Whether you're drawn to their history as essential farmhands or their impressive agility and obedience, herding dogs possess a unique blend of energy, drive, and instinct, says Laura Lloyd from The Kennel Club.
Great Britain is rich with diversity in dog breeds, from the big and small, smooth to shaggy, with all having been bred for different roles over the years, although many are perhaps better known as family companions these days.
This guide explores the diverse world of herding breeds, shedding light on their characteristics, training needs, and the roles they excel in, from managing livestock to being active family pets.
Herding dog breeds guide:
Whilst each breed has certain characteristics, individual dogs have their own unique and varying traits and there are many other factors which can shape a dog’s character and temperament.
Border Collie
When you think of herding breeds you might first think of this breed, especially as Border Collies are often still seen today working sheep and cattle.
They are thought to be one of the most intelligent breeds, and they are also energetic and curious by nature.
Thanks to their energy and aptitude, they often thrive at canine activities such as dog agility and flyball.
Bearded Collie
The shaggy-coated Bearded Collie is a herding dog which were traditionally bred to herd cattle and sheep in the Borders and Highlands of Scotland.
Responsive, intelligent and hard-working, they tend to be very trainable and willing to please.
At its peak, in the late 1980s, the Bearded Collie was registering nearly 2,000 puppy births annually, but their numbers have since plummeted and are sadly now classed as a vulnerable breed by The Kennel Club, having registered less than 250 puppies in 2023.
Rough Collie
Originating from Scotland where it was bred as a working sheepdog, the Rough Collie is perhaps best known as the film and TV hero, Lassie, as well as for its ‘glamorous’ coat which does require daily grooming.
A great companion dog, with a friendly disposition, they have sadly have fallen out of favour in recent years, and last year were placed on The Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ list (breeds recording between 300 and 450 puppies annually).
Smooth Collie
The lesser-known cousin of the Rough Collie, sharing the same sheepdog origins, the breed is sadly also on The Kennel Club’s vulnerable breed list (breed recording less than 300 puppies annually).
An energetic and intelligent breed, thanks to their background, they enjoy lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
Shetland Sheepdog
Hailing from the small isles of Shetland in Scotland, Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs that share similarities with Collies, and as their name suggests, originally were bred to work as sheepdogs.
They have a sweet temperament and gentle nature but in recent times have also been known to excel in canine activities including agility and obedience.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
A vulnerable native breed due to low puppy births annually, and cousin to the more famous Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which was favoured by Queen Elizabeth II, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are thought to be the older of the two, and are very intelligent dogs.
Corgis are active and alert, having been originally bred to help farmers with livestock.
Lancashire Heeler
Lancashire Heelers are small dogs with a big personality, whose ancestors include the Welsh Corgi and Manchester Terrier.
Previously known as the Ormskirk Heeler, as they were used to herd cattle from Wales to the markets in the Ormskirk area of Lancashire.
Intelligent, affectionate and loyal dogs, they're sadly also classed as vulnerable, having only recorded 108 puppy births in 2023.
Old English Sheepdog
Affectionately known over the past few decades as the ‘Dulux’ dog, and instantly recognisable by its shaggy ‘blue and white’ coat, their numbers have sadly dwindled in recent years and are currently classed as ‘At Watch’ by The Kennel Club.
They are a steady, intelligent and lively breed, although, owing to their size and coat, require more than two hours exercise each day, as well as daily grooming.
Find out more
Read about The Kennel Club's campaign to save vulnerable and ‘At Watch’ breeds. For more information about all 222 pedigree breeds can be found by visiting the The Kennel Club
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