Herding Dogs

Did you know that herding dogs come in many shapes and sizes? Some are tall. Some are short. Some are lean, and some are stocky. The shortest herding dogs are Welsh corgis. These little dogs were bred to herd cattle. Their short legs move quickly when they run around the herd, and their short, little bodies can avoid a kick from an angry cow.

Most herding dogs are medium-sized. The border collie is famous for its intelligence. These dogs are active and always moving. They look for cues from the shepherd, and they work as a team. Border collies could almost work alone. They know what to do if a sheep strays.

Large dogs, like German shepherds and Belgian sheepdogs, work many jobs. They can herd, but more often they work with police, guide the blind, or provide protection to families.

Herding dogs are also trained for search and rescue work. Any time there is a disaster, you will see teams of dogs working to find missing people. Herding dogs are some of the best workers, because they are strong and determined.

Today, most dogs don’t work in the jobs they were bred to do. People love them as pets. However, if given a chance, a herding dog might try to round up, or herd, the entire family. The desire to round up the group is in its blood.