What kind of shepherds are there

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is among the shortest of the herding breeds, standing only at 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder. Pembroke Welsh Corgis originate from Pembrokeshire, Wales, where they were first believed to have originated from myths about fairies and elves.

These tiny herders have short, waterproof coats, little legs, a nubby tail, a fun sense of humor, and a need to be involved in whatever family activities are happening. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are hardy little dogs and require only occasional brushing.

Given their adventurous nature and their need to be in the thick of things, they can often be found in odd places, like tables and the back of couches. Given their herding nature, they may chase and nip at children, so measures must be taken to keep Pembroke Welsh Corgis from exerting too much pressure on children. They are also very vocal dogs; bored Welsh Corgis may bark excessively. The Shetland Sheepdog is popularly known as the Sheltie. Its original name was the Shetland Collie, but Rough Collie breeders pushed against that name until it was formally changed.

Shelties originate from dogs living in the highlands between Scotland and Norway. They used to be called Toonies by the Norwegians. After some cross-breeding, they were brought to the Shetland Islands, where they were bred to be smaller and fluffier. They were crossbred more and more until the original image of the Sheltie was lost to time by the end of the 19th Century. The first official Sheltie was registered by the American Kennel Club in Shelties are friendly dogs and get along with kids and the rest of the family.

They also are very athletic and do well in agility sports and competitive obedience. However, due to their original breeding as herding dogs for sheep, they will chase birds and everything resembling them, including airplanes. Shelties also shed very heavily, so potential Sheltie owners will want to invest in a very good vacuum cleaner. Fortunately, they tolerate some time alone, as long as they still get cuddles and ample attention when everyone is home.

Perhaps this breed is best known through Lassie, the hero of the s television series of the same name. Lassie and hundreds of other Rough Collies are known for their wedge-shaped heads, almond-shaped eyes, and impressive mane-like coats, which set them apart from other herding breeds out there.

The Rough Collie arose from sheepdogs in Scotland and Wales. Throughout the s, the Rough Collie became the herding pet of choice in Scotland and Wales until they became family pets throughout the Industrial Revolution, then known as Scotch Sheep-Dogs. Throughout the years, Rough Collies have been bred to become family pets instead of working dogs. Unlike typical herding dogs, Rough Collies lack the aggression often needed for herding. A well-trained Rough Collie will bark at strangers but not attack.

Rough Collies also adjust to many different living styles , so they will be happy with apartment life as long as they get their daily walks. Given their coats, they will need a lot of brushing and bathing to keep their long locks from getting matted. They are large and muscular , with a thick, fluffy coat that can come in a vast array of colors. This coat is so dense that they make Caucasian Shepherd Dogs look larger than they already are.

They are one of the oldest breeds and have been around for at least 2, years. Some new archaeological data claims that the breed goes back to Mesopotamia. The Caucasian Ovcharka is courageous at best and ferocious at worst. They may not exhibit as much energy as other shepherd dog breeds, but they can unleash their full strength if pushed too far.

They are extremely wary of strangers but will happily interact with friends and family. Children must not be left alone with a Caucasian Shepherd Dog, as they may start guarding the child with more force than necessary. If trained and socialized right, they can make loving family pets and guardians. They were originally bred to herd sheep within large expanses of land. The breed first originated when herders and ranch owners expanded westward from Sydney, and they needed a good herding companion that could handle miles and miles of ranch land.

These days, Australian Cattle Dogs come in two colors: red speckle and blue. Other breeds such as the wild Dingo and Collies from Scotland were also involved in breeding the Australian Cattle Dog.

At first glance, the Australian Cattle Dog seems highly adaptive and easy to raise. They do not snore, bark, or drool much, adapt well to a wide variety of climates, and shed only once or twice yearly. However, they were bred to patrol vast plots of land and thus react poorly to confined living spaces. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Australian Cattle Dogs also do not fare well with other animals and may display defensive tendencies that can go too far.

The breed first was developed when dogs from the Roman Peninsula were brought with Caesar and his troops to the British Isles. During the invasions, the Roman dogs were used to herd the livestock under Roman control. As the livestock dwindled, the Roman dogs were interbred by British Isle natives with local breeds to exemplify the intelligence and agility that comes from breeding dogs. The resulting breed was then brought to the New World by immigrants from Britain.

The English Shepherd is known for being an expert herder and rat-catcher, which earns it a place in many farmsteads to this day. The English Shepherd is eager to please and is a great addition to the family. However, without the proper socialization through exposure to humans and pets, the English Shepherd can become bossy and act as the top dog of the pack.

With proper socialization, the English Shepherd will trust the right people. The English Shepherd also needs daily walks and generous yard space to run around in. Compared to other herding dog breeds, the English Shepherd has an easy-to-manage coat and only requires occasional brushing.

The Border Collie is widely considered the smartest dog breed in the world. These dogs have long-haired coats that usually appear black and white, but red, white, and tricolor Border Collies are also seen. Border Collies are smaller dogs, standing at about 20 inches high. They have been herding sheep for about years.

The tasks in each trial may involve bringing sheep to a specific point and rounding sheep up into a pen. The Border Collie was finally registered as a breed within the American Kennel Club in , making them one of the newer herding breeds registered. Just as with other highly intelligent breeds, Border Collies need a reasonable amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Proper socialization from an early age can deter such nipping behaviors and turn these dogs into perfect home companions.

Border Collies are also among the herding dogs that thrive with space and a lot of exercise, so someone should always be home to spend time with them. The main difference between the two Corgi breeds is the tail. Pembrokes have short, nubby tails while Cardigans have longer ones. Cardigans also have coats in a wider variety of colors, including red, black, sable, and merle.

It is widely believed they originated from the same family of breeds that produced Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. The earliest ancestor of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was believed to have arrived in Wales more than 2, years ago , far before the time of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Just like the Pembrokes , Cardigan Welsh Corgis are also prone to back injuries and disorders , so special care and vet visits must be made to avoid health complications.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are also not as open to strangers as the Pembrokes, but they can be just as friendly with some time and patience. They also have waterproof coats but are not as fit for the outdoors as Pembrokes. The Old English Sheepdog is instantly recognizable by their coat of shaggy hair that often covers their eyes.

Without physical and mental stimulation, however, they can become bored and hyperactive, and even start venting their frustration with destructive behaviors. A little on the stubborn side, Kelpies also need extensive socializing so they become accustomed to a range of situations, sights, and sounds.

A medium-sized dog with few health issues, the Kelpie is hardy and easy to keep, although it does shed quite heavily once a year. Affectionate and eye-catching, the Australian Shepherd dog is as adept at guarding livestock as it is herding it.

One of the smartest breeds of dogs , Australian Shepherds are easy to train and fit well into an active family lifestyle. Like the Kelpie, the Australian Shepherd dog is high-energy and not suited to living in small spaces. Ideally, you need a yard where he can stretch his legs for a couple of hours each day, as well as the time available to train and exercise him on top of that. As intelligent as it is, the Australian Shepherd dog enjoys learning tricks or taking part in dog sports like agility and herding trials.

Endlessly loyal, the Australian Shepherd is a little more high-maintenance than the Kelpie. With its long, thick coat, it needs regular grooming, especially when shedding. The Beauceron is a working dog breed from France. Confident, watchful dogs, the Beauceron makes a great family protector, but only in a household where there is a consistent and confident handler, otherwise, they may end up controlling everything and everyone.

Like any other herding dog, the Beauceron needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They excel at a range of dog sports, making use of their natural tracking, obedience, and protection skills. They prefer living outside as well, so will do better on a farm or house with a large yard. Not particularly easy to find, Beaucerons are distinguished-looking dogs that are both powerful and athletic. All types of Belgian Shepherd dogs are intelligent, agile, and athletic but they can also be challenging to live with.

They become bored easily and require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from developing obsessive or destructive behaviors. Unlike some other breeds of herding dogs, Belgian Shepherds have a higher-than-normal prey instinct and are prone to chase after anything that moves. If you can channel their natural athleticism and intellect, any of the Belgian Shepherd breeds will prove adept at various dog sports. All types of Belgian Shepherd are bred in the US, although the availability of Laekenois Shepherd dogs seems more limited than the other varieties.

They may not be as well known as some of the other shepherd breeds, but the Bergamasco Sheepdog has a lot going for it. Bred to herd and protect sheep on the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco has a unique coat made up of three different textures. Unlike many of the herding dogs, Bergamascos are content with a moderate amount of exercise, preferring mutual activity rather than exploring the yard on his own.

A social breed, the Bergamasco is prone to separation anxiety, although you can overcome this with proper training and socialization. This large, long-haired breed shares its origins with the Beauceron and like them, are high-energy animals with an unstoppable zest for life.

Not suited to life indoors, the Briard needs a large yard to explore to satisfy his wanderlust. While their long coat gives them an adorable appearance, it needs regular grooming, making the Briard comparatively high-maintenance. Extremely intelligent, Briard is quick to learn and has excellent memories. This can either be a blessing or curse, depending on how adept you are at keeping your training sessions interesting.

If not well-socialized early on in life, the territorial Briard can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals so need a firm hand and plenty of exposure to different social situations.

Not many Briard come up for adoption and there are only a handful of breeders in the US so be prepared to spend some time on a waiting list if you want one to share your life with. Another shepherd dog with French origins, the Bouvier des Flandres is so much more than just a herding dog. With their impressive work ethic, Bouviers are happiest when kept busy and benefit from having a job to do. They make excellent watchdogs but need plenty of space to romp around in.

Naturally protective of their owners, Bouviers are generally good-natured and sociable. As a consequence, they are also prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone for long periods. The long coat of Bouvier makes it high-maintenance in the grooming department and daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and knots from developing.

Like the Belgian Shepherd, Collies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although, in the US, the name is most commonly associated with the long-haired Rough Collie or Lassie dog. They love human company and are liable to suffer from separation anxiety and become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. All three types have loving and loyal personalities but can also be timid, making early socialization is a must.

One of the most popular dog breeds in the US, the German Shepherd dog needs little introduction. German Shepherds make excellent companions and good family dogs and are used extensively in search-and-rescue and drug detection operations.

Military and police use these dogs in their work, often outfitted with tactical dog gear. Intelligent and willing, the German Shepherd can turn its paw to virtually any task, given the right training. As a result, they will excel at almost any sport, from dock diving to Schutzhund, making them ideal for an active family.

It is important to realize this this breed tends to shed profusely year-around. A well-bred dog from health-tested parents can cost a lot more though! German Shepherds can come in many colors besides the traditional black and tan. Even pure-white and pure-black German Shepherds are born at times! Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick, double coat and shed a fair amount, so daily brushing will likely be in order.

Resembling the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd stands a few inches shorter than its antipodean cousin but has similarly eye-catching coloration.

Frequent shedders, Miniature Americans need regular grooming to keep them looking good. Similar in appearance to the Rough Collie, the brown and white, long-haired Sheltie originated on the Shetland Isle, off the coast of Scotland.

Easy to train and adaptable to city life, the Shetland Sheepdog is suitable for novice owners and ideal for families. They also excel at agility, obedience, and herding trials. A strong herding instinct means Shelties are prone to nipping as they attempt to chivvy along everything from squirrels to small children. Again, early training can resolve this unwanted behavior. His herding instinct will make him prone to nipping, but early puppy training can prevent this unwanted behavior.

Despite their short coats, Corgis are consistent shedders and benefit from weekly grooming. Need a pocket Corgi? The Miniature Corgi fits the bill. Most notable, though, is the hair around its face that can grow so long it completely covers its eyes! The Old English Sheepdog strikes a perfect balance between hard worker and family companion.

While they are profoundly clever and athletic, the breed is also very kind and protective. With that said, the breed is a wonderful companion when placed in the right household.

Agility sports, hunting, and farm work are all great activities to keep this breed mentally stimulated and physically fit. If your dream dog is one with the energy to work all day paired with the desire to snuggle all night, look no further than the Border Collie. Since the need for working farm dogs has declined in recent years, many Border Collies now dominate the competitive sporting circuit. But despite the sheer amount of energy in the average Border Collie, the breed is also known for being hyper-affectionate and devoted to its family members.

Interest in the Belgian Malinois spiked after Conan, a working military dog, was honored for his service alongside U. While the breed shares a striking similarity to the German Shepherd, there are some marked differences: a lighter coat, sleeker build, and more assertive temperament, to name a few.

Ultimately, the Belgian Malinois is one of the least suited to family life of all shepherd dog breeds. Although the breed is loyal and obedient, they require much more attention and discipline than the average household can provide. Instead, these dogs thrive in environments where they are given a structured job to perform along with regular human companionship.

Few people would look at the diminutive size and smiling face of a Finnish Lapphund and identify the breed as a herding dog. Rather than rounding up cattle or guarding sheep, this breed herds reindeer!

Although all-black German Shepherds do exist, this next breed could easily be mistaken for one. The Belgian Sheepdog is closely related to the Belgian Malinois, but tends to be a little less aggressive and headstrong. However, it still retains the intelligence and confidence seen in the Malinois. The Belgian Sheepdog needs regular exercise and training, but is always eager to learn.

These shepherds have just as much energy as larger herding breeds. If you devote the necessary time and energy to training, though, the breed provides a loyal and intelligent companion. Once known as the Shetland Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie very much looks like a miniature version of Lassie. While Shetland Sheepdogs are quite intelligent and active , they lack the serious demeanor of some other shepherd dog breeds. Rather, the breed is known for being playful and affectionate with its human family members, especially children.

They even do well living with cats, but be prepared for your Sheltie to herd its feline companions from time to time! How many of these shepherd dog breeds did you already know?