Herding dogs
Herding dogs are intelligent and hard-working dogs that were originally bred for herding herds. With their strong instincts, eagerness to learn and stamina, they support people all over the world. Whether herding sheep or in everyday life, herding dogs impress with their versatility and strong bond with their owners.
Instinctive partners with impressive versatility
Herding dogs are among the most intelligent and hard-working dog breeds. Originally bred to safely guide and protect herds, they have established themselves as indispensable helpers in agriculture. With their pronounced herding instinct, their eagerness to learn and their stamina, they impress not only at work, but also in everyday life.
What makes herding dogs so special?
Herding dogs are characterized by the following qualities:
- Intelligence: They learn quickly and understand complex tasks.
- Instinct: Their natural herding and protective instinct is remarkable.
- Adaptability: They are versatile and adapt to different tasks.
- Bonding: Their close bond with their humans makes them loyal partners.
Herding dogs in modern everyday life
Herding dogs have also found their place away from the pastures and herds. Many of these breeds make excellent family dogs if they are given sufficient exercise and mental activity. However, their energy and need to have a purpose make them more suitable for active people who can do them justice.
The 20+ best herding dog breeds with pictures
In the following section, we introduce you to the most well-known and versatile herding dog breeds. From the energetic Border Collie to the powerful Australian Shepherd and the gentle Bearded Collie - discover which herding dogs are perfect for your lifestyle!
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog that is appreciated worldwide for its willingness to work and its pronounced herding instinct. With its speed, learning ability and stamina, it is ideal for demanding tasks. He needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced. His strong bond with his humans also makes him a loyal family dog.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, often affectionately called the Sheltie, is an intelligent and adaptable herding dog that impresses with its friendly nature and eagerness to learn. Originally bred to herd sheep, today it is also a convincing family dog. His strong bond with people and his need for exercise and mental activity make him an active and loyal companion.
Welsh Corgi Cardigan
The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is a versatile and intelligent herding dog that impresses with its strong willingness to work and its friendly nature. Originally bred for herding work, today it is also a loving family dog. With his eagerness to learn, adaptability and close bond with his humans, he is an active companion who needs plenty of exercise and activity.
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a cheerful and energetic herding dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, stamina and friendly nature. Originally bred to lead flocks of sheep, today he is also a loving family dog. With its thick coat and strong bond with its humans, it needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to be happy.
Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal is a powerful and imposing herding dog known for its protective nature and strong guarding instinct. Originally bred to guard herds, it impresses with its loyalty, intelligence and independence. With the right training and plenty of space, it is a loyal companion, but requires experienced owners and clear leadership.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an energetic and robust herding dog known for its stamina, intelligence and strong will to work. Originally bred to herd cattle over long distances, it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With his loyal nature and close bond with his family, he is an active and faithful companion.
Berger de Picardie
The Berger de Picardie is an intelligent and versatile herding dog that impresses with its adaptability, willingness to work and friendly nature. Originally bred for herding work, today it is also an excellent family dog that forms a close bond with its people. He needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to stay balanced and happy.
Lappish reindeer dog
The Lappish reindeer dog is a robust and persistent herding dog that was originally bred for reindeer herding in Scandinavia. With its intelligent nature, its willingness to work and its adaptability, it is convincing at work and as a family dog. He shows a close bond with his humans and needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to stay balanced.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, affectionately known as the Aussie, is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, willingness to work and friendly nature. Originally bred for herding, it is also popular as a family dog, but needs plenty of exercise and mental activity. His close bond with his humans makes him a loyal and versatile companion.
Puli
The Puli is a unique and energetic herding dog that is particularly notable for its long, purring coat. Originally bred for herding in Hungary, it impresses with its intelligence, willingness to work and strong bond with its people. The Puli is extremely adaptable, but needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to be balanced and happy.
Mudi
The Mudi is an intelligent and versatile herding dog from Hungary that impresses with its willingness to work, adaptability and friendly nature. With its pronounced herding instinct and eagerness to learn, it is ideal for demanding tasks. The Mudi builds a close bond with its humans and needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to stay happy.
Entlebuch Mountain Dog
The Entlebuch Mountain Dog is a strong and intelligent herding dog that impresses with its willingness to work, stamina and friendly nature. Originally bred for herding and driving cattle, today it also shows its loyalty as a family dog. With his strong bond to his people and his need for exercise, he is an active and loyal companion.
Västgötaspets
The Västgötaspets, also known as the Swedish Vallhund, is a compact and energetic herding dog. Originally bred for herding work, it impresses with its intelligence, willingness to work and pronounced herding instinct. With his eagerness to learn and his close bond with his humans, he is also suitable as a family dog, but needs plenty of exercise and activity to be happy.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog, also known as the Bobtail, is a large, gentle herding dog that impresses with its friendly nature, intelligence and willingness to work. Originally bred to herd cattle, today it is also a loving family dog. His thick coat requires regular grooming and he needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to stay balanced.
Shorthair collie
The Shorthaired Collie is an intelligent and elegant herding dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, adaptability and friendly nature. With its smooth, easy-care coat, it is not only visually appealing, but also practical. Originally bred for herding, he shows a strong herding instinct and a close bond with his humans. Plenty of exercise keeps him balanced and happy.
White shepherd dog
The White Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile herding dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, stamina and friendly nature. Originally bred to lead herds, he has a strong herding instinct and a strong bond with his humans. With his thick, white coat, he is not only visually impressive, but also a loyal and reliable companion who needs plenty of exercise.
Beauceron
The Beauceron, also known as the Berger de Beauce, is a strong and intelligent herding dog that impresses with its willingness to work, ability to learn and friendly nature. Originally bred to lead and protect herds, he has a strong herding instinct. With his strong bond to his people and his need for exercise, he is a loyal and versatile companion.
Briard
The Briard is a strong and intelligent herding dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, willingness to work and friendly nature. Originally bred to lead and protect herds, it shows a strong herding instinct and strong loyalty. Its long, wavy coat requires regular grooming. The Briard forms a close bond with his family and needs plenty of exercise and mental activity.
Long-haired collie
The Long-haired Collie is an elegant and gentle herding dog that impresses with its eagerness to learn, willingness to work and friendly nature. Originally bred for herding, he shows a strong herding instinct and strong loyalty to his family. Its long, silky coat gives it a majestic appearance, but requires regular grooming. The Longhaired Collie loves exercise and mental activity.
