Herding Dog Breeds – Characteristics & Purpose

Herding dog, also known as a stock dog, shepherd dog, sheep dog or working dog, is a type of dog that either has been trained in herding or belongs to breeds that are developed for herding and guarding livestock.

All herding behavior is a modified form of predatory behavior. Through selective breeding, people have been able to reduce the dog’s natural inclination to view cattle and sheep as prey while still preserving the dog’s hunting abilities, resulting in the development of an efficient herding dog.

The breeds in the Herding Group were a component of the Working Group until 1983. All breeds of herding dogs have the innate capacity to regulate the movement of other animals. These breeds were created in order to collect, herd, and safeguard cattle. Some breeds, like the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Dog, are now frequently employed in police and security roles. These breeds have such a strong herding tendency that they have been known to gently herd their owners, especially the family’s young ones. These canines are generally quite bright and make wonderful companions and trainees.