They come in black, blue, merle, sable and white. The American line has different physical characteristics and a calmer temperament. The herding group includes some of the country's most popular dog breeds. However, the Rough Collie breed went from a working breed to royalty … These are hard workers that have herding in their blood! Herding breeds are intelligent and lively, making fine family pets or obedience competitors. The Texas Heeler is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd dog breeds. Hunting, guarding, and herding are thought to … Its origin goes back to Germany in the year 1899, although today there is also an American line. Non-existent in European registries, where most of these breeds are classified as working dogs, this group was created in 1983 by the AKC to honor what is one of the oldest of dog professions: herding livestock. The German Shepherd. Whether you're looking for a furry farmhand, an everyday companion, or a family dog, herding breed dogs are always great options.. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. Dog - Dog - Herding dogs: The Herding breeds are livestock-oriented, although they are versatile in protecting and serving humans in other ways. The 7 main breeds of herding dogs are: 1. Herding dog breeds like sheep dogs and collies thrive on farms herding livestock like cattle, but they can adapt to many other environments with proper training and plenty of exercise. Although herding dogs may guard flocks their primary purpose is to move them; both herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs may be called "sheep dogs". They are also famous for being featured in the Lassie movies and TV shows. The Belgian sheepdog or Groenendael is one of the best herding dogs among the four types of Belgian shepherd dog breeds: Groenendael, Malinois, Laekenois and Tervuren. Although jobs like herding cattle are often associated with large breeds, there are plenty of small herding dog breeds, like the Corgi. From herding livestock on your hobby farm to becoming your new best friend, herding breed dogs make great additions to every kind of home. Dogs were first used to assist sheepherders in the 1570s, but other varieties were bred for different herding tasks. Many dogs have been bred for a specific role or purpose and one of the oldest of those positions and still needed even today is a herder. In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a subcategory of working dogs, but for conformation shows they usually form a separate group. From the beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform various tasks. The Rough Collie is among the oldest breeds of any list of herding dogs, and they hail from Scotland and England. Collies weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and have a graceful, athletic body with a long, flat tapered head. 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