early age, this dog can be agressive with other dogs - great as a guard dog.

Briard - This sweet natured, loyal and fearless breed is worker by nature and lives to herd. They are dedicated to their families and can be good with children if raised together however, they don't like to be teased. They will require regular training and attention as they are energetic and can be stubborn.

Canaan Dog - This medium sized herding dog is dependable and obedient. Very intelligent but can get bored. Usually ok with children and other dogs if raised with them. Can be wary of strangers.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi - A very intelligent, obedient, protective breed - willing to please and usually good with children. Would do well as an "apartment dog" as they are very active indoors.

Collie - Highly intelligent sweet, loyal and easy to train, this breed wants to please - excellent with children as he is gentle and loving - energetic and playful outdoors - can be unsure of strangers.

German Shepherd - A high energy very intelligent breed that is loyal and protective with children.

Old English Sheepdog - Friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective - good with children as they are gentle and loving - strong herding instinct - might think he's a lap dog.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi - An active breed of dog that will need moderate exercise - friendly with children but tends to nip.

Polish Lowland - A happy, and alert dog with a good memory - he is obedient, intelligent and affectionate - easy to train and learns quickly - good with children if raised from puppy - this breed needs a firm owner.

Puli - excellent family dog, this breed is happy and loyal - they do well with agility training - not recommended for small children unless raised from puppyhood.

Shetland Sheepdog - A loyal intelligent breed that needs moderate exercise - playful and gentle with children  - herding instinct can cause him to nip at heals - can be unsure of strangers.

Swedish Vallhund - An intelligent and affectionate breed who loves attention and showing off - tends to bark a lot and can be wary of strangers - can be over protective if not socilaized early - good show dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog - Very intelligent, and loyal, this breed tends to be a one person dog - suspicious of strangers and other dogs - not usually good with children - a loving loyal compantion that needs to be part of the action.