How to Tell If Your Dog Is a Herding Breed
If you suspect your dog might be a herding breed, you're likely noticing behaviors that harken back to an instinctual past of controlling and managing livestock. Herding dogs were developed to move and protect animals like sheep, cattle, and goats, and many still exhibit these traits even in household settings.
Common Characteristics of Herding Dogs
Herding breeds were selected over generations for their intelligence, responsiveness, and ability to work closely with humans. These dogs typically have strong working drives and need both mental and physical stimulation. Here are key traits that often signal a herding background:
- High energy levels: Require more than just casual walks to stay physically satisfied.
- Strong focus and responsiveness: Often intensely focused on tasks or their owner.
- Loyal and attentive: Tend to stay close and monitor the movements of their family members.
- Protective instincts: May naturally guard family and property.
- Trainability: Quick learners who respond well to commands and structured activities.
Instinctual Herding Behaviors to Watch For
Modified predatory instincts are at the core of herding behavior. Look out for these:
- Nipping at heels: Common in heelers like Australian Cattle Dogs.
- Poking with the nose: Used to prod and guide people or animals.
- Circling: Moving in patterns around people or other animals.
- Chasing: Driving motion as in pursuit of moving animals or even children, bikes, or cars.
- Fixed staring: Especially seen in breeds like Border Collies to control livestock with their eyes.
- Shadowing or walking behind: Staying close behind people, mimicking livestock control movements.
- Frequent barking: Used for control and as an alert signal.
Understanding Herding Commands
Even if your dog doesn’t live on a farm, their instincts may be triggered by familiar phrases. Common commands in the herding world include:
- Come by: Circle livestock clockwise.
- Away to me: Circle counterclockwise.
- Walk up: Approach the animals slowly.
- Stand or wait: Pause movement.
- That will do: End the work and return.
- Hold: Keep livestock in one place.
- Look back: Retrieve any missed animals.
Breeds in the Herding Group
Several breeds are officially classified in the herding category. If your dog is one of these, it’s highly likely they’re predisposed to herding behavior:
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Border Collie
- Australian Shepherd
- Belgian Malinois
- German Shepherd Dog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Shetland Sheepdog
- English Shepherd
- Briard
- Bearded Collie
- Kelpie
- Koolie
- Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Bouvier des Flandres
Unusual but Telling Behaviors
In a home setting, herding dogs may herd the family. If your dog tries to round up children, cats, or other dogs, this is a strong indicator:
- Herding kids or guests around the house or yard.
- Barking or escorting visitors like livestock to a designated area.
- Attempting to control movement of other pets.
Meeting a Herding Dog's Needs
These dogs are energetic and intelligent, and failure to meet their needs can lead to problem behaviors. To ensure their well-being:
- Provide daily physical activity beyond simple walks.
- Engage in mental stimulation through training or games.
- Offer herding-like outlets such as agility, flyball, or dog puzzles.
- Use balls or toys in interactive ways to simulate livestock control.
Should You Own a Herding Breed?
If you're considering welcoming a herding breed into your home—or wondering if your rescue dog fits the bill—it's important to evaluate your lifestyle. These breeds need:
- Time and attention: Can't be left alone or under-stimulated.
- Space to move: A yard is ideal, but regular access to parks or trails works.
- Clear leadership and guidance: They thrive under structure.
With proper training and outlet for energy, herding dogs become loyal, charming, and engaging companions. If you're ready for their drive and intelligence, they can be one of the most rewarding breeds to share life with.
