Herding Dog Breeds
40 herding breeds to explore. Intelligent dogs bred to manage livestock.
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Herding · Medium
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a lively and high-spirited Swiss mountain dog known for its agility and enthusiasm. Originally bred as a cattle herding and guard dog, this medium-sized breed possesses boundless energy and a strong work ethic, making them excellent partners for active families. Their distinctive tricolor coat and tightly curled tail give them a striking appearance to match their confident and reliable personality.
Australian Cattle Dog
Herding · Medium
Originally bred to herd cattle across vast distances in the harsh Australian outback, the Australian Cattle Dog is a resilient and highly intelligent breed. They are known for their incredible work ethic and unwavering loyalty to their owners, often forming a shadow-like bond. This breed thrives on having a job to do and requires significant physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Australian Shepherd
Herding · Medium
The Australian Shepherd is a versatile and highly intelligent working dog that actually originated in the Western United States. Known for their striking coat patterns and intense 'eye' for herding, they are tireless companions that thrive when given a physical or mental job to do. Their agility and loyalty make them exceptional partners for active families and professional ranchers alike.
Bearded Collie
Herding · Medium
The Bearded Collie, affectionately known as the 'Beardie', is a shaggy-coated herding dog from Scotland celebrated for its enthusiastic and bouncy personality. They are charismatic family companions that thrive on activity and mental stimulation, famously performing a 'Beardie Bounce' when excited. While their long, double coat requires significant grooming, their affectionate nature and hardy spirit make them a joy for active owners.
Beauceron
Herding · Large
The Beauceron is a powerful French herding breed known for its calm confidence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. Historically used to herd and guard flocks, this versatile dog also served in military and police roles thanks to its intelligence and courage. Beaucerons thrive with active, experienced owners who can provide structure, training, and a job to do.
Belgian Malinois
Herding · Large
The Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker that forges an unbreakable bond with its human partner. Originally bred for herding, they are now famous for their service in police and military units due to their incredible agility and intelligence. These elegant, fawn-colored dogs require a job to do and thrive on intense physical and mental challenges.
Belgian Sheepdog
Herding · Large
The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly intelligent and versatile herding breed known for its striking, solid black coat and elegant appearance. Deeply devoted to their families, these dogs are tireless workers who thrive when given a challenging task or active outdoor lifestyle.
Belgian Tervuren
Herding · Large
The Belgian Tervuren is an elegant, agile, and courageous herding dog known for its beautiful long coat and keen intelligence. Originally developed in Belgium as a versatile farm dog, they are deeply devoted to their families and excel in various canine sports and work roles.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Herding · Large
An ancient herding breed from the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is best known for its unique 'flocked' coat that resembles felt mats. They are remarkably intelligent and independent thinkers who view themselves as equal partners to their owners rather than subordinates. Despite their rugged appearance, they are incredibly patient and gentle, making them devoted family companions and watchful protectors.
Berger Picard
Herding · Large
The Berger Picard is a rare and ancient French herding dog known for its rustic appearance, upright ears, and J-shaped tail. These dogs are highly intelligent and loyal companions with a playful sense of humor, though they can be independent thinkers. Originally bred for herding in the Picardy region, they are athletic, observant, and deeply devoted to their families.
Bohemian Shepherd
Herding · Medium
The Bohemian Shepherd is an ancient Czech herding breed known for its striking black-and-tan double coat and agile frame. Smaller and more manageable than a German Shepherd, they are exceptionally loyal family companions and versatile workers who excel in various dog sports.
Border Collie
Herding · Medium
Widely considered the most intelligent of all dog breeds, the Border Collie is a workaholic with an intense 'eye' used to control sheep. They are incredibly agile and responsive, thriving on mental challenges and vigorous physical activity. While they are affectionate companions, their drive to work means they need a dedicated owner who can keep their busy minds and bodies occupied.
Bouvier des Flandres
Herding · Large
Originally bred as versatile farm dogs in Flanders, the Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful and courageous herder known for its distinctive beard and mustache. These 'Dogs of Flanders' are remarkably loyal protectors who balance a calm, steady temperament with a strong work ethic and deep devotion to their families.
Briard
Herding · Large
The Briard is an ancient French herding breed known for its distinctive long, wavy coat and impressive 'beard' and 'eyebrows.' Originally used to protect and herd sheep, they are fiercely loyal to their families and possess a tireless work ethic. Often called 'a heart wrapped in fur,' they are deeply devoted companions that require consistent leadership and plenty of mental stimulation.
Canaan Dog
Herding · Medium
The national dog of Israel, the Canaan Dog is a primitive breed that survived for centuries in the Negev Desert. They are exceptionally alert, loyal to their families, and possess strong survival instincts that make them excellent guardians.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Herding · Small
Often known as the 'yard-long dog' because of its length, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest breeds from the British Isles. Distinguished by its long, fox-like tail, this sturdy herder is celebrated for its intelligence, devotion, and spirited personality.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Herding · Large
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a versatile working breed famous for its striking 'leopard' coat patterns and piercing blue eyes. Originating in the Louisiana swamps, they were bred to be tough-as-nails hunters and herders capable of managing wild hogs and cattle.
Collie
Herding · Large
The Collie is a legendary herding breed from Scotland, famously portrayed by Lassie for its unwavering loyalty and intelligence. These graceful dogs are exceptionally gentle with children and make devoted family protectors who are both active outdoors and calm in the home.
Croatian Sheepdog
Herding · Medium
A rare and ancient herding breed from Croatia, the Croatian Sheepdog is easily recognized by its distinctive curly black coat and fox-like expression. They are tireless workers with exceptional intelligence, forming deep bonds with their owners while remaining naturally wary of outsiders. Historically used for driving cattle and sheep, they excel today in various dog sports due to their incredible agility and responsiveness.
Dutch Shepherd
Herding · Large
The Dutch Shepherd is a versatile and highly intelligent herding dog known for its striking brindle coat and tireless work ethic. Originally developed for farm work, they are exceptional athletes that excel in obedience, agility, and protection sports. They are deeply loyal companions that thrive when given a clear purpose and plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Herding · Medium
The smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Entlebucher is a sturdy, high-energy herder known for its intense work ethic and devotion. They are incredibly agile and thrive when given a challenging job to perform alongside their human companions.
Finnish Lapphund
Herding · Medium
The Finnish Lapphund is a sturdy, thick-coated reindeer herder from the Arctic Circle, known for its friendly and submissive nature. These agile dogs possess a unique 'startle reflex' to avoid reindeer antlers and are beloved as devoted family companions. Their soulful eyes and 'Lappie' smile reflect a breed that is as gentle as it is hardy.
German Shepherd Dog
Herding · Large
The German Shepherd Dog is a versatile working breed celebrated for its exceptional intelligence and unwavering loyalty. Originally developed for herding sheep, their courage and trainability have made them the preferred choice for police, military, and search-and-rescue work worldwide.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Herding · Medium
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog breed, a hardy and agile herder brought to the island by Viking settlers. Known for their fox-like faces and curled tails, these friendly companions are deeply devoted to their families and possess a joyful, alert personality. They are versatile working dogs that thrive on human companionship and active lifestyles.
Lancashire Heeler
Herding · Small
The Lancashire Heeler is a small, powerful, and energetic herding dog originally used for driving cattle to market. Known for their 'Heeler Smile' and sturdy build, they are both capable workers and loyal, affectionate companions for active families.
Lapponian Herder
Herding · Medium
A dedicated reindeer herder from the Arctic regions of Finland, the Lapponian Herder is known for its incredible stamina and work ethic. While energetic and vocal in the field, they are remarkably calm and loyal companions at home when properly exercised.
Miniature American Shepherd
Herding · Medium
The Miniature American Shepherd is a bright, agile herding dog developed in the United States from smaller Australian Shepherd lines. They are devoted family companions with strong work drive, quick learning ability, and a playful, athletic personality. Their combination of compact size and big-dog versatility makes them stand out in sports, farm work, and active homes.
Mudi
Herding · Medium
A rare and versatile Hungarian herding dog, the Mudi is celebrated for its distinctive curly coat and remarkable intelligence. This agile breed thrives on having a job to do and is known for being deeply devoted to its family while remaining alert and courageous.
Norwegian Buhund
Herding · Medium
The Norwegian Buhund is a cheerful, agile Nordic spitz originally bred as an all-purpose farm and herding dog in Norway. They are people-oriented, quick learners, and naturally alert, making them both fun companions and reliable watchdogs. Their bright personality, athleticism, and classic Scandinavian look make them especially distinctive.
Old English Sheepdog
Herding · Large
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, athletic breed famous for its shaggy double coat and distinctive 'pot-cascading' bark. Originally bred for driving cattle and sheep, these 'Bobtails' are now beloved family companions known for their gentle, clownish personalities and devotion to their owners.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding · Small
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small but sturdy herding dog known for its short legs and fox-like face. Originally bred to drive cattle, they are intelligent, loyal companions with a surprisingly loud bark and a big personality. They are most famous for being the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Herding · Medium
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or PON, is a sturdy, shaggy-coated herding dog known for its exceptional memory and clever, independent personality. Originally bred to guard and herd livestock on the Polish plains, they are devoted companions that require mental stimulation and consistent leadership.
Puli
Herding · Medium
The Puli is a lively Hungarian herding dog best known for its dramatic corded coat that forms natural dreadlock-like cords. Bred to work closely with shepherds, this breed is quick, intelligent, and deeply devoted to its family. Pulis are athletic watchdogs with big personalities, thriving in homes that provide regular activity and committed coat care.
Pumi
Herding · Medium
The Pumi is a versatile Hungarian herding dog, recognizable by its unique corkscrew-curled coat and expressive, tufted ears. This energetic and highly intelligent breed is known for its whimsical appearance and serious work ethic, making it an excellent companion for active owners.
Pyrenean Shepherd
Herding · Small
An ancient herding breed from the French Pyrenees, the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small dog with a big personality and boundless energy. Known for their intense bond with their owners, they are incredibly agile, intelligent, and possess a mischievous streak that keeps their families entertained.
Schapendoes
Herding · Medium
The Schapendoes is a shaggy-coated herding dog from the Netherlands, famous for its incredible jumping ability and unique springy gait. Almost extinct after World War II, this breed was revived by dedicated enthusiasts and is now loved for its tireless energy and friendly, cooperative spirit. Their thick, weather-resistant double coat gives them a charmingly tousled look that matches their playful personality.
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding · Small
The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the 'Sheltie', is a small, agile herding dog originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, making them world-class competitors in obedience and agility trials, while their loyal and sensitive nature makes them exceptional family companions.
Spanish Water Dog
Herding · Medium
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile Spanish farm and water-retrieving breed known for its curly, woolly coat and tireless work ethic. Intelligent and deeply loyal, these dogs bond closely with their families and thrive when given regular training and physical activity. Their rustic look, strong herding instincts, and all-purpose working history make them especially distinctive.
Swedish Vallhund
Herding · Small
The Swedish Vallhund is a lively Viking-era herding breed known for its big-dog confidence in a low, sturdy body. Smart, social, and eager to work, they thrive with active families who enjoy training, games, and daily adventures. Their expressive personality, fox-like look, and signature “harness” markings make them especially memorable.
Working Kelpie
Herding · Medium
The Working Kelpie is a legendary Australian herding dog renowned for its incredible stamina and tireless work ethic. Bred to manage vast flocks of sheep in harsh environments, they possess a keen intelligence and a natural instinct for livestock. They are highly adaptable and thrive when given a challenging job to perform.