herding dog

A herding dog or pastoral breed is a dog that either has been trained in herding or that is a member of a breed developed for herding. Some herding breeds work well with any kinds of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly herded animals include cattle, sheep, and reindeer, although it is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs.
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When humans began to raise sheep and cattle, they needed help keeping their herds together and driving them to market. Herding dogs were bred and trained to perform both these tasks. Some breeds were developed to herd sheep, others specifically to work cattle, while others herded both or herded other animals. These strong, active, medium-to-large dogs played a crucial role in community economies, rounding up strays and keeping loss of stock to a minimum. The breeds known as cattle drovers move large animals by nipping at the backs of their legs and heels, while other breeds herd by staring down their charges and barking.
Having a herding dog as a pet demands ingenuity and a commitment to aerobic-level exercise, lest the dog become destructive. The owner must understand that the dog's instinct to herd may extend to humans. However, because these dogs are genetically programmed to work closely with human shepherds, most of the breeds take to training quickly. They shine in agility contests, herding trials, Flyball, and obedience competition. Just keep in mind that raising a herding dog is like raising a gifted child: you must always keep one step ahead of her.
The oldest known cattle-herding breeds still active today are the long, low-slung Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh corgis. These foxy-faced canines have been driving cattle for more than a thousand years. Other cattle herders include the giant schnauzer and the Bouvier des Flandres, now often used as guard dogs, and the Australian kelpie and Australian cattle dog, which herded both cattle and sheep.
Among the breeds developed to herd sheep are the Belgian sheepdog, briard, puli, Polish Owczarek Nizinny, bearded collie, Border collie, Canaan dog, Old English sheepdog, Shetland sheepdog, rough- and smooth-coated collies, German shepherd, and the American-bred Australian shepherd.

Herding Dogs:
Australian Cattle Dog , Australian Kelpie , Australian Shepherd , Bearded Collie , Belgian Sheepdog , Border Collie , Bouvier des Flandres , Briard , Canaan Dog , Cardigan Welsh Corgi , Collie , German Shepherd , Giant Schnauzer , Herding Dog Mixes , Old English Sheepdog , Pembroke Welsh Corgi , Polish Owczarek Nizinny , Puli , Shepherd Mixes , Shetland Sheepdog .