Herding dog breeds are very intelligent and were originally bred to herd and protect livestock. These high-energy breeds will keep you on your toes. In addition to herding livestock, these breeds were bred for their intelligence and to work closely with humans.
Some of the most popular pet breeds are:
The most popular small sheepdog breeds are:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes 32 herding dog breeds worldwide. Breeding group. The AKC organizes dogs into groups based on the tasks for which a particular breed was originally created. Initially integrated into the working dog group, a more specific grouping for herding breeds was created in 1983.
Herding dog behavior
Instinctively, herding dogs are driven to control livestock by herding and protecting them, which is why these dogs thrive working on farms. Some herding breeds, like Belgian Shepherds and Malinois, thrive in protection work, like the Schutzhund, and in various policing roles like narcotics detection and body searches.
Key Characteristics of Shepherd Dog Breeds:
- high energy
- very clever
- loyal
- athletic
- active
- protective
- fun to train
- industrious
- very responsive to their managers
Training is essential for herding dogs, and they will need to go beyond basic obedience skills, especially since they tend to bite as part of their instinctive behaviors. You should strive to minimize this tendency from the start. Bored herding dogs can often pose a behavioral challenge and may begin to herd children or even adults without solid training and appropriate outlets for their instincts. Also called herding dogs, they are sensitive to sound and especially movement, so they can chase wildlife and even cars; therefore, adequate and appropriate training and stimulation and commitment are essential.
Since the needs of herding dogs are best met by giving them a job, they do best in an active family with time to devote to meeting their mental and physical needs. But even if your working dog doesn’t have a herd to tend, he can still unleash his genius through mental/physical activities you can try in your backyard or with a class/group.
Best Activities for Sheepdog Breeds:
The American public has come to love intelligent, family-oriented herding dogs like Lassie, the Collie, and Rin Tin, the German Shepherd. More recently, we fell in love with Hunter, the Border Collie of behavioral psychologist John W. Pilley, who knew more than 1000 words! Today, these intelligent and spirited dogs are part of many families.
Sheepdog breeds make excellent companions, but they are not couch potatoes, spa divas, or walking dogs: Sheepdogs need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to grow. ‘thrive emotionally, physically and behaviorally. Herding is in their DNA, so finding your herding dog a job will keep you both active and happy in the long run.