Herding dogs are special dogs with specific characteristics. They can control the movement of other animals easily, and leadership qualities come naturally to them. They also have a natural instinct to protect animals under their control, keep discipline within them, and ensure completion of duties with utmost possible efficiency. These dogs work in various kinds of terrains, showcasing their qualities in the best possible manner.
At home, these dogs are absolute gems! They herd their owners gently by protecting their kids and keeping a check on them. They are hard workers and would perform all their duties. Thanks to their stamina, these energetic dog breeds are phenomenal at dog sports and agility training as well.
In this article, we shall talk about some high-energy herding dog breeds that you should definitely know about!
High-Energy Herding Dog Breeds
1. Collie
Originally bred in Scotland and Northern England, the Collie is a dog known for its powerful herding instincts.
This dog, with its signature almond-shaped eyes, is definitely one of the most energetic dog breeds out there. Its high energy makes it possible for it to control and manage massive herds of sheep and cattle.
They are intelligent, as PetMD says! The Border Collies are especially known for their smart brains and intellect. With their brains and commanding capabilities, they can herd everyone, including sheep, cattle, and even humans.
At home, these dogs demand extensive workouts and physical activities. This is necessary for their proper mental and physical stimulation. A strenuous walk or jog in the park would help drain off their excess energy.
They are absolute family dogs. They are extremely delicate with their families and love playing with the kids.
Fun Fact: Their superpower is their fierce gaze. Simply by giving a cold, commanding stare to the sheep, they can control their movements and activities.
2. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog that is known for its protective nature and inherent alertness.
This high-energy dog breed from Belgium was originally bred to be an efficient farm helper. It would not only keep a good look at the livestock but would also command them when humans were not there. It would also pull carts with its sheer strength and even protect the property.
Even today, this herding breed has retained all its original qualities.
Britannica mentions it is alert, watchful, and super-protective of the livestock it has been made in charge of. They are confident dogs. Nonetheless, they showcase an aloof attitude to the strangers and deter them from entering their jurisdiction.
You can keep them at home as a pet dog, for sure! However, you need to understand that these dogs are super energetic and can get bored easily. This is why you’ll have to provide them enough physical exercise that will keep them stimulated.
If you bore them, they would end up being destructive.
3. Border Collie
Another dog that is phenomenal when it comes to herding livestock is the Border Collie. This British dog has exceptional protective properties that make it an excellent guardian and herder of farm animals.
This working dog is phenomenal at herding. However, it still requires some training. Once it is trained properly, nothing can beat it at commanding the livestock, protecting it, and managing it.
While herding sheep and other animals, these dogs showcase a particular behavior. They are wonderful at staring a target animal, chasing it if it doesn’t obey, and even nipping it efficiently.
These high-energy and intelligent dogs are also wonderful at obedience and agility training. At home, they perform their duties as guard dogs with utmost dedication.
Hills Pet mentions they are vocal dogs. Hence, at any minor inconvenience, they will feel it’s their duty to inform and alert you.
Note: Their proper mental stimulation is necessary, or else they may unleash their destructive mode!
4. Australian Cattle Dog
Their super strong work drive makes these dogs phenomenal herding dogs.
The Australian Cattle Dog comes with a natural instinct to not only herd the livestock but also control it with great efficiency. They are energetic, as per WebMD, and for their mental stimulation at home, there is a need for a high level of exercise on a daily basis.
They are muscular and agile, hence it is effortless for them to herd even a large group of livestock animals. Also, their dense double coat is water resistant, which makes them suitable workers for all weather conditions.
One major quality of this dog is its sheer intelligence. Thanks to its smartness, it is easy to train. Teaching new tricks and commands for herding is easy.
These dogs with their strong and natural herding instincts, energetic nature, and loyalty are the top choice of farm owners as helpers.
5. Australian Shepherd
One thing that sets the Australian Shepherd apart from all other herding dogs is its strong work ethic.
These loyal dogs understand their commands properly and then perform the required duties with utmost efficiency.
Purina calls them agile and intelligent.
They are phenomenal working dogs, which is why their performance as herding dogs is second to none. These dogs tend to have an inherent desire to herd. No matter its other animals or even people, these dogs will herd everything efficiently.
This energetic breed is naturally protective. As family pet animals, they guard all the family members and fellow pets of the home with great dedication.
With their strong herding instinct, they would be protective and herd a range of animals, including cattle and small poultry.
6. Samoyed
Originally bred in Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds, the Samoyed is a dog with boundless energy.
In terms of appearance, these dogs have a graceful impression and stand tall amidst the flock. Their fluffy white coats give them a gorgeous outlook, making them appear like an absolute DIVA!
These dogs are active in nature and super energetic. Even while herding, they are running and jumping around the field.
They are naturally protective and can take care of all the animals and humans within their territory.
These dogs make a great pet for an active person and an outgoing family when compared to other pets.
Fun Fact: These dogs have a super-attractive smile known as the Sammy smile that really warms the hearts of those who witness it.
7. Sheltie
Shetland Sheepdog, also known as Sheltie, is an obedient, dutiful, and intelligent herding dog.
This breed thrives on commands. They are great at following instructions, thanks to their obedient nature. With proper training, they can easily be turned into the most brilliant herding dogs ever.
At home, they showcase a pleasing personality and soon turn into a loyal companion for all family members. They love puzzle toys and may even outdo you at solving them.
If you have an active lifestyle, this dog will easily keep up with you, thanks to its endless energy. Give it regular exercise and it will never resort to destructive habits!
Take them on long walks, and this loyal partner will turn out to be an exceptional companion with whom you can share all your worries.
With an impressive life expectancy of 12-14 years, these dogs stay around for quite an extended period!
Conclusion
Herding dogs are great working breeds known for their wonderful commitment to their duties. Early training can really help polish their skills and turn them into exceptional herders who can manage the livestock even over vast distances.
Other herding breeds that are extremely intelligent include the German Shepherd, Welsh Corgi, and Australian Shepherd. At home, they make incredible companions who also guard their human beings with great dedication.
