The sheepdog function was one of the first that humans developed during the process of domesticating this animal. There are dozens of breeds of dogs suitable for the five continents to develop herding, helping humans unquestionably. Regarding the grazing service, two types are distinguished: sheep (lambs, sheep) and cattle (cows). They are two completely different types of grazing, since in sheep grazing, for example, the dog controls the flock so that it does not disperse. In this group, we also find medium and small breeds of sheepdogs. However, when grazing cows (cattle dogs) they are the ones that gather around the dog to feel protected from attacks by predators. In this second group we see breeds of large and giant sheepdogs. Thus, we can also distinguish between two types of sheepdogs depending on the flock they are going to protect.
Whether for one type or another of grazing, there are currently some breeds more capable than others to develop this work. If you continue reading this article on our site, you will learn about the exceptional breeds that lead the top 10 sheepdogs
1. Border collie
The border collie is considered the best sheep herding dog, although is also suitable for grazing cows It is an extraordinarily intelligent dog, capable of instantly responding to the orders that the shepherd dictates. It has a natural instinct for grazing and in the absence of the shepherd it knows exactly what to do to keep the herd under control and protected. For this reason, he is the sheep and cow care dog par excellence. The origin of him is on the border between Scotland and England, that's why the first word of his name is "border", which means "border". The second, "collie", means "useful" in Galician.
He is a medium-sized dog, fast and agile. Their weight ranges between 16 and 23 kg. The females are slightly smaller than the males. The border collie is a working dog, therefore it is not suitable for sedentary people. It requires constant activity and open spaces to be happy. A border collie without extreme physical activity could suffer from neurosis or depression.
The border collie is extremely faithful and affectionate with the person he considers his guide, always being ready and with his eyes fixed on the shepherd to quickly carry out the work ordered. It has a very characteristic way of moving, as it raises its feet very little from the ground, which causes the sensation that it moves furtively and quickly while jogging.
two. Australian Shepherd
At number two we find the Australian Shepherd, an excellent sheepdog However, despite its name, breeding began of this dog on American ranches, although it was in Australia where this breed established itself as an extraordinary herding breed. A unique feature is its versatility. The Australian Shepherd is trained to herd sheep and cattle like many other sheepdogs, but not all are trained to control unusual livestock such as buffalo, geese, geese, ducks and rabbits.
Also a Excellent watchdogThe Australian Shepherd requires large doses of daily exercise. He is a very faithful dog with the family and suspicious of strangers. He is such an intelligent and patient dog with children that he is also used to work with children who need special attention.
3. Belgian Shepherd
The four varieties of the Belgian Sheepdog, Groendael, Malinois, Lakenois and Tervuren, are extraordinary sheepdogs All of them have a large physical capacity that makes them, together with their intelligence, excellent breeds of sheepdogs. In addition, they are herd protector dogs by nature, so they innately care for and guide the cattle. Of course, these dogs are more recommended for herding sheep
Belgian Shepherds are also excellent watchdogs and trackers, loyal to their shepherds, very obedient and extremely affectionate, which is why they require a guardian who, in addition to training them, can offer them affection.
4. German shepherd
The German Shepherd is also one of the best herding dog breeds. It is indicated for grazing sheep and cows, being more suitable for the first group, but not for caring for feathered animals (geese, geese, ducks, etc.), since they excessively arouse the predatory instinct of this dog.
Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd can be used for much more than just herding. Their superlative intelligence, their exceptional physical condition and their great ability to concentrate make them suitable for a multitude of jobs. In fact, the German shepherd also stands out for being an excellent police dog.
4. Shepherd of the Pyrenees
The two types of Pyrenean sheepdogs (the long-haired and the short-haired) are magnificent protectors of cattle When the cows sense danger, they gather around their Pyrenean Shepherd Dog so that he can protect them. Innately, the Pyrenean Shepherd knows how to attack and fight against bears and wolves, not hesitating to bravely confront large predators. In dealing with humans he is somewhat shy and surly, except with his tutor. They are dogs with a nervous temperament that are constantly on the alert.
6. Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Another exceptional Pyrenean breed is the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, a sheepdog that acts as a guard in open spaces. It is one of the largest species in the world, capable of facing and scaring away brown bears and wolves. This dog moves perimeter around the herd, constantly patrolling and retracing his steps unexpectedly. This huge dog reaches 60 kg and its usual color is white with gray or brown spots. It is one of the best dog breeds for herding cows, although it can also herd sheep.
He is very affectionate with children, but somewhat rude as he is little aware of his excessive strength. He tends to show his joy by rushing over people to hug the horrified person who waits petrified for the forceful show of affection. This breed fears nothing.
7. Carpathian Shepherd
If it were genetically possible to cross a bear with a wolf, the result would probably be something very similar to the Carpathian Sheepdog. A wonderful dog very brave, loyal and sacrificed. This breed has an imposing appearance.
This spectacular dog can perform both herding and livestock protection functions as guard and surveillance. As with several of the breeds belonging to the top herding dogs, the Carpathian Shepherd is not usually kept as a pet, mainly due to the degree of physical activity it requires. However, this does not mean that he is not an excellent companion, just that he needs more activity than other breeds. He needs open spaces to run, play and exercise. As a working dog, on the other hand, it is excellent, since it is a very obedient dog and loyal to its shepherd. He is suitable both as a herding dog for sheep and cows.
8. Romanian Shepherd from Mioritza
Number eight in the top 10 herding dog breeds is the imposing Mioritza Romanian Sheepdog, another extremely large dog breed that hails from Romania. These dogs protect livestock and their temperament is calm, despite their large size. It weighs up to 65 kg and is a disciplined dog that promptly obeys the shepherd's orders. It has a warm coat of hair that is usually white or very light gray. May have some slightly darker irregular spots.
The Romanian Shepherd from Mioritza is a dog that can act as a sheep and cow herding dogdue to its size and capabilities
9. Australian Cattle Dog
This breed is quite modern. It was created to replace the traditional sheepdogs imported from England, which did not tolerate the heat, the enormous distances and the feral temperament of Australian cattle. Various breeds were interbred, including the wild dog dingo and the Dalmatian, among others. The result is the Australian Cattle Dog, a great Cattle Dog and a dangerous guard dog to outsiders. This dog only knows its humans and tolerates strangers who are allowed into the home, but on the condition that they don't lay a finger on any family member or play games.
The peculiar coat of these dogs can be a mottled mixture of bluish or reddish tones. They are suitable for grazing cows and sheep.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
We end the top 10 sheepdogs with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a dog designed to guard the cows while they graze. It is a large dog, weighing up to 63 kg, and has a short, tricolor coat (black, white and brown). This dog requires a lot of activity, since it has enormous strength. Its temperament is affable and it can become a pet, as long as it is not deprived of exercise.
In Switzerland there are three breeds more closely related to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Appenzell Mountain Dog and the Entlebuch Mountain Dog.
eleven. Old english shepherd
The Old English Sheepdog was created in Great Britain to tend herds of both cows and sheep and became in recent times decades one of the preferred breeds to perform the task of grazing in cold climates. Therefore, this is another of the best sheepdog breeds.
He is a very docile and playful dog , but if he gets bored he can become destructive. It can weigh up to 100 kilos depending on whether it is female or male, and have an average height of 70 cm. He has quite a serious bark and is a faithful companion
Despite requiring grooming and regular mental stimulation, the Old English Sheepdog is one of the most beautiful and sociable sheepdog breeds, especially good with children.
12. Majorcan shepherd
The Majorcan shepherd or Ca de bestiar is a Spanish breed originating in Majorca, more specifically. It has an average weight of 40 kg and a height of up to 75 cm. Its color or layer is totally black. In his genes he carries all his load of shepherd dog: groups, guards and guides both herds of sheep and cows, horses and pigs He is also a good watchdog, since he is intelligent, loyal and distrustful during work, because at home we will enjoy enormous fidelity and love with us.
This is a physically very strong, muscular and agile dog. He needs to be trained daily and pay special attention to the dreaded hip dysplasia (as it also happens in the German Shepherd)
13. Catalan Shepherd
The Catalan shepherd or gos d'atura Català is a breed native to the Catalan Pyrenees with an average weight of 20 kg and a height of up to 55 cm. He is chosen among the Catalans for the herd driving, since he has a very docile, obedient and brave character which makes it also useful for protecting the herds it guides. Thus, he is an excellent sheepdog and cowdog.
He is also a great family dog because he is very cuddly and playful, but when it comes to work, he can get in that role without any difficulty, which is why it usually stands out among the Spanish shepherd dogs.
14. Caucasian Shepherd
Another of the best cow and sheep herding dog breeds is the Caucasian Shepherd. These dogs have been watching the herds for centuries, and it is suspected that they are one of the oldest dog breeds. We are dealing with dogs that can weigh up to 50 kg and measure up to 70 cm in height at the withers.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a dog without fear of anything, for this reason it is an excellent dog that looks after cows and sheep, as well as perfect home guard dog. In addition, he is attentive, affectionate, faithful and protective, who tends to be very suspicious of strangers. For this reason, and as it happens in all the breeds mentioned above, it is very important to socialize it correctly if it is adopted as a pet.
fifteen. Shepherd of Beauce
Although it is less known than the previous ones, it is also one of the best breeds of sheepdogs. The Beauce shepherd, also known as the beauceron, is originally from France and has always been used as a herding dog for all kinds of flocks, as well as to guard homes and protect people.
The Beauce Shepherd is a loyal, brave, obedient, protective and reserved dog with strangers. He has all the qualities of a good sheepdog, although he is becoming more and more popular as a pet.
Other herding dog breeds
Although the above are the best breeds of herding dogs for sheep, cows and other herds, they are not the only ones that exist. Next, we show more ideal dogs for herding different animals:
- Siberian Husky
- Afghan Greyhound
- Boerboel
- Bohemian Shepherd
- Uruguayan Maroon
- Croatian Shepherd
- Australian Kelpie
- Pyrenean Mastiff
- Spanish Mastiff
- Irish Wolfhound
- Dutch Shepherd
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Long-haired Collie
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Short-haired Collie
