Herding-Working

Border Collie - BarkleyAndPaws

A herding dog or pastoral breed is a dog that either has been trained in herding or that is a member of a breed developed for herding. Some herding breeds work well with any kinds of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly herded animals include cattle, sheep, and reindeer, although it is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs.

The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe livestock guardian dogs, whose primary function is to guard flocks from predation and theft. Herding dogs do not guard flocks but move them. 

A working dog refers to a canine working animal, i.e. a dog that is not merely a pet but learns and performs tasks to assist and/or entertain its human companions, or a breed of such origin.

 
51 results - showing 1 - 151234
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Welsh Sheepdog

Pet Breeds

BreedWelsh Sheepdog
Exercise (less -> more)Five
Active (less -> more)Five
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
Grooming (frequent -> little)Two
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description Know for it's herding abilities, a very intelligent dog that comes in a variety of builds. Can have either a short or long coat. and can be either black/white, red/white, or merle. They have long legs and a broad chest. Their nickname is the Welsh Collie.
Temperment Even temperament. Very active dog that likes to "herd". Very intelligent and can be trained.
Male weight40-45lbs
Male Height18 inches
Female weight35lbs
Female height18 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
Life span12-15 years
AKC RankN/A
A wonderful dog expecially if you like one that is intelligent and loves to play. It needs lots of space to run and therefore may not be suitable as an...
 
 
Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pet Breeds

BreedPembroke Welsh Corgi
Exercise (less -> more)Three
Active (less -> more)Three
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Trainable (hard -> easy)Four
Grooming (frequent -> little)One
CategoryHerding
Description Pembrokes are intelligent and active dogs even despite their rather short legs. They have a stocky body and while their short legs could be seen as a disadvantage, they still run and jump. Originally used to herd animals such as sheep, cattle and horses and therefore their short size enabled them to dodge the kicks from these other animals!
Temperment A very active dog that makes a great pet. They need a lot of exercise and grooming care due to their heavy shedding. They are very intelligent and eager to please, making them a great dog for training.
History Bred for herding sheep and other farm animals, they are outstanding competitors in agility contest. Some people believe they are a cross between Cardigan Welsh Corgis and the Swedish Vallhund and others believe they evolved from Cardigans and other dogs such as Schipperke and Pomeranians. As of 2006 they ranked 22 as the most popular dog in the US.
Male weight27 - 30 lbs
Male Height10 - 12 inches
Female weight25 - 28 lbs
Female height10 - 12 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
Life span12 -14 years
AKC Rank22
A great family dog but be prepared for a lot of exercise and training. The make great companions.
 
 
Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Pet Breeds

BreedCardigan Welsh Corgi
Exercise (less -> more)Two
Active (less -> more)Three
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Two
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Four
Grooming (frequent -> little)One
CategoryHerding
Description A devoted family dog and get pet. They require daily exercise (both physical and mental) or you may see behavior troubles. A lot of open space for running is best however they can do quite well in an apartment with proper walking.
Temperment Bred for herding farm animals, they can be excellent companion dogs. They are easily trained and do well in agility games. Due to their high intelligence be prepared to provide constant simulation for them. They may not do well with strangers and can be good watch dogs. Be sure and socialize them at an earlier age if you plan to have them around other house pets.
History Bred to be herding / working dogs and to work on the farm. They are said to originate from the Teckel family of dogs which also includes the Dachshunds. They are among the oldest of all herding dogs, believed to be in Wales for over 3,000 years.
Male weight30 -37 lbs
Male Height10 - 12 inches
Female weight25 - 34 lbs
Female height10 - 12 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
Life span10 - 12 years
AKC Rank78
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Welsh Corgi

Pet Breeds

BreedWelsh Corgi
Exercise (less -> more)Five
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
Grooming (frequent -> little)One
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description General thought of as two separate breeds; the Cardigan and the Pembroke. As of 1934 the AKC now separates this dog into these two breeds. The Pembroke is the more common of the two varieties.
Temperment Very active and highly trainable ... can be a good family pet and should be socialized earlier if it will be around other pets. Generally one of more hardy of dogs with limited hereditary health issues.
History Dates back over 3,000 years from Wales.
Male weightSee specific breed
Male HeightSee specific breed
Female weightSee specific breed
Female heightSee specific breed
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
Life span11 -14 years
AKC RankSee specific breed
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Swedish Vallhund

Pet Breeds

BreedSwedish Vallhund
Exercise (less -> more)Four
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Four
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description This is a powerful and fearless dog, eager to please and protect its master. They are very energetic, intelligent, and friendly however they do have a tendency to bark and nip.
Temperment Makes a great companion dog and can still be used for herding. This breeds craves human attention and they are very devoted to their owners. They are mostly even-tempered with people but can be wary of strangers. You should ensure you properly socialize and train at an earlier age to avoid possible later bad behavior.
History The Swedish Vallhund resembles the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is possible that these dogs were used by the Vikings and were carried to or from Britain. It was bred to herd animals and run out rats. By 1942 the bred was almost extinct but has made a come back and competed for the first time in the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Male weight20 - 35 lbs
Male Height12.5 - 13.5 inches
Female weight20 - 35 lbs
Female height11.5 - 12.5 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
AKC Rank87
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Spanish Water Dog

Pet Breeds

BreedSpanish Water Dog
Exercise (less -> more)Five
Active (less -> more)Five
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
Grooming (frequent -> little)Four
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description The Spanish Water Dog was developed by shepherds in Spain to help with the sheep and other farm animals. An intelligent dog with strong natural herding and guarding instincts. Needs a lot of exercise and should be socialized at an early age.
Male weight40 - 49 lbs
Male Height17 - 20 inches
Female weight31 - 40 lbs
Female height16 - 18 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
Life span14 years
AKC Rank138
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Smooth Collie

Pet Breeds

BreedSmooth Collie
Exercise (less -> more)Four
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Five
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
Grooming (frequent -> little)Three
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description A sociable and easily trained family dog. Not an aggressive breed but is alert and vocal, making it a good watchdog if trained. Highly intelligent and eager to please its master. They are quite sensitive so training should be done with a light touch. They also get along well with children and other animals. Can be used as assistance dogs for the disabled.
Male weight65 - 75 lbs
Male Height24 - 26 inches
Female weight35 - 35 lbs
Female height22 -24 inches
EnvironmentBalanced
Life span12 -14 years
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Shetland Sheepdog

Pet Breeds

BreedShetland Sheepdog
Exercise (less -> more)Four
Active (less -> more)Five
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description Highly intelligent and very easy to train. Loves to play and care should be taken when the dog is outside. They perform best with a sensitive yet firm owner. The are very active and require regular exercise.
Male weight14 - 17 lbs
Male Height13 - 16 inches
Female weight14 - 17 lbs
Female height13 - 16 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
AKC Rank20
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Rough Collie

Pet Breeds

BreedRough Collie
Exercise (less -> more)Four
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Five
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
Grooming (frequent -> little)Three
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description The Rough Collie is an intelligent, active and friendly dog. They are not aggressive and are good with other animals and children. As a mid-sized dog they can do well in a home or an apartment. They crave human companionship and should not be left alone or locked up outside. They are a good family dog, eager to please and gentle.
Male weight45 - 75 lbs
Male Height22 - 26 inches
Female weight40 - 65 lbs
Female height20 -24 inches
EnvironmentBalanced
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Pyrenean Shepherd

Pet Breeds

BreedPyrenean Shepherd
Exercise (less -> more)Four
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Four
Trainable (hard -> easy)Five
Grooming (frequent -> little)Two
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description A medium to small dog native to the Pyrenees mountains of France. They have been around since the medieval times and were bred to herd livestock, especially sheep. This dog is full of energy and is a very intelligent dog making it ideal for flyball and agility games. They are one owner dogs and are attached and dedicated to their owner. Socialize at an early age if going to be around other pets.
Male weight15 - 32 lbs
Male Height15.5 - 22 inches
Female weight15 - 20 inches
Female height15 - 32 lbs
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
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Pumi

Pet Breeds

BreedPumi
Exercise (less -> more)Three
Active (less -> more)Three
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Three
Grooming (frequent -> little)One
CategoryHerdingTerrierWorking
Description The Pumi is a general farm dog, herding not only sheep but also other livestock. This dog is not well known outside of Hungary and in that country, as well as Sweden and Finland, it is a very popular agility dog. In Scandinavia it is seen in obedience and dancing competitions.
Male weight22 - 33 lbs
Male Height16 - 18.5 inches
Female weight18 - 29 lbs
Female height15 - 17 inches
EnvironmentBalanced
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Portuguese Sheepdog

Pet Breeds

BreedPortuguese Sheepdog
Exercise (less -> more)Four
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Four
Grooming (frequent -> little)Three
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description A very intelligent dog full of life and very active. It has a shaggy, medium length fur and is very protective. This is a very rare breed of dog.
Male weight26 - 40 lbs
Male Height18 - 22 inches
Female weight26 - 40 lbs
Female height16 - 20 inches
EnvironmentNeeds space - Outdoors
[[inc:Portuguese_Sheepdog]]
 
 
Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Pet Breeds

BreedPolish Lowland Sheepdog
Exercise (less -> more)Three
Active (less -> more)Four
Pet Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Family Friendly (no -> yes)Three
Trainable (hard -> easy)Four
Grooming (frequent -> little)Two
CategoryHerdingWorking
Description Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are confident dogs but do not like strangers. They are very smart and can be trained but you must be strong-willed. They make great companion dogs and can live fine in open spaces or an apartment. They require a moderate amount of exercise.
Male weight30 - 35 lbs
Male Height18 - 20 inches
Female weight30 - 35 lbs
Female height17 - 19 inches
EnvironmentBalanced
Life span12 - 15 years
AKC Rank142
[[inc:Polish_Lowland_Sheepdog]]
 
 
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Dr. Edwards

thumb_dr_mark_edwards Featured writer and veterinarian Dr. Mark Edwards lives in Auckland, New Zealand and is a small animal veterinarian in Auckland, New Zealand focusing on canine and feline medicine and surgery.