Herding

In Australia and New Zealand they are known as working dogs irrespective of their breeding. 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 mustered animals include cattle, sheep, goats 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.

In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a subcategory of working dogs, but for conformation shows they usually form a separate group.

Herding behavior

Dogs can herd other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals' heels (for this reason they are called heelers). Others, notably the Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called strong eye to stare down the animals; they are known as headers. The Koolie has been observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges. Koolies are therefore said to 'head', 'heel', and 'back'. Other types such as the Welsh Sheepdog are loose eyed, working more independently. The Australian Kelpie is an adaptable breed that can search, hold and drive various livestock. Some strains of this breed perform better with cattle than others.

All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior.

Most herding breeds have physical characteristics that help them with their work, including speed and endurance. Shorter breeds, such as Welsh Corgis, were bred so that they would be out of the way when cattle, their primary charges, kicked at them.

Herding dogs as pets

Due to their intelligence and beauty, herding dogs are often chosen as family pets. These dogs have been bred as working dogs and must be kept active. They retain their herding instincts and may sometimes nip at people's heels or bump them in an effort to 'herd' their family, and need to be trained not to do so. Their activity level and intelligence makes them excellent canine athletes.

List of Herding Breeds:

Aidi*
Akbash Dog*
Alpine Shepherd*
American Eskimo Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie*
Australian Shepherd
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog*
Azores Cattle Dog*
Basque Shepherd Dog*
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Belgian Sheep Dog
Bergamasco*
Berger Picard*
Berger Blanc Suisse*
Blue Lacy*
Border Collie
Bouvier des Flandres
Briard
Canaan Dog
Catahoula Leopard Dog*
Catalan Sheepdog*
Central Asia Shepherd Dog*
Collie
Cur
Dutch Shepherd*
English Shepherd*
Entlebucher Sennenhund*
Farm Collie/Farm Shepherd*
German Coolie*
German Shepherd Dog
Giant Schnauzer
Huntaway*
Icelandic Sheepdog*
King Shepherd*
Keeshond
Kerry Blue Terrier
Komondor
Koolie*
Lancashire Heeler*
Lapponian Herder*
Maremma Sheepdog*
McNab*
Miniature Australian Shepherd*
Mudi*
Newfoundland
Norwegian Buhund*
Old English Sheepdog
Old German Shepherd/Altdeutscher Schaeferhund*
Ovelheiro Gaucho*
Patagonian Sheepdog*
Picardy Shepherd*
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog*
Portuguese Sheepdog*
Puli
Pumi*
Pyrenean Shepherd*
Rottweiler
Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog*
Rough Collie*
Samoyed
Saarloos Wolfhound*
Schapendoes*
Schipperke*
Scotch Collie*
Shetland Sheepdog
Shiloh Shepherd*
Smithfield*
Smooth Collie*
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Water Dog*
Swedish Vallhund
Tibetan Terrier
Welsh Corgis*
Welsh Sheepdog*
White Swiss Shepherd*

* Breed not recognized by the American Kennel Club