Dogs are not merely known to be adorable pets. Rather, when they have to perform a task, they outshine even humans with their splendid performance. One skill that really makes this four-legged creature a splendid worker is their herding capabilities. For certain dogs, guarding and protecting come naturally. When they have to guide and control a flock of sheep, they really know how to lead from the front.
These dogs are loving, loyal, and pretty serious about their responsibilities. While guarding and herding, these dogs keep a strong eye on everything happening around the yard. With enough space to maneuver, they are able to use their energy productively.
In this article, we shall skim through a list of the seven most efficient guard herding dog breeds.
Guard Herding Dog Breeds
1. Beauceron
One of the most powerful dogs out there, the Beauceron is known for its strength, power, and agility.
Owing to its imposing presence that skillfully deters intruders and strangers, this livestock guardian dog is the best choice out there to protect livestock.
This breed originated in France and is athletic and healthy.
Beaucerons are also known for their patience and ease with which they manage problems. As they are super intelligent, they know how to find quick solutions to problems. Their fast learning ability makes them easy to train.
This smartness also makes this large dog a preferred choice for police and military activities. They are not just useful on farms; they are fabulous in secret missions as well.
This protective dog is a low-maintenance animal, however, it has some serious mental stimulation needs. As it is filled with boundless energy, you need to give it regular energy outlet opportunities to avoid its destructive side.
With their intimidating presence and a smart mind, these dogs are surely great helpers and guards in the fields.
2. Belgian Malinois
A dog that is primarily known for its agility is the Belgian Malinois. It is smart, intelligent, and super observant.
These dogs, with their excellent herding capabilities, are great companions for the livestock. They are also wonderful guards and protectors.
While roaming through Europe, you will often spot this dog taking good care of a herd. These dogs are good family pets as well as wonderful guardians of the sheep.
These dogs have an innate protective instinct that makes them a phenomenal guarding dog breed! They are also extremely loyal and take the assigned duty pretty seriously. With their strong work ethic, they are surely the best choice for farm owners to keep their livestock protected while they are away.
Belgian Malinois have a high work drive. Also, as they are high on energy, they are always looking for something to do and release it, the herding tasks keep them rightfully busy!
3. German Shepherd
Another dog that is known for its inherent ability to protect humans and other animals is the German Shepherd. This dog is loyal, smart, and fearless.
GSD was originally bred for herding and to be the most efficient livestock guard dog ever! The fact that it has the natural ability to control and command the livestock makes it a great choice for this role.
Also, they are quite intelligent. Whenever there is a problem arising, they tend to solve it themselves without running to their owners for answers.
These easily recognizable dogs have a ‘trending herding behavior’. While showcasing this style, they behave as a living fence and ensure the flock stays within the designated space.
This also makes them excellent police dogs. For high-profile military actions, they are trained by professionals, and they showcase marvelous performance. GSDs are self-assured and confident dogs, which helps them be good at learning new skills and tricks.
4. Puli
This medium-sized dog is also great on the farm, thanks to its natural herding instincts.
What gives it a distinction amongst other guard dogs is its appearance. It wears a long coat that is tightly corded. In terms of appearance, it shows a strong resemblance to the Komondor.
The Pulli is a smart dog. If you keep it at home, you need to give it enough opportunities for physical and mental stimulation.
PetMD mentions that these dogs were originally bred to help farmers take care of the sheep. They are playful in the field but know how to maintain a strong presence.
Oh, and mind you, this dog is a high-maintenance dog. It has a long coat, and the cords need to be kept in good shape with regular maintenance.
This powerful dog has strong protective instincts, and with proper training, it can easily be turned into a formidable force in the field.
5. Belgian Tervuren
These dogs have so many qualities combined that you would be amazed at their capabilities when it comes to herding sheep.
They are intelligent. This means it’s easy for them to learn new tricks to keep the livestock in check. Also, they make training easy and efficient. They also perform exceptionally well in obedience competitions.
And, did we mention agility?
These dogs are extremely agile and can spring into action as soon as they witness something wrong. This is a double-coated dog that can easily perform guarding activities even when the weather is really harsh and would make other animals curl up!
But with this weather-resistant coat comes the need for constant grooming. You’ll have to take good care of the coat for it to be healthy.
These dogs are excellent guide dogs as well. A lot of times, they perform some commendable tasks as police dogs as well in search and rescue missions.
6. Briard
Briard is a healthy dog that knows how to keep the livestock protected. Belonging to France, this is an exceptional working dog known for its great work ethic.
This dog is a great attacker, as per the American Kennel Club (AKC). If it sees someone entering the field, it would attack the predators instantly and fearlessly. They surely know how to defend their folk without failing!
This is a phenomenal shepherd dog. As it is massive in appearance, it can easily manage goats, sheep, and other livestock animals.
Briards are intelligent. Hence, this farm working dog can easily turn into an excellent companion for humans working on farms.
7. Belgian Laekenois
This dog is a medium-sized protector of livestock known for its natural guarding capabilities.
Many farmers, when choosing a herding dog for their livestock and to protect the farms, opt for the Belgian Laekenois.
These dogs are known to protect expansive linen fields. As smart guard dogs, the farm owners trust them with their eyes closed to keep the livestock in check.
Laekenois is a lean dog with a broad chest, as the Kennel Club describes. It has erect ears, and its intelligence is off the charts.
This active herding breed is filled with boundless energy. This is why pet owners need to take them for long runs, hiking, and jogging to keep them physically stimulated.
Conclusion
Herding guard dogs are the perfect protectors of livestock. At the same time, they are excellent workers at the farms. These dogs are smart and have a wonderful sense of duty. They work hard and keep the sheep and small animals under control.
Apart from the stock dogs mentioned in this article, Australian cattle dogs, Australian shepherds, Border collies, Anatolian shepherd dogs, Great Pyrenees, Maremma sheepdogs, and Anatolian shepherds are also considered to be courageous dogs that guard livestock pretty well.
