Australian Cattle Dog

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.

Australian Shepherd

Despite their name, the Australian shepherd was developed in the United States, but their 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.

Bearded Collie

Originating as herding dogs in Scotland, bearded collies are intelligent and have high exercise needs. This herding dog breed also can be somewhat stubborn, so it’s important to start obedience training at a young age and remain consistent with them. They prefer space to run off-leash and need lots of attention to thrive.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is one of four related Belgian herding dog 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.

Border Collie

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, and they can become destructive if not given enough attention and activity.

These dogs have a lot of energy, so they do best in active families that can ensure they will get the hours of exercise they need daily. They also need a safe outdoor space where they can run and play. Using a variety of toys and activities, from Frisbee to agility, can help these dogs release their energy.

German Shepherd

The German shepherd is perhaps the breed that comes to mind when you think “shepherd dog.” The breed was developed to herd livestock and work on farms in Germany, but this all-purpose dog is also highly prized in law enforcement. German shepherds tend to be very intelligent, loyal, and trainable.

Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic sheepdog is Iceland’s only native breed. Viking settlers brought this dog's ancestors to Iceland more than 1,000 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.

Miniature American Shepherd

Like their larger Australian shepherd cousin, the miniature American shepherd (also called the mini Aussie) has lots of smarts and energy. But thanks to their compact size, they're somewhat easier to exercise than a larger shepherd.

Miniature American shepherds often get along well with horses and are popular with equestrians. 

Old English Sheepdog

Old English sheepdogs emerged in the 1800s 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.

Shetland Sheepdog

Originating on Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Shetland sheepdogs (or Shelties) are active, agile herding dogs. 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.

Collie

Like Shelties, the larger rough collie originated in Scotland and was bred primarily for herding. They are most recognizable for their gorgeous long coats and were made famous by the classic “Lassie” TV show and films.

These animals are highly intelligent, loyal, and bond strongly with their humans, making excellent family pets. They are generally good-natured and friendly but can be wary of strangers. They are never aggressive.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Small in size but large in personality, the Pembroke Welsh corgi was developed as a herding dog breed but is far more commonly kept as a loving family pet. They are often associated with the British royal family and Buckingham Palace residents.

The term "corgi" means either cur dog or dwarf dog in the Welsh language, which was not derogatory but intended as a descriptive term.

Welsh corgis were cattle herding dogs or "heelers," nipping at the heels of the larger animals to keep them moving. The combination of their low height off the ground and innate agility allows them to avoid the hooves of cattle.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh corgi is slightly longer than the Pembroke Welsh corgi, and their head is larger. Like their Pembroke cousin, this ancient breed has likely been around for thousands of years.

They have a distinguished look about them that makes them seem like they were bred to be lapdogs, but they are highly adept herding dogs. They may be small, but they need plenty of exercise and can quickly become overweight and badly behaved without it.

Puli

For centuries, the puli has been used to herd sheep and guard farms in Hungary. Naturally protective and watchful, today’s puli retains their guarding instinct, as well as the instinct to gather and drive a flock of sheep. If there are no sheep around, the puli will herd family pets, kids, chickens—pretty much anything that moves.

This dog's thick mop-like corded coat protects them against predators and the elements while out with the flock. Their larger, also corded, cousin, the Komondor or Hungarian sheepdog, is another powerful sheep guardian—although they are a little less common than the puli.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish lowland sheepdog is popular in Poland as a watchdog and livestock herder. Headstrong, lively, and confident, this breed needs a dedicated owner. Their thick, shaggy double-coat requires daily brushing.

Also, this dog needs rigorous training since this stubborn breed can make you throw up your hands in frustration. This breed, in combination with Scottish herding dogs, likely was the foundation stock for bearded collies.

Briard

Like the popular cheese, this intelligent and athletic sheep herding dog hails from the dairy-producing Brie region of France. The versatile briard was a flock guardian and herder. The French appreciated and revered this two-in-one dog.

For a long time, the briard was a mainstay on French farms. The breed is also extremely good-natured, welcoming human affection yet remains ruthless in the fields.

Great Pyrenees

The powerful Great Pyrenees mountain dog guards flocks in open spaces. This is one of the largest sheepdog breeds in the world, capable of confronting and repelling attacks by brown bears and wolves.

The Great Pyrenees' thick coat protects them from the elements when working high up in the mountains. Great Pyrenees dogs work by patrolling the perimeter of the flock, constantly retracing their steps and keeping an eye out for danger. They are calm and patient and are quick to spring to the flock's defense, showing great courage in the face of danger.

Beauceron

The Beauceron is a herding dog breed that got their name from the La Beauce region in France. This is the biggest French sheepdog, and they worked at herding sheep and cattle.

Also, this dog is muscular and proportioned. Hind double dewclaws are one of their unique features. Their instinct to herd is strong, so they’ll do it with people and animals, and that can be frustrating.

Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian sheepdog was bred to work on farms in Belgium. This breed is described as strong-willed and loyal, and these are versatile dogs that love to work. They are eager to please, and will happily complete any activity you give them, as they were bred to perform a job.

Belgian sheepdogs do best in active families because they need hours of exercise daily and easily get bored and destructive if they aren’t kept occupied.

Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is another herding dog breed and multi-purpose farm dog who comes from Belgium. They are strong, agile, and confident, with a beard that gives them a unique look.

They also make wonderful pets because they love being around family and crave companionship. However, these dogs require extensive grooming because they have a long, shaggy coat. And they need a couple hours of exercise every day.

Canaan Dog

Hailing from the Middle East, the Canaan dog is a primitive breed with a long history, during which they helped with guarding property, herding livestock, law enforcement, and military service. This is the national dog of Israel.

When it comes to grooming and exercise needs, these dogs aren’t complicated. But they can be vocal, as they’ll bark at perceived threats. They’re a great choice if you want a watchdog, but they might not live peacefully with other pets.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Belonging to the Sennehund family, which is a group of four herding dog breeds from the Swiss Alps, the Entlebucher mountain dog is the smallest. One of their distinguishing features is their friendly face, which gave them the nickname “laughing dog.”

These are hard-working dogs. They form strong bonds with their humans. And even though they are small, they are sturdy and strong. Proper socialization from a young age can help them be less wary of strangers.

Finnish Lapphund

As the name implies, the Finnish Lapphund is from Finland. This herding dog has a medium-length coat that is thick and dense to provide insulation against cold temperatures. And they have markings on their face that make them look like they’re wearing “spectacles.”

This is an alert, fast, and agile dog. They make great companions and can get along with children. Like other dogs on this least, though, they require a lot of exercise daily.

Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is an ancient dog breed that dates back to a time before the Vikings. They have been used as farm dogs, guarding property and herding livestock, and they are still used as working farm dogs in Norway.

This is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise daily. They also need mental stimulation and prefer being around their humans, so they need a lot of attention, too. And they even make good watchdogs.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Also known as the Pyre Shep, the Pyrenean shepherd is a herding dog from France that was used to guard and herd sheep. This breed is related to the Great Pyrenees, and loves to have a job to do. They are also fast runners, and can do well in agility sports, so they are great for active families who can keep up with them and meet their needs.