Please see our disclosure policy for more details. There are about 30 different types of shepherd dogs in total, giving ranchers and farmers plenty of options to choose from. Also called sheepdogs or cattle dogs, most shepherd breeds exhibit a few common traits, including high energy levels, a strong work ethic, and intelligence.
And while these traits serve working shepherds well, they also make them great pets for owners willing to keep them busy and provide them with plenty of exercise. This way, you should be able to select the best shepherd dog for your family. This shepherd breed developed over time, as breeders began trying to emphasize the traits that served the dogs best in their new home.
Presently, Australian Shepherds are some of the most popular herding breeds in the world, and it is easy to see why. They are very intelligent, athletic and energetic, and they not only excel at actual herding work but agility trials, Frisbee-based sports, and obedience competitions too.
And because they typically bond strongly with their owners, they make good companion animals too. The coat of these animals become darker as they age, but they remain very active until the end.
No doubt, they are amazing dogs that make all the other shepherd dog breeds proud. Australian Shepherds have thick, weather-resistant coats that are often quite beautiful.
They vary in color, but most individuals are covered in patches of red, black, white, blue and grey. Their coats are quite long and thick, so they require frequent brushing and regular baths to look and feel their best. Although historically tasked with a variety of duties, Anatolian Shepherds were primarily used to guard livestock. In fact, unlike many other livestock guarding breeds, who were only expected to fend off coyotes, foxes, and other small predators, Anatolian Shepherds were required to defend their flocks from large predators, such as wolves and bears.
Given their impressive size, Anatolian Shepherds proved highly effective at the task. But despite their large size and formidable appearance, Anatolian Shepherds are typically quite gentle with their families, and they can make good pets for some owners.
Unlike most other herding breeds, who are clad in long, unruly fur, Anatolian Shepherds have relatively short hair when compared with other shepherd breeds. Most individuals are off-white to pale yellow or brown in color, and they typically bear black markings around the muzzle and face. Belgian Sheepdogs are very striking-looking canines, who bear long and luxurious black coats.
Four different herding breeds were developed in Belgium, but the Belgian Shepherd Dog is likely the most prized by ranchers and farmers who need a capable dog to help tend their flocks. They are primarily used to herd sheep and other livestock , but they are also expected to frighten away medium-sized predators. Their long coats help greatly in this respect, as it makes this shepherd breed look larger than it actually is.
Belgian Sheepdogs can make good pets for those who can provide plenty of space for these high-energy dogs, but they are rarely calm enough for apartment life. Most Belgian Sheepdogs are good with children, but they may chase or torment smaller pets. Long-haired and lovable, the Bearded Collie is one of the most popular herding breeds in the world. Originally developed in Great Britain, the Bearded Collie is one of the oldest breeds of shepherds.
Like the Kelpie, the Australian Shepherd dog is high-energy and not suited to living in small spaces. Ideally, you need a yard where he can stretch his legs for a couple of hours each day, as well as the time available to train and exercise him on top of that. As intelligent as it is, the Australian Shepherd dog enjoys learning tricks or taking part in dog sports like agility and herding trials. Endlessly loyal, the Australian Shepherd is a little more high-maintenance than the Kelpie.
With its long, thick coat, it needs regular grooming, especially when shedding. The Beauceron is a working dog breed from France. Confident, watchful dogs, the Beauceron makes a great family protector, but only in a household where there is a consistent and confident handler, otherwise, they may end up controlling everything and everyone.
Like any other herding dog, the Beauceron needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They excel at a range of dog sports, making use of their natural tracking, obedience, and protection skills. They prefer living outside as well, so will do better on a farm or house with a large yard. Not particularly easy to find, Beaucerons are distinguished-looking dogs that are both powerful and athletic.
All types of Belgian Shepherd dogs are intelligent, agile, and athletic but they can also be challenging to live with. They become bored easily and require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from developing obsessive or destructive behaviors.
Unlike some other breeds of herding dogs, Belgian Shepherds have a higher-than-normal prey instinct and are prone to chase after anything that moves. If you can channel their natural athleticism and intellect, any of the Belgian Shepherd breeds will prove adept at various dog sports.
All types of Belgian Shepherd are bred in the US, although the availability of Laekenois Shepherd dogs seems more limited than the other varieties. They may not be as well known as some of the other shepherd breeds, but the Bergamasco Sheepdog has a lot going for it. Bred to herd and protect sheep on the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco has a unique coat made up of three different textures. Unlike many of the herding dogs, Bergamascos are content with a moderate amount of exercise, preferring mutual activity rather than exploring the yard on his own.
A social breed, the Bergamasco is prone to separation anxiety, although you can overcome this with proper training and socialization. This large, long-haired breed shares its origins with the Beauceron and like them, are high-energy animals with an unstoppable zest for life. Not suited to life indoors, the Briard needs a large yard to explore to satisfy his wanderlust.
While their long coat gives them an adorable appearance, it needs regular grooming, making the Briard comparatively high-maintenance. Extremely intelligent, Briard is quick to learn and has excellent memories. This can either be a blessing or curse, depending on how adept you are at keeping your training sessions interesting. If not well-socialized early on in life, the territorial Briard can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals so need a firm hand and plenty of exposure to different social situations.
Not many Briard come up for adoption and there are only a handful of breeders in the US so be prepared to spend some time on a waiting list if you want one to share your life with. Another shepherd dog with French origins, the Bouvier des Flandres is so much more than just a herding dog. With their impressive work ethic, Bouviers are happiest when kept busy and benefit from having a job to do.
They make excellent watchdogs but need plenty of space to romp around in. Naturally protective of their owners, Bouviers are generally good-natured and sociable. As a consequence, they are also prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone for long periods. The long coat of Bouvier makes it high-maintenance in the grooming department and daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and knots from developing.
Like the Belgian Shepherd, Collies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although, in the US, the name is most commonly associated with the long-haired Rough Collie or Lassie dog. They love human company and are liable to suffer from separation anxiety and become bored and destructive if left alone for too long.
All three types have loving and loyal personalities but can also be timid, making early socialization is a must. One of the most popular dog breeds in the US, the German Shepherd dog needs little introduction. German Shepherds make excellent companions and good family dogs and are used extensively in search-and-rescue and drug detection operations.
Military and police use these dogs in their work, often outfitted with tactical dog gear. Intelligent and willing, the German Shepherd can turn its paw to virtually any task, given the right training.
As a result, they will excel at almost any sport, from dock diving to Schutzhund, making them ideal for an active family. It is important to realize this this breed tends to shed profusely year-around. A well-bred dog from health-tested parents can cost a lot more though!
German Shepherds can come in many colors besides the traditional black and tan. Even pure-white and pure-black German Shepherds are born at times! Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick, double coat and shed a fair amount, so daily brushing will likely be in order. Resembling the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd stands a few inches shorter than its antipodean cousin but has similarly eye-catching coloration.
Frequent shedders, Miniature Americans need regular grooming to keep them looking good. Similar in appearance to the Rough Collie, the brown and white, long-haired Sheltie originated on the Shetland Isle, off the coast of Scotland.
Easy to train and adaptable to city life, the Shetland Sheepdog is suitable for novice owners and ideal for families. They also excel at agility, obedience, and herding trials. A strong herding instinct means Shelties are prone to nipping as they attempt to chivvy along everything from squirrels to small children.
Again, early training can resolve this unwanted behavior. His herding instinct will make him prone to nipping, but early puppy training can prevent this unwanted behavior. Despite their short coats, Corgis are consistent shedders and benefit from weekly grooming.
Need a pocket Corgi? The Miniature Corgi fits the bill. Their small size and adaptability make them suitable for apartment living, providing they get enough exercise and attention. The White Shepherds themselves were bred from white German Shepherds a rare, and often disliked, color of the German Shepherd.
White Swiss Shepherds look very similar to German Shepherds in their size, coat and general appearance. It is important to note that these dogs are not albinos, as can be seen by their dark noses and eye rims. Swiss Shepherds are very active, athletic and trainable dogs.
Here are 17 of the best-known dog breeds for herding sheep, cattle, and other livestock. Australian cattle dogs were developed to herd in extreme weather conditions from intensely scorching temps to a rainy Australian Outback.
Their background includes collies, Dalmatians, and even dingos. These dogs are smart, hardy, and energetic. They need vigorous daily exercise and make great jogging partners. They also require mental work from puzzle games, obedience training, and dog sports. Coat and Color: Smooth double coat; colors include blue and red with black and tan markings. Despite its name, the Australian shepherd was developed in the United States, but its predecessors came by way of Australia.
Aussies are excellent herding and all-around ranch dogs. They are brilliant and athletic. They excel at almost any dog sport and enjoy hiking, jogging, flying disc, and learning tricks. Coat and Color: Medium-length coat; colors include black, blue merle, red, and red merle.
Originating as herding dogs in Scotland, bearded collies are intelligent and have high exercise needs. They prefer space to run off-leash and need lots of attention to thrive.
Coat and Color: Straight, coarse, shaggy coat comes in black, blue, brown, or fawn. The Belgian Malinois is one of four related Belgian herding breeds.
Many Belgian Malinois also work in law enforcement —and for a good reason. These dogs can withstand long days and hard work. They're brilliant and will test their limits, so they need an owner who will adequately train them. Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, mahogany, and red with a black mask.
Border collies have been herding sheep in the British Isles for more than a century. These dogs are possibly the most intelligent breed and must have a job—whether it be herding or training for a competitive dog sport. It is a challenge to keep a border collie entertained. Coat and Color: Rough or smooth, medium-length coat; can be solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable. German shepherds tend to be very intelligent, loyal, and trainable. Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; colors include black and tan, black and red, solid black, and more.
Viking settlers brought this dog's ancestors to Iceland more than 1, years ago. The medium-sized dogs are adept at herding livestock and capable of a range of farm duties, including protection. The breed requires lots of exercise and needs the space to run off-leash. Coat and Color: Waterproof, double-thick, bushy coat; colors include black and white, chocolate and white, gray and white, and more.
Like its larger Australian shepherd cousin, the miniature American shepherd also called the mini Aussie has lots of smarts and energy. Miniature American shepherds often get along well with horses and are popular with equestrians. Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; colors include black, blue merle, red, and red merle with tan and white markings.
Old English sheepdogs emerged in the s in England, driving cattle to market. Known for their stamina and steadiness, they can make very loving and playful pets. But they are not lazy. These dogs need daily walks, as well as off-leash play sessions where they can be their bouncy selves.
This is a large, powerful dog with a gorgeous shaggy coat and is a truly unique animal with a gentle, loving temperament. Provided that they get adequate exercise throughout the day, they can happily live in apartments. Coat and Color: Shaggy coat; colors include blue and white, gray and white, and more.
Because they are so intelligent and eager to please, they tend to be easy to train. These athletic, energetic dogs excel in dog sports, including agility and flying disc, which are helpful to drain them of some energy. These dogs look similar to their cousin, the rough collie, although they are much smaller.
They are similar in character and are highly intelligent, friendly, and affectionate animals. They are also highly protective of their family, making them excellent watchdogs. Coat and Color: Straight and harsh with a dense undercoat; black, sable, and blue merle, with white markings. Like Shelties, the larger rough collie originated in Scotland and was bred primarily for herding. These animals are highly intelligent, loyal, and bond strongly with their owners, making excellent family pets.
They are generally good-natured and friendly but can be wary of strangers. They are never aggressive. Small in size but large in personality, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed as a herding breed but is far more commonly kept as a loving family pet.
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