Dogs in the herding group are natural-born workers—with sharp minds, quick reflexes, and an instinct to keep its flock in-check. You may even spot a herding dog trying to herd its own family in one way or another, especially if a child starts to wander out of line!
These are the dogs that were bred not just to help, but to take charge in meaningful ways. Other breed groups certainly serve their purpose, but herding dogs may be among the most task-oriented and skillful dogs in the world.
This article will walk you through the core traits of herding dogs, their roles, needs, health conditions, and history.
What Were Herding Dogs Bred to Do, Specifically?
Herding dogs are believed to have their origins in the Fertile Crescent roughly 8,000 years ago, when humans started the agricultural revolution. The key role for this dogs was to manage the location of livestock movement.
Without technology, it would have been extremely difficult for one or multiple people to keep a flock of sheep or cattle in place. Dogs controlled the movement of livestock, protected them from predators, and helped to keep flocks from overgrazing specific areas of land.
Here are some notable herding abilities:
- Gathering: Bringing livestock toward the handler (e.g., Border Collie).
- Driving: Pushing livestock forward (e.g., Australian Cattle Dog).
- Boundary Control: Keeping animals within set limits or enclosures.
- Guarding: Some herding dogs also protect the herd (e.g., Belgian Malinois).
- Versatile Farm Help: Many also helped with other tasks on rural homesteads.
In more recent history (19th–20th centuries), herding dogs were crossbred or newly developed to suit local needs. Examples:
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Australian Kelpie: Developed in the 1870s to handle sheep in Australia’s extreme heat.
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McNab Shepherd: Bred in California in the late 1800s for cattle herding across steep hills and harsh climates.
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Miniature American Shepherd: Created in the U.S. from smaller Australian Shepherds to offer herding instinct in a more compact, family-friendly size
Common Traits of Herding Group Dog Breeds
While size, coat, and energy level can vary across herding breeds, they share a few core traits. Above all, herding dogs are alert, intelligent, and laser-focused. Their minds are active, so it's essential that they have activities to occupy them or they will become anxious and rambunctious.
These are usually medium-sized dogs that are athletic and trim, often with long fur to account for the fluctuating temperatures of highland pastures.
- High Intelligence: They learn fast and need mental stimulation.
- Strong Work Ethic: They were bred to work all day, not lounge.
- Responsiveness: Quick to follow commands and read their handler.
- Control Instincts: Many will attempt to herd anything that moves.
- Energy: Herding breeds are almost always “on.”
Do Herding Breed Dogs Have Common Health Issues?
One key issue that active herding dogs face is hip dysplasia. The repetitive and strenuous nature of their jobs can have a difficult impact on their joints and hips.
Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs are vulnerable to a genetic eye disease called Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), which can cause mild visual impairment to complete blindness. Herding dogs are also vulnerable to progressive retinal atrophy in some breeds, making it important to have your herding dog's eyes checked from an early age.
Additionally, some groups of herding dogs are more predisposed to allergies. Their genetics set them up for allergies, and an outdoor lifestyle with exposure to many irritants and pollens can give them a greater chance of manifesting dormant allergy symptoms.
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy in some lines (e.g., Australian Shepherds)
- Allergies and skin sensitivities
Joint health supplements and routine vet checks go a long way in keeping these dogs healthy and active. Early detection is key, especially for eyesight and mobility issues.
Are Herding Dogs Good for Families?
Well-trained and exercised herding dogs can be among the best dogs available for families. However, herding dogs can become anxious, disruptive, and even destructive if they aren' given ample exercise and mental stimulation.
If you’ve never owned a herding dog, know this: they will outsmart you if you don’t give them something to do. But with the right direction and plenty of play, they can be one of the most rewarding breeds to live with.
They thrive in active homes—especially those that offer space to run and a person who enjoys training, puzzles, or dog sports. Collies can be wonderful protectors of children as well, considering that their genes direct them to keep your own little "flock" in check.
Notable Herding Group Breeds
- Border Collie
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shepherd
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Belgian Malinois
- Collie
- Old English Sheepdog
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Bearded Collie
- Bouvier des Flandres
Final Thoughts
Herding Group dogs are brilliant, responsive, and incredibly driven. But they’re not for the faint of heart. These dogs crave a job—and if you don’t give them one, they’ll invent one. So you should only adopt or purchase a herding dog if you've got time and energy to train them and give them the life they deserve - if you live on a farm, all the better!
Also, be sure to stay on top your herding dog's health issues, especially when it comes to hip and joint concerns. If you check all of these boxes, you're likely in for a loving dog who provides you with just as much happiness as you provide them!
