Dogs that herd sheep: a description of the top 11 best breeds and how to choose a puppy

Shepherd dogs have existed since ancient times, when people began to breed sheep. Courageous pets guarded and directed herds, protected livestock from wolves, guarded the master's property, even transported small luggage. All breeds of dogs that herd sheep are called shepherds. Today, wonderful animals are still involved in sheep herding, becoming faithful companions and guards.

Advantages of herding dog breeds

Sheepdogs are valued all over the world as they have many virtues:

• beautiful appearance, harmonious physique;
• physical strength, developed muscles;
• ability to cope with high physical demands;
• luxurious wool with a dense undercoat that helps to survive in the highlands and harsh climatic conditions;
• discipline due to lack of hunting instinct;
• developed watchdog skills, distrust of strangers, willingness to attack an ill-wisher;
• endless devotion to the owner.

History of Appearance

The first sheep-herding dogs appeared several thousand years ago in the Asian highlands. The first shepherd dogs were so strong and stern that they easily drove away not only a pack of wolves, but also bears from sheep. When dogs came to Europe, breeders decided that shepherd dogs should not only be brave and strong, but also beautiful, noticeable among grazing sheep.

During the Roman Empire, dogs were trained not only to drive herds of sheep, but also, in the event of a predator attack, to act as fighters. To this end, the Romans crossed successful European breeds with Asian Shepherds.

The peak of selection of shepherd dogs in European countries fell on the 20th century. The Germans bred a shepherd dog, which became in demand not as a four-legged shepherd, but as a pet for work in the police and the army. Russian breeders are proud of the imposing and tough East European and South Russian Shepherd Dogs.

Most popular breeds

In each country, breeders selected shepherd dogs according to the desired character traits and appearance, so there were breeds with specific characteristics, adapted to live in certain climatic conditions. Below is a list of the most popular sheep guard dogs in the world.

Scottish Shepherd (collie)

The English and the Scots, with their characteristic aristocracy, decided that a dog for grazing sheep should be a real beauty. So the collie appeared - a breed with a silky, flowing coat, a harmonious physique.The original purpose of the collie was to protect the sheep, to monitor the safety of the master's children. But soon beautiful dogs attracted the attention of aristocrats, moved into the category of elite pets.

Pros and conselegant appearance;high intelligence, learning ability;lively, inquisitive character;love for outdoor games;good he alth.the need for careful care of long hair.

When Lassie aired in the 1950s and 1970s, the Scottish Sheepdog became incredibly popular all over the world. The Collie still tends sheep today in the farming areas of England and Scotland. But more often the dog is kept as a companion.

I like it I don't like it

Australian shepherds - healer

Australians bred sheep dogs separately from Europeans. The progenitor of the Australian Shepherd was the wild dog dingo. The Shepherd Heeler is strong, sinewy, with well-developed muscles and a large skeleton. The highlight of the breed is the original color: blue, speckled blue, speckled red.

Pros and consphysical strength, endurance;sociability;mind, understanding, pliability to training;devotion to the owner.the desire to lead;stubbornness.

The four-legged shepherd subtly feels the master's mood, understands what to do with the sheep, even without commands, but only by the owner's facial expressions.

Healers prefer a pack lifestyle, like to be in the center of attention, they do not show aggression without need and good reason.

I like it I don't like it

Central Asian Shepherd Dog - Alabai

Alabai - the most massive, hardy, stern representatives of the shepherd group. The weight of males reaches 90 kg, females weigh about 70 kg. An ancient native breed only for an experienced breeder, a beginner will not cope with the hard and rebellious nature of the dog. Due to the large size of the alabai, you should not start in a city apartment, but because of the severity and willfulness - in a family with small children.

Pros and consmind, ingenuity;devotion, friendliness;courage, the desire to protect;ability to adapt to environmental conditions;carelessness in care.aggressiveness;tendency to attack animals and people for no reason;quarrelsomeness with other animals.

On the sheep pasture, the alabai rushes alone to the hardened wolf. Representatives of the breed are used not only as shepherds, but also as fighting dogs.

I like it I don't like it

Bernese Shepherd - Sennenhund

Swiss Shepherd is a dog not only for herding sheep, but also for protection and service purposes. Breeders have tried to maximize positive character traits. The Sennenhound is a wonderful companion for a large family, he willingly participates in children's amusements, and is suitable for keeping in a country house and in a modest city apartment.

Pros and consbeauty, harmonious physique;good nature, calm disposition, lack of aggression;comprehension, problem-free training;getting along with other pets.the need for careful care, regular combing of wool.I like it I don't like it

Welsh Corgi

Few people know that funny short-legged dogs are shepherd dogs. Their original purpose is to control the movement of the herd. The dogs grabbed the sheep by the legs, urging them on, correcting the direction of movement. Today, the Corgi is not a sheep herd, but a decorative dog for indoor keeping.

Pros and consdevotion;comprehension, pliability to training;lack of capriciousness in care and maintenance;activity, playfulness;compactness.instinctive grasping of people by the heels;sonorous voice (this must be taken into account when living in an apartment building).I like it I don't like it

Komondor - Hungarian representative

The ancient Hungarian Shepherd Dog looks large and imposing, but a significant percentage of its body mass is accounted for by its long, tightly dreadlocked coat. The original "fur coat" makes the dog look like sheep, making it almost impossible to see a four-legged shepherd in a moving herd.

Pros and consobedience, understanding;attachment to the family;caring attitude towards children (the dog can be left as a nanny).stubbornness with improper upbringing;complex grooming.

Wool accumulates dirt, smells bad, is difficult to wash, and the slightest scratches on the skin can cause serious inflammation.

I like it I don't like it

South Russian Shepherd Dog (YURO)

A massive, portly dog with a voluminous coat was originally intended to help with sheep herding, but today is used for guarding purposes. Representatives of the breed help the border guards to protect the borders of our country, attacking the enemy, show amazing dexterity and swiftness.

Pros and conshigh intelligence, learning ability;bravery;endurance;endless love and devotion to the owner;positive attitude towards children.aggression and unpredictable behavior with improper upbringing;the need for careful grooming.

The appearance of the dog is cute, cute, not compatible with a serious character. It's hard to believe that this is a born guard, and not a lapdog.

I like it I don't like it

Moody - Hungarian Shepherd Dog

The Hungarian Shepherd Dog is so nimble that it alone is enough to keep track of a large herd of sheep. Can be used as a hunting dog, helps to track down big game.

Pros and consactivity, diligence;lack of aggression;compliance with training;lively and cheerful character;excellent he alth;compact body.

Moody's irrepressible energy must regularly find a way out. This is helped by daily outdoor training, agility, jogging. A medium-sized shepherd dog feels great in room conditions.

I like it I don't like it

German Shepherd

Deservedly considered the best breed created by German breeders. In fact, this dog is a national treasure of Germany. Representatives of the breed do an excellent job of grazing not only sheep, but also cattle. Approximately 100 years ago, the German Shepherd was used to help with military and police tasks.

Pros and consexternal beauty, harmonious physique;mind, ingenuity;trouble-free maintenance in apartment conditions;obedient behaviour.talkativeness.

The German Shepherd is able to perform a variety of tasks, that is, like a Labrador, it is a universal breed in its skills.

I like it I don't like it

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Large dogs with a noble appearance are also called Caucasian wolfhounds. The history of the breed lasts more than 2 thousand years. The purpose of the pet is to protect the sheep, to fight with wild animals that have encroached on the herd. The character of the representatives of the breed is appropriate: brave, uncompromising, decisive, harsh.

From the 18th century to this day, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has been used for guard duty.

Pros and conshigh intelligence;equilibrium;excellent he alth;devotion to the owner, the desire to protect;the possibility of yard maintenance.laziness, stubbornness;inadequate behavior with improper upbringing;mistrustful attitude towards strangers and children.I like it I don't like it1

Bobtail

The sheepdog, bred in England, has long lost the skills of guarding sheep, has turned into a friend and companion. Bobtail can be used as a guide for blind people.

Pros and consgood nature, affection, phlegmatic disposition;devotion to the owner;compliance with training;calm reaction to being left alone;the ability to entertain yourself;good relationship with children.the need for regular and thorough care for the thick curly coat of a pet.I like it I don't like itFinal ranking tableScottish Shepherd (collie)Australian shepherds - healerCentral Asian Shepherd Dog - AlabaiBernese Shepherd Dog - Sennenhundwelsh corgiKomondor - Hungarian representativeSouth Russian Shepherd Dog (YURO)Moody - Hungarian Shepherd DogGerman ShepherdBobtailCaucasian Shepherd Dog-one

Rules for choosing a puppy

Sheepdogs are one of the most convenient dogs in the care and maintenance, they are not capricious, hardy, quick-witted. But when choosing a puppy, some nuances should be taken into account so that there are no problems later:

1. If a farmer needs a pet to guard sheep, then you can buy a cheap pet-category puppy (companion). If you want the dog to participate in exhibitions, you will have to pay a considerable amount for a show-category puppy.
2. Shepherd dogs need freedom, regular exercise. You should not buy a shepherd dog for a homebody or a careerist. Shepherd is not a sofa dog, it needs to be walked twice a day for 2 hours.
3. You should choose a puppy in a reputable kennel, and not from the hands.
4. The seller must provide the buyer with a veterinary passport with he alth and vaccination records, as well as a document confirming the pedigree.
5. When buying, you need to carefully observe the proposed puppies. The selected animal should not be intimidated and aggressive. You can clap your hands over the puppy's head, if he gets scared, starts barking angrily, tries to hide, then his mental state is in disarray.

If it is not possible to provide a shepherd dog with regular walking and proper living conditions, then it is better to pay attention to other breeds that are less in need of attention and physical activity.

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