Smart and Hardworking Herding Dog Breeds That Will Protect Your Family
For anyone looking to expand their family by adding a furry, four-legged member, one of the herding dog breeds just might be the right option for you. After all, these canines are not only almost always smart—they have to be brainiacs to learn all those commands their owners give them when they're working in the field and on the farm—they're also usually energetic and industrious doggos that are known to be the most loyal dog breeds as they're steadfastly devoted to their "pack." They come in all shapes and sizes, too, from small wonder-pups like corgis, on up to big boys, such as Old English sheepdogs. Plus, they're some of the best dog breeds for families with kids!
If you'd like to go with a more popular breed developed to herd critters like sheep and cattle over sometimes vast distances, you might want to think about a German shepherd (one of Ree's favorites!) or a collie. There are lots of other lesser-known or rarer dog breeds on our list, too like Canaans and Berger Picards. Fact is, once you get a good look at these 25 herding dogs, you're probably going to want to stock up on plenty of doggie treats and toys, because you'll want to bring one (or more!) of these beauties home! And while you're at it, don't forget to come up with a unique dog name that fits your new pup's protective personality.
Spoil your new pup with these ideas:
German Shepherd
These loyal, courageous, and undeniably regal dogs are well recognized as military, police, and guard dogs—but there's so much more to them! While they look fierce, just like old-timey movie star pooch Rin Tin Tin (and Presley Drummond!) they can make a wonderful addition to any family. The key is early training and socialization, which can offset a tendency (particularly in badly bred dogs) toward nervousness. If you have the time to invest in them, this talented and energetic breed will love like no other. They're protective, loyal, and absolute sweethearts with those they trust.
Border Collie
The border collie is one of the best known of all the herding breeds—and they deserve that recognition! These high-energy pups are super smart, hardworking, and athletic. They can make good family pets, but only if given ample attention and exercise (Yes, border collies will "herd" small children if not discouraged). This is not a pup that can be penned up in a small city apartment for hours on end, unless you want an unhappy and destructive dog. But in a highly active household, they'll be plenty happy and extremely affectionate towards their loved ones.
Australian Cattle Dog
Descendants of Australia's infamous wild dogs called dingos, these canines are about as rough and tumble as they look! Alert, reliable, and tenacious, they were bred to withstand a hostile landscape as they helped drive beef cattle across thousands of square miles of Outback territory. Australian cattle dogs are also called heelers, because they move cattle by nipping at their feet—so you know they'll get the job done. They can't abide apartment living or other dogs, but put them in the country and give them something to do, and you'll have a great companion for life.
Old English Sheepdog
Very clearly the floofiest of all the herding pooches, Old English sheepdogs can actually be sheared down to make the breed's coat a lot easier to keep in good shape. But you can always keep them fluffy! They have a famously mischievous sense of humor, which comes through in their bright, alert eyes (once you can see 'em), and are said to need a firm, patient hand to train. Kind, mostly mellow, and surprisingly nimble for their size (which can reach up to 90 pounds), these shaggy dogs are great with kids.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Believe it or not, these little short-legged dogs that the Queen of England so famously loves were originally bred as herders. They're surprisingly quick, agile, and plenty bold. With a big dog personality in their small dog bodies, they are incredibly affectionate to their people, good with other pets, sensitive, and intelligent. But be aware, though they look like they'd like nothing more than a snooze on the couch, Pembroke Welsh corgis require regular exercise to stay mentally and physically fit.
Swedish Valhund
Said to be the companions of Vikings some 1,200 years ago, the Swedish valhund is built to be powerful and balanced—somewhat akin to their distant relation, the corgi. As rugged cattle dogs, these traits would historically put them to work in the field rather than play fetch in the yard. Still, Swedish valhunds have somehow managed to retain a deeply loving, sociable, and flat-out sunny demeanor. As such, they are delightful companions.
Australian Shepherd
Like most herding breeds, Australian shepherds are super smart dogs that require loads of mental and physical stimulation, making them a great choice for athletes that need a running or hiking partner. (Or cowboys, who use them both on the range and in rodeos.) Tireless and tough, Australian shepherds are the descendent of Basque herding dogs that once worked the lands between France and Spain.
Shetland Sheepdog
These cuties, which look like more or less like miniature versions of their cousins, the Collie, are are their own distinct breed. Weighing in at just 20 pounds at most, Shelties are a good pet for people living apartments or small homes, as long as they're walked often or exercised in a fenced-in yard. They're also sweet, playful, eager to please, and make excellent watchdogs, thanks to an innate wariness of strangers.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh corgis, which the Celts brought to Wales in 1200 BC, are older then the Pembroke corgi, and have rounded ears and tails, unlike their descendants. They're a little more low-key, as well, but can be vivacious dogs. Train them not to herd people (especially littles), socialize them early and keep them busy with activities like fetch, and the strong-willed but congenial Cardigan Welsh corgi will fit into the household smoothly.
Bearded Collie
Great with other dogs, kids—really, just about everyone—these long-haired charmers are just the pup for active folks who love the outdoors. Fun-loving, friendly and a favorite in Disney films, bearded collies are an ancient breed who hail from Poland originally, and more recently the Scottish Highlands, where they are adept at just about any farm chore they're given. Brush them daily or you'll spend a lot of time untangling mats from their lengthy locks.
Pyrenean Shepherd
Another herding dog that can adapt to apartment living, these little love bugs are short on stature at around 15 to 21 inches tall, but long on affection. Bred eons ago to herd sheep in Europe's Pyrenees Mountains, where they still tend the critters today, Pyr sheps are lean, graceful dogs who will crush it in agility training and competitions. Be aware, though: They're not terribly big fans of other pooches or strangers.
Norwegian Buhund
If you guessed that this sturdy, bright-eyed fellow with the thick, beautiful coat once ran with the Vikings, you'd be correct! As a cold-weather worker (the husky has nothing on the buhund), that is also a surprisingly home-oriented cuddle bug, this dog would love nothing more than the chance to romp all day in the snow with his people. This perceptive, playful pup will want to join in on every family activity (we swear, he's just about smart enough for board games).
Beauceron
Developed in 1500s France to hunt wild boar as well as herd livestock, the Beauceron looks like a big bruiser, which is one reason why the breed is used nowadays for protection and in police work. He's also a smart, sensitive and spirited dog, but if you want to bring this very good boy into your family, it's best to have a farm or very large, fenced-in yard. Training is also crucial, to lessen any tendencies toward dominate behavior.
Collie
Forever associated with celluloid canine hero Lassie, collies in real life are just sweet-tempered, soft-hearted and social. Perhaps more so than any other herding breed, they are profoundly patient with other animals and small children; if you have a big, noisy brood, this tolerant beauty will never become irritated by the bustling household. Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, collies probably share ancestry with border collies, but are far less rambunctious.
Puli
Ah, the "dreadlock" dog. Famous for his corded coat, which can reach the ground and weigh upwards of 7 pounds, the puli hails from Hungary where the breed was established as long as 1,000 years ago. Incredibly agile for all that hair, this is a jolly, playful little pooch who loves his people above all else. Believe it or not, the puli doesn't shed, so this is the dog for you if you or a household member has allergies.
Pumi
Descended from the Puli, this curly-haired sheep dog breed is about 300 to 400 years old. Fleet of foot but slow-tempered, this pupper is particularly playful and extraordinarily affectionate with his humans, though reserved with strangers. Alert and watchful, the pumi makes a great guard dog, but with willful ways, should be trained well to avoid dominate behavior.
Belgian Malinois
While this breed has many wonderful qualities, including confidence, intelligence and a huge drive to work hard, this is not a dog for families with small children. The Belgian Malinoise is known as demanding, sometimes even aggressive, with strong protective and territorial instincts that are best managed by an experienced owner. One of several varieties of the Belgian shepherd, the Malinoise forges an unshakable bond with his human and is ideal for law enforcement, search and rescue and even therapy work.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Believed to one of the breeds than contributed to the bearded sheepdog bloodline, these winsomely hairy hounds may actually date back to the last days of the Roman Empire, and the region that would later become Poland. Residents of Polish cities now cherish them as much for their comfortable companionship as they do their renowned guard dog capabilities. If you welcome a Polish lowland sheepdog into your home, you'll find him a good-natured and obedient roomie, but be prepared to provide lots of exercise and frequent brushing sessions.
Berger Picard
If this big-eared sweetie looks familiar, it's probably because a berger Picard played the title role in the hit 2005 family film, Because of Winn Dixie. One of the more rare breeds on this list—sadly, the population of this French farm dog was decimated during the World Wars—berger Picards are sensitive and smart. With their
lanky, lean bodies and endless enthusiasm and energy, they need the kind of extended, regular exercise an athletic owner can provide.
Canaan Dog
The national dog of the Israel, the ancient Canaan has a fascinating history that includes 2,000 years spent living wild in the Negev Desert. They were redomesticated to work as sentry dogs, landmine detectors and messengers in the service of the Israeli Army, but are now often found acting as guides for the blind. Fast, agile and indefatigable, Canaans are clever, courageous canines who need training and socialization early in life, lest they rule the household.
Mudi
Congratulations to this extremely rare pup (there are only a few thousand in the world), which was just recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club this year. The mudi, a mix of the puli, pumi and a couple of other dogs, is probably still most often found working farms in his native Hungry, though he makes an excellent family pet and protector. Loving and loyal, the mudi is also alert and agile, and a natural at dog sports.
Bouvier des Flandres
After becoming nearly extinct during the World Wars, the bouvier des Flandres, which comes from the Flanders region of France and Belgium, bounced back with the kind of courage and resilience that is a hallmark of the breed. Though huge in stature (bouviers can grow as tall as 27 inches), this is an excellent family pet, thanks to the dog's equally big heart. Due to the bouvier's size and work ethic, it's probably best for him to live in a country home, where he can keep busy with tasks like patrolling the property.
Finnish Lapphund
Born to hunt reindeer with the Lapp people, who live above the Arctic Circle, Finnish Lapphunds eventually evolved with their humans to herd them instead. Dog and people spent thousands of years cuddled up, keeping each other warm over long frozen nights, perhaps one reason the breed is so fond of two-legged companions. If you've got time to give him lots of love, and live somewhere where it snows at least sometimes, the Finnish Lapphund could be the pup for you.
Briard
Briards have an alluring backstory, indeed—their history that includes cavorting with the likes of Charlemagne, Napoleon, and Thomas Jefferson, the latter of whom was responsible for importing the French breed to America. These large dogs can weigh as much as 100 pounds and are sometimes described as a "heart wrapped in fur" for their faithful spirit. Nonetheless, the breed's independent nature means that they do best with experienced owners who can not only spend time and energy on obedience training, but can also take these physical dynamos out on long hikes or runs.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
This handsome, tri-color version of man's best friend can be found in the Swiss Alps, moving cattle up into the mountains grazing pastures come summer. Short and nimble (to avoid kicks from cows), with a life-loving personality that's earned it the nickname the "Laughing Dog," this zesty, zippy breed isn't the best option for families with young children. Less skilled dog owners may also find the Entlebucher mountain dog's go-getter personality a tad overwhelming.
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