{"id":40031,"date":"2024-08-28T14:58:03","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T12:58:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/62c2bb21-8af8-4b19-b204-7951321969b7"},"modified":"2024-09-03T16:26:40","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T14:26:40","slug":"herding-dog-breeds-guide-their-characteristics-history-and-how-they-make-loyal-loving-pets","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/herding-dog-breeds-guide-their-characteristics-history-and-how-they-make-loyal-loving-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Herding dog breeds guide: their characteristics, history and how they make loyal, loving pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Herding dog breeds are more than just loyal companions\u2014they’re intelligent, hardworking, and bred for a purpose. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 28 August 2024 at 12:58 PM<\/p>

\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>

Great Britain is rich with diversity in dog breeds, from the big and small, smooth\u00a0to\u00a0shaggy, \u00a0with\u00a0all having been bred for different roles over the years, although many are perhaps better known as family companions these days.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Herding dog breeds guide:<\/h2>
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\u2019s character and temperament.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Border Collie<\/h3>
Border Collies are highly trainable herding dogs, known for its work ethic and loyalty. Credit: Ruth Dalyrmple Kennel Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>
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. <\/p>
They are thought to be one of the most intelligent breeds, and they are also energetic and curious by nature. <\/p>
Thanks to their energy and aptitude, they often thrive at canine activities such as agility and flyball.<\/p>
Bearded Collie<\/h3>
$\"bearded$
The Bearded Collie has a joyful personality perfect for both work and companionship. Credit: Ruth Dalrymple and the Kennel Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The shaggy-coated Bearded Collie is a herding dog which were traditionally\u00a0bred to\u00a0herd cattle and sheep in the Borders<\/a> and Highlands of Scotland. <\/p>
Responsive, intelligent and hard-working, they tend to be very trainable and willing to please. <\/p>
At its peak, in the late 1980s, the Bearded Collie was registering nearly 2,000 puppy births\u00a0annually, 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.<\/p>
Rough Collie<\/h3>
$\"rough$
The Rough Collie is known for its luxurious coat and loyal, gentle nature. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Originating from Scotland where it was bred as a working sheepdog, the\u00a0Rough Collie\u00a0is perhaps best known as the film and TV hero, Lassie, as well as\u00a0for\u00a0its \u2018glamorous\u2019 coat which does require daily grooming. <\/p>
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\u2019s \u2018At Watch\u2019 list (breeds recording between 300 and 450 puppies annually).\u00a0<\/p>
Smooth Collie<\/h3>
$\"smooth$
The Smooth Collie is valued for its agility, loyalty, and friendly demeanor. Credit: Ruth Dalrymple and the Kennel Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The\u00a0lesser-known cousin of the Rough Collie, sharing the same sheepdog origins, the breed is sadly also on The Kennel Club\u2019s vulnerable breed<\/a> list (breed recording less than 300 puppies annually). <\/p>
An energetic and intelligent breed, thanks to their background, they enjoy lots of exercise and mental stimulation. \u00a0\u200b<\/p>
Shetland Sheepdog<\/h3>
$\"shetland$
The Shetland Sheepdog is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Credit: Lisa Croft-Elliott The Kennel Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Hailing from the small isles of Shetland<\/a> in Scotland, Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent\u00a0dogs that share similarities with Collies, and as their name suggests, originally were bred to work as sheepdogs. <\/p>
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.<\/p>
Cardigan Welsh Corgi<\/h3>
$\"Cardigan$
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is celebrated for its intelligence, and friendly, loyal temperament. Credit: Ruth Dalrymple and the Kennel Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>
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\u00a0thought to be the older of the\u00a0two, and\u00a0are very\u00a0intelligent dogs. <\/p>
Corgis are active and alert, having been originally bred to help farmers with livestock.\u00a0<\/p>
Lancashire Heeler<\/h3>
$\"Lancashire$
A versatile and energetic working dog known for its friendly demeanor. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Lancashire Heelers are small dogs with a big personality, whose ancestors include the Welsh Corgi and Manchester Terrier. <\/p>
Previously known as the Ormskirk Heeler, as they were used to herd cattle from Wales to the markets in the Ormskirk area of Lancashire<\/a>. <\/p>
Intelligent, affectionate and loyal dogs, they’re sadly also classed as vulnerable, having only recorded 108 puppy births\u00a0in 2023.<\/p>
Old English Sheepdog<\/h3>
$\"old$
Old English Sheepdog’s are known for their gentle temperament and loyal nature. Credit: Ruth Dalyrmple Kennel Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Affectionately known over the past few decades as the \u2018Dulux\u2019 dog, and instantly\u00a0recognisable\u00a0by its shaggy \u2018blue and white\u2019 coat, their numbers have sadly dwindled in recent years and are currently classed as \u2018At Watch\u2019 by The Kennel Club.\u00a0<\/p>
They are a steady, intelligent and lively breed, although, owing to\u00a0their\u00a0size and coat, require more than two hours exercise each day, as well as daily grooming.<\/p>
Find out more<\/h4>
Read about The Kennel Club’s campaign<\/a> to save vulnerable and\u00a0\u2018At Watch\u2019 breeds. For more information about all 222 pedigree breeds can be found by visiting the The Kennel Club<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>
Love dogs? <\/h4>
Check out our\u00a0 pets<\/a>\u00a0section for advice on dog care from\u00a0 how to get rid of fleas<\/a>\u00a0to why\u00a0 dogs eat grass<\/a>\u00a0and how to\u00a0 house train your puppy<\/a>\u00a0You can also find\u00a0 dog walking<\/a>\u00a0inspiration and expert advice to help your\u00a0 dog behave beautifully on walks\u00a0<\/a>in our dog guides<\/p>
We have also rounded up a selection of\u00a0 dog whistles\u00a0<\/a>for recall,\u00a0 dog water bottles<\/a>\u00a0and even\u00a0 dog jackets<\/a>\u00a0for your four-legged friend.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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