Herding dogs are a type of breed that was originally developed to assist farmers and shepherds in managing and moving livestock. These breeds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and strong work ethic, and are often used in a variety of roles including farm work, search and rescue, and agility and obedience competitions. Here are the top 15 herding dog breeds.
You have a herding dog and you want to know which other breeds are most similar. You want to compare your dog with others of the same breed.
Read our dogs in the herding group guide to find out which of the top 15 herding dog breeds is most like yours!
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and athleticism. They are often considered the most intelligent breed of dog and excel at a variety of tasks, including herding, obedience, and agility. Border Collies are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized breed that is known for its stamina and endurance. They were originally developed to assist in the movement and management of cattle in the rugged Australian outback, and are known for their intelligence and ability to work independently. Australian Cattle Dogs are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
3. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and versatility. They excel at a variety of tasks, including herding, obedience, and agility, and are often used as search and rescue dogs. Australian Shepherds are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
4. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and obedience. They were originally developed to herd small livestock on the Shetland Islands of Scotland, and are known for their ability to work with minimal guidance. Shetland Sheepdogs are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
5. Welsh Corgi
The Welsh Corgi is a small breed that is known for its intelligence and trainability. There are two types of Welsh Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both types were originally used for herding livestock and are known for their strong work ethic. Welsh Corgis are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
6. Collie
The Collie is a medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and trainability. They were originally developed to assist in the movement and management of livestock in Scotland, and are known for their ability to work with minimal guidance. Collies are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed that is known for its intelligence and trainability. They were originally developed to herd and protect sheep in England, and are known for their calm and reliable temperament. Old English Sheepdogs are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
8. Sheltie
The Sheltie, also known as the Shetland Sheepdog, is a small to medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and trainability. They were originally developed to herd small livestock on the Shetland Islands of Scotland, and are known for their ability to work with minimal guidance. Shelties are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
9. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized breed that is known for its intelligence and endurance. They were originally developed to assist in the movement and management of livestock in Australia, and are known for their ability to work independently. Australian Kelpies are energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small to medium-sized breed that was developed in Wales for herding cattle and sheep. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and energetic personality, and are often used as therapy dogs.
11. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small to medium-sized breed that was developed in Wales for herding cattle and sheep. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and energetic personality, and are often used as therapy dogs.
12. Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium to large-sized breed that was developed in Finland for herding reindeer. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and energetic personality, and are often used as therapy dogs.
13. English Shepherd
The English Shepherd is a medium to large-sized breed that was developed in the United States for herding livestock. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and calm, steady temperament, and are often used as search and rescue dogs and service animals.