Herding Dog
Dogs
Herding Dog
Australian Cattle Dog | Australian Kelpie | Australian Shepherd | Bearded Collie | Belgian Shepherd Dog | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tevueren) | Border Collie | Bouvier des Flandres | Briard | Canaan Dog | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | English Shepherd | German Shepherd Dog | Koolie | McNab | Old English Sheepdog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Puli | Pyrenean Mountain Dog | Pyrenean Shepherd | Rough Collie | Shetland Sheepdog | Smooth Collie
A Koolie
working with sheep.
A herding dogor pastoral breed is a
dog that either has
been trained in
herding or that is a member of a
breed
developed for herding. Some herding breeds work well with any kinds of animals;
others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and
have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their
ability to handle these animals. Commonly herded animals include
cattle,
sheep, and
reindeer.
Herding dog is also sometimes used to refer to dogs whose primary job
is to guard the herd from
predators
and to be sure that it does not go astray. A
Maremma Sheepdog is an example. For more information about dogs of this
type, see
Livestock guardian dog.
In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a
subcategory of
working
dogs, but for
dog shows
they usually form a separate
group.
Herding behavior
A
Border Collie at work with
goats.
Dogs can herd other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the
Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals' heels (for this reason
they are called heelers). Others, notably the
Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called eye
to stare down the animals; they are known as headers. The
Koolie has been
observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges.
Koolies are therefore said to 'head', 'heel', and 'back'.
All herding behavior is modified
predatory
behavior.
Most herding breeds have physical characteristics that help them with their
work, including speed and endurance. Shorter breeds, such as
Welsh
Corgis, were bred so that they would be out of the way when
cattle, their
primary charges, kicked at them.
Herding dogs as pets
Due to their intelligence and beauty, herding dogs are often chosen as family
pets. It is important
to remember that these dogs have been
bred to work, and must be kept active. Herding breeds will herd family
members, particularly children, in the absence of other charges.
Breed list
Herding breeds include the following:
See also
References
- "DOGS, WORKING"[1],
from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock,
originally published in 1966. Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand,
updated 11-Jul-2005
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