The function of herding dog breeds was one of the first functions developed by humans during the domesticizing process of this animal. Herding dog breeds are usually described as intelligent, affectionate and energetic and these adjectives are not wrong! They are of the most popular breeds in the world as they express purpose of herding livestock and they are extremely loyal and dedicated to their owners.
Another adjective that well describes them is athletics as they have a lot of energies. This fact is important to take into consideration when thinking about adopting one of these dogs as they require a high mental and physical stimulation. If they are not given the proper amount, they can develop problematic behaviours. They are meant to have owners that have a lot of time, dedication and space! Here are the best 12 working and athletic runners!
Australian cattle dog
The first in our list is the Australian cattle dog which is a small and highly athletic dog. They were used and still nowadays in Australia to drive and herd cattle on the massive ranches. They can run for hours without stopping and are really intelligent. They are loyal animals that love human companions. The peculiar coat of these dogs can be a mottled mix of blue or red tones. They are suitable for grazing cattle and sheep
Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is medium sizes and, in contrast to the Australian cattle dog, this breed is really independent and does not need to companions of humans. They require a lot of training and they are not good for urban environments.
Australian Shepherd
As a fun fact the Australian Shepherd is not actually Australian but originated in the United States and was developed as a working dog to herd livestock. They have a lot of energy and this energy can be dealt by doing specific jobs. If not, they can become bored and even destructive. They are loyal, affectionate and protective.
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie was developed in Scotland to herd sheep. They are used to cold temperatures and rough terrain. To handle the cold they have long hair and have an affectionate personality. They are easy dogs to train and thus, they are perfect for owners who want a herding dog breed and do not want to spend much time training. They are super social and can make friends with everyone.
Belgian Shepherd
The Belgian Shepherd is an extraordinary sheepdog since they have great physical capacity and intelligence. They are protectors of flocks by nature so they care for and guide livestock in an innate way but they are better at working with sheep. They are loyal, good trackers and affectionate so the owner requires offering them affection, in addition to training.
German shepherd
The German shepherd herds sheep and cows but not feather animals (geese, ducks, etc.) as it awakens his predatory instinct. Due to his high intelligence, his excellent physical condition and the great ability to concentrate, the German Shepherd is not only good at shepherding but is also capable of other tasks. In fact, this breed is noted for being good police dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd is perfect for cattle of cows. When these animals feel in danger, they surround themselves with the Pyrenean shepherd to protect them. Innately, he knows how to fight bears and wolves. Dealing with animals is more nervous and he is constantly on the alert.
Pyrenean mountain dog
Another special breed of Pyrenean dog is the Pyrenean mountain dog, a type of sheepdog that acts as a guardian in an open space. It is one of the largest species in the world, capable of fighting and driving away brown bears and wolves. The dog moved around the pack, patrolled constantly and suddenly retracted his steps.
This huge dog weighs up to 60 kilograms, and its usual color is white with gray or brown spots. It is one of the best cattle dog breeds, although it can also herd sheep. He is very affectionate with children, but a bit rude, not aware of his excessive power. They tend to express their joy by jumping on people to hug them. This breed is not afraid of anything.
If a bear can be genetically interbred with a wolf, the result can be very similar to that of the Carpathian sheepdog. A great dog, very brave, loyal and self-sacrificing. This breed looks spectacular. This magnificent dog can perform the functions of herding and protecting livestock, as well as guarding and guarding. Like several top-notch breeds of sheepdogs, the Carpathian Sheepdog is rarely kept as a companion animal, primarily because it requires physical exercise.
However, this is not to say that it is not an excellent companion, but rather that it requires more activity than other breeds. You need an open space to run, play, and exercise. On the other hand, as a working dog, it is very good because it is a very obedient and loyal dog to its shepherd. It is suitable both as a sheepdog and as a cattle dog.
Romanian Sheepdog Mioritza
The majestic Romanian Sheepdog Mioritza, another super large dog breed from Romania. These dogs protect livestock and, despite their large size, their temperament is very calm. It weighs 65 kg and is a well-trained dog that will quickly obey the orders of the shepherd.
It has a warm coat of hair, usually white or very light gray. It may have some darker, uneven spots. The Romanian Sheepdog Mioritza is a type of dog that can act as a sheepdog for sheep and cows due to its size and ability.
Great Swiss Shepherd
The great Swiss Shepherd, a dog designed to keep cows away while they graze. It is a large dog, weighing up to 63 kg and has a short coat of three colors (black, white and brown). This dog needs a lot of activity because it has great power.
His temperament and kindness, provided he is not lacking in exercise, can become a pet. In Switzerland, the three breeds that are most closely related to the Great Swiss Shepherd are: Bernese Shepherd, Appenzell Shepherd, and Entebuch Shepherd.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog was created in the UK for the care of cattle and sheep, and in recent decades it has become one of the preferred breeds for cold-weather herding work. Hence, this is another better breed of sheepdog. It is an exceptionally quiet and fun loving canine, yet in the event that it gets exhausted it can become ruinous.
It can weigh as much as 100 kilos relying upon whether it is female or male, and has a normal tallness of 70 cm. He has a somewhat genuine bark and is a reliable friend. Regardless of requiring normal preparing and mental incitement, the Old English Sheepdog is perhaps the most excellent and agreeable types of sheepdog, particularly great with kids.
Mallorcan shepherd
The Mallorcan shepherd or Ca de Bestiar is a Spanish variety beginning from Mallorca, all the more explicitly. It has a normal load of 40 kg and a stature of up to 75 cm. Its tone or layer is absolutely dark. In its qualities it conveys all its heap of shepherd canine: it gatherings, monitors and guides the two rushes of sheep and cows, ponies and pigs.
It is additionally a decent guard dog, since it is keen, faithful and doubtful during work, on the grounds that at home we will appreciate gigantic unwaveringness and love with us. It is a truly extremely amazing, solid and dexterous canine. He should be prepared every day and take exceptional consideration of the much feared hip dysplasia.
Catalan shepherd
The Catalan shepherd or gos d’atura Català, our last breed in our list, is a variety local to the Catalan Pyrenees with a normal load of 20 kg and a tallness of up to 55 cm. He is looked over among the Catalans to lead groups, since he has an exceptionally compliant, loyal person and extraordinary mental fortitude that makes him likewise helpful for the assurance of the very crowds that he directs. In this way, he is a fantastic sheep and cow crowding canine. It is additionally an astounding family canine since it is cuddly and fun loving.
Conclusion
We can conclude that herding dogs share some unique characteristics. They are intelligent and highly trainable, and athletic so if you are looking for a hiking buddy, these breeds might be what you are looking for! They are also alert as they are accustomed to watching over other animals. We can also say that they are loyal and they are normally close to only one person in particular.
So whether you’re looking for a shepherd, daily companion, or family dog, herding dogs are always great options. They are friendly, energetic, and intelligent, but not all breeds of shepherd are created equal. So if you are ready to acquire a shepherd, consider the characteristics of these main breeds. Although this group of breeds is still preferred on farms, most sheepdogs today have never been farm animals. Still, many people can see the animal’s penchant for “herding” their families, especially young children.
