Herding dogs

The sheepdogs and cattle dogs of the world are here, including the much-loved collie breeds and those royal favorites, the corgis. Unlike the livestock guardians that simply stand sentry, herding dogs actively round up cattle and sheep with frantic running, eye contact and aggressive barking.

Some of the more intelligent dog breeds belong to this group, including the popular German shepherd dog, perhaps most famous for its police work, and what is arguably the most intelligent of all breeds, the Border collies.

Although most of these are now simple companion dogs that have never even seen a sheep, the instinct to herd in some of them can be strong. Where no livestock exists, children and adults alike may be rounded up into corners or even tight circles by these serious, tireless workers.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. Droving is the practice of moving livestock over long distances by walking them on the hoof with the aid of dogs.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a medium size breed of dog that was developed on ranches in the western United States.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Stumpy Tail shares its early history with the Australian Cattle Dog – both were developed by 19th-century Australian farmers to protect, herd and drive livestock over long distances. The difference between them is that unlike the Australian Cattle Dog, the Stumpy Tail has no Kelpie blood.

Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie, or Beardie, is a herding breed of dog once used primarily by Scottish shepherds, but now mostly a popular family companion.

Belgian Shepherd Dog

The Belgian Shepherd is a breed of medium-to-large-sized herding dog. It originated in Belgium. There are four types of Belgian Shepherd Dogs as seen above from left to right, the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Tervuren and the Belgian Groenendael.