Breeds
Top 13 Herding Dog Breeds
There are many types of shepherd dogs, plus other breeds that can learn to herd flocks. These breeds stand out for their intelligence, attentiveness, and protective instinct.
Interested in adopting a guard dog? Herding dogs are an excellent option for you. Discover the top 12 herding dog breeds!
How Many Herding Dog Breeds Are There?
Between the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE), there are more than 60 recognized herding dog breeds.
Dogs in charge of sheep and goats are called "herders," while those in charge of cattle are called "drovers." These breeds have been described as ideal both for protecting flocks from wolf and other animal attacks, and for guiding them to graze.
Here are some of the best-known herding dog breeds:
German Shepherd
This breed comes from Germany, where it originated in 1899. It's a herding and guard dog known for its muscular body and intelligent personality. You'll easily recognize it by its black coat on the back and tan on the belly and legs, plus its elongated muzzle and pointed ears.
Although the "classic" look of this breed is recognizable to everyone, there are actually 4 types of German Shepherd, distinguished by coat color.
Belgian Shepherd
Belgian Shepherds have been used to tend flocks since 1891. They're native to Belgium and have a sleek, large body. Despite their muscle, they're agile and fast.
This is technically a single breed, but it has different varieties recognized by different kennel clubs:
Belgian Shepherd GroenendaelThe body is muscular and the head held high. The face has a friendly look, thanks to an elongated muzzle, pointed ears, and a somewhat wistful expression. The coat is long, abundant, and black.
Belgian Shepherd MalinoisThe Malinois is another of the Belgian Shepherd varieties. Besides herding, it's also a breed that excels at tracking. It has a short coat with a "carbon" pattern, meaning each strand of hair shows a lighter shade on the outside and darker toward the body. It also has a mask around the eyes.
Belgian Shepherd TervuerenLike the Malinois, it has a mask around the eyes, paired with a reddish or brown coat. It's an energetic variety, excellent for Agility.
Belgian Shepherd LaekenoisThis Belgian Shepherd is less muscular than the other varieties. Also, the coat is curly, in fawn, yellow, or reddish shades.
Basque Shepherd Dog
The Basque Shepherd Dog is a breed native to Spain. It's not recognized by the FCI, but is recognized by the RSCE. It's a medium-sized breed with an elongated muzzle and semi-drooping ears. The coat comes in a chestnut or reddish shade with a white belly.
Australian Shepherd
Among herding dog types, this one originated in the United States, despite its name, though it began being used in Australia to guard sheep flocks. It's a loyal, intelligent breed that can be trained as a guard dog.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
This breed has been used to protect flocks from wolves and coyotes. It stands out for its muscular body, small ears, wistful expression, and abundant skin around the neck. The coat can be short or long, in a black-and-white combination.
Majorca Shepherd Dog
This is a Spanish variety native to Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. It's a drover breed, herding cows and pigs, and sometimes horses too. It has semi-drooping ears and a short, black, glossy coat.
Catalan Sheepdog
Among herding dog breeds is the Catalan Sheepdog, a variety native to Spain. Despite its cute looks, this herding dog is firm when directing flocks and has been shown to make its own decisions to keep sheep from straying from the group.
It stands out for its abundant, smooth coat, in a combination of black, chestnut, and reddish tones.
Pyrenean Shepherd
This is another drover breed that protects livestock not just from wolves, but also bears. Though it has a nervous personality, it stays calm during conflicts and is able to make decisions. It's known for its long coat, cream on the belly and legs, and black on the head, back, and tail.
Garafiano Shepherd
Garafiano Shepherd Dog
This variety is native to Spain and stayed pure for a long time, since it comes from the town of Garafía, on the island of La Palma, where it was isolated due to a lack of transport links. It's a large breed with an elongated muzzle and pointed ears. The coat is long and comes in a fawn color.
Border Collie
The last on this list of herding dog types is the Border Collie, a breed native to the United Kingdom. It's used to herd cattle and has proven to be highly intelligent at this job, making decisions when needed. It's known for having a long or short coat in a white-and-black combination.
IMPORTANT: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, nutritional or behavioural advice. Every dog is different, and only your trusted vet can advise you on its specific needs.