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.
Herding dog is also sometimes used to refer to dogs whose primary job is to guard the herd from
predators and to be sure that it does not go astray. A
Maremma Sheepdog is an example. For more information about dogs of this type, see
Livestock guardian dog.
In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a subcategory of
working dogs, but for
conformation shows they usually form a separate
group.
Dogs can herd other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the
Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals' heels (for this reason they are called
heelers). Others, notably the
Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called
eye to stare down the animals; they are known as
headers. The
Koolie has been observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges. Koolies are therefore said to 'head', 'heel', and 'back'.
All herding behavior is modified
predatory behavior.
Most herding breeds have physical characteristics that help them with their work, including speed and endurance. Shorter breeds, such as
Welsh Corgis, were bred so that they would be out of the way when
cattle, their primary charges, kicked at them.
Due to their intelligence and beauty, herding dogs are often chosen as family
pets. These dogs have been
bred to work and must be kept active. Herding breeds will herd family members, particularly children, in the absence of other charges.
Herding breeds include the following:
*
Collies, including:
**
Border Collie**
Bearded Collie**
Smooth Collie**
Rough Collie*
Australian Cattle Dog*
Australian Shepherd*
Australian Kelpie*
Belgian Shepherd Dog (
Groenendael,
Laekenois,
Tervueren, and
Malinois)
*
Bouvier des Flandres*
Briard*
Canaan Dog*
Catalan Sheepdog*
Coolie Dogs*
English Shepherd*
German Shepherd Dog*
Koolie*
McNab*
Old English Sheepdog*
Puli*
Pyrenean Mountain Dog*
Pyrenean Shepherd*
Shetland Sheepdog*
Swedish Vallhund*
Welsh Corgis:
**
Pembroke Welsh Corgi**
Cardigan Welsh Corgi*
Sheep dog*"DOGS, WORKING"[
1], from
An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966.
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 11-Jul-2005
*
Definitions of herding-dog styles*
Article about German Shepherds in Herding
