• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dogs have been helping us at work for thousands of years, and herding is a common job for many dog breeds.

In fact, records of sheepdogs date back to 3000 BCE—so herding livestock is one of the first jobs dogs had after domestication.

Plenty of herding dog breeds still work full time, but others have different jobs as family companions. Some herding breeds can do well as pets, as long as they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation!

Read on to learn more about 14 top herding dog breeds below and discover the best one for you—whether you’re searching for a loyal livestock dog or family pet.

Characteristics of a Herding Dog

Herding dogs come in all sizes, and their personalities often depend on the type of livestock they were bred to work with.

For example, breeds meant to work with big animals, like cattle, will be strong-willed and tough, explains Dr. Paige Adams, a veterinarian with Etowah Pet Hospital and Border Collie enthusiast. Dogs bred to herd smaller animals, like sheep, are often gentler and more sensitive.

But despite their genetic differences, most herding dogs a few main traits in common.

• Athletic builds: Herding dogs have a combination of sturdiness and lean muscle for maximum agility in the field.
• Strong stamina: Their ancestors had to spend long days in a pasture or roving cross-country, so modern herding breeds tend to have plenty of energy to burn.
• High intelligence: Herding dogs are smart dogs, with excellent memories and the thinking skills to understand and recall complicated commands.
• Strong perception: Herding dogs need to have sharp eyesight to spot stray livestock and good hearing to pick up faint sounds, like a whistle from their handler in the distance.

How herding style affects a dog’s instincts

Some dogs have slightly different herding instincts, depending on the type of herding they were bred to do.

• Gathering: Gathering dogs want to round livestock into a group and bring them back to a handler. These instincts help a dog round up flocks for the night or move them to different pastures.
• Driving/Droving: Driving dogs want to keep livestock moving away from a handler. Historically, dogs with these instincts kept animals moving over long distances, like when driving cattle to market.
• Tending: Tending dogs keep livestock in a certain area and watch for predators. These instincts came in handy for keeping animals safe in a fenceless pasture.

Some breeds or individual dogs may favor one type of herding or have mixed instincts.

Australian Cattle Dog

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Short
• Coat colors: Blue, red
• Herding style: Driving
• Best for herding: Cattle

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred in the 19th century to herd cattle in the Australian outback. You may also know them by their alternative name, heelers. They got this name from the way they herd: nipping at cows’ heels to get them to move along.

Modern heelers can thrive as pets when they get plenty of activity, including dog sports, hiking, or a hearty play session with their people.

Bearded Collie

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Brown, blue, black, or fawn
• Herding style: Gathering and driving
• Best for herding: Sheep, cattle

Bearded Collies are one of the oldest dog breeds in the U.K. The word “collie” comes from the Gaelic word “useful,” and many modern ““Beardies” continue to live up to their namesake by herding sheep and cattle. Others make playful and perceptive family companions.

Whether your Collie works with livestock or keeps you company on the couch, their shaggy double coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting.

Border Collie

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Medium
• Coat colors: Black and white
• Herding style: Gathering
• Best for herding: Sheep

Border Collies date back to the 1800s, making them a relatively young herding breed, but they quickly became one of the most popular sheep-herding dogs in the world, thanks to their athleticism, sensitivity, and extreme intelligence.

As pets, Dr. Adams explains that they need plenty of training, patience, and mental and physical activity to thrive.

“Border Collies are the ultimate velcro dogs,” Dr. Adams says. These dogs are affectionate and love being near you—but they might want to spend most of the day active together!

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• Size: Small
• Coat type: Long or short
• Coat colors: Red, sable, fawn, black tricolor, red tricolor
• Herding style: Driving
• Best for herding: Cattle, sheep, ducks

Would you believe these squat, lovable dogs were first bred to herd cattle? Long before the Pembroke Welsh Corgi became Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite dog, they herded cows by nipping at their ankles. Their small size helped protect them from kicks!

Corgis have whip-smart minds and mischievous natures. As pets, they may use their ankle-nipping instincts to herd family members if they don’t get proper training and enough activity.

German Shepherd

• Size: Large
• Coat type: Short or long
• Coat colors: Red, black, tan
• Herding style: Tending
• Best for herding: Sheep

One of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, the German Shepherd dates back to the 1890s. Originally, they worked tending sheep and protecting them from wolves.

A modern German Shepherd’s protective instincts make them excellent dogs for herding or police work. They can also light up a family home, thanks to their sensitivity, loyalty, and high play drive—but they need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation to thrive.

Old English Sheepdog

• Size: Large
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Blue, grey, white
• Herding style: Driving
• Best for herding: Sheep

Don’t let the Old English Sheepdog’s plush, teddy bear looks fool you. These dogs are solid muscle underneath their shaggy coats, which helped them thrive as sheepdogs in 1800s England.

While many modern Old English Sheepdogs still have their herding instincts, many are perfectly content as gentle, playful companions. Just be ready to spend an hour or so on coat maintenance every week!

Shetland Sheepdog

• Size: Small
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Black, blue, merle, sable, tricolor
• Herding style: Tending
• Best for herding: Sheep, ducks

The Shetland Sheepdog may resemble like a miniature Rough Collie, they have a slightly different ancestry. They originated in the Shetland Islands in the early 20th century, where they worked tending sheep and alerting farmers to potential danger.

Modern Shelties still have a sharp bark that may not thrill your neighbors. But their devotion, spirit, and will to please make them impossible not to love.

Australian Shepherd

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Black, blue merle, red merle, red
• Herding style: Driving
• Best for herding: Sheep, cattle

The Australian Shepherd has a misleading name, as they were first bred in America, not Australia, in the 1800s. These dogs worked by driving cattle and sheep to their grazing grounds.

These dogs make beloved pets around the world, thanks to their bright personalities and trainability. Plus, their stumpy tails make their whole back end wags when they’re happy!

However, due to their high energy, their bodies and brains need vigorous activity through pastimes like dog sports or hiking.

Belgian Sheepdog

• Size: Large
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Black
• Herding style: Tending
• Best for herding: Sheep, cattle

The Belgian Sheepdog is a sister dog to the Belgian Malinois, but these dogs stand apart thanks to their long, solid black coats and lion-like “manes.” They were first bred in the 1800s to tend sheep and cattle.

Today, Belgian Sheepdogs also thrive at other jobs, like police work or search and rescue, due to their intelligence and strong working drive. They also make loyal and spirited companions for families who want an active dog.

Australian Kelpie

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Short
• Coat colors: Black and tan, blue, red, red and tan, chocolate, fawn
• Herding style: Gathering, driving
• Best for herding: Cattle, sheep

Australian Kelpies may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but they have gained popularity as working dogs on farms and excel at different herding styles.

As pets, Kelpies are intuitive and loving “velcro dogs” who want to do everything alongside you. But they can have a stubborn streak, which means they need an experienced dog parent to train them.

Finnish Lapphund

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Any solid color
• Herding style: Gathering
• Best for herding: Sheep

The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient dog bred by the Sami people of Lapland to herd reindeer in frigid conditions.

Modern Lapphunds still have their herding instincts, and some now work with sheep instead of reindeer. These friendly, sensitive dogs make good companions for active families, but their fluffy coats require frequent brushing and maintenance.

Icelandic Sheepdog

• Size: Small
• Coat type: Long, short
• Coat colors: Black, chocolate, tan, red, grey, cream
• Herding style: Driving
• Best for herding: Sheep

Another working breed built for cold weather, the Icelandic Sheepdog has worked driving sheep since 874 CE.

These small, gentle dogs can also make ideal best friends for people who want a friendly and loyal pup. Just keep in mind they’re very vocal dogs, so prepare for plenty of barking.

Puli

• Size: Medium, small, toy
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Black, grey, white
• Herding style: Gathering, driving
• Best for herding: Cattle, sheep

The Puli comes from Hungary, where they were carefully bred to herd sheep and cattle over hundreds of years. This breed has a corded coat that might make them look like a walking mop—but it keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer without slowing them down.

Puli pet parents will have to put plenty of maintenance into this breed’s unique coat, but these dogs are friendly, playful, and great with kids.

Briard

• Size: Medium
• Coat type: Long
• Coat colors: Any except white
• Herding style: Gathering, driving, tending
• Best for herding: Cattle, sheep

The Briard comes from France, where they were bred as all-around herding dogs for a wide variety of livestock.

While modern Briards are rare in the US, they still thrive as adaptable herding dogs and make loyal and affectionate pets. They can have an independent streak and often make good guard dogs.

Best Cues To Teach Your Herding Dog

Whether they’ll be working dogs or family pets, all herding breeds need regular training to exercise their minds and learn their roles.

“A dog that chases livestock for fun or treats kids like sheep isn’t safe or effective in either role,” Dr. Adams says.

Most herding dogs learn variations of the same basic commands—and these commands can also work well for pets. Examples include:

• That’ll do/All done: This command gets the dog to stop their current command or leave the sheep. It works the same way as the “leave it” command, Dr. Adams explains.
• Steady/take time: This command tells a dog to approach livestock slowly and carefully. It can also come in handy when getting your dog to slow down on a leash or at the dog park.
• Walk in/go in: This command tells your dog to walk forward. It can also be useful for directing your dog’s movements when they’re off leash.
• Come by/go by: This command asks the dog to run around the flock clockwise from their handler.
• Away to me/way to me: This command asks the dog to run counterclockwise from the handler. Both this command and “come by” can help channel your dog’s energy while running in the backyard.

Don’t have any sheep hanging out at home? You can substitute training these commands with a herding ball.

To get started, search for herding classes and programs in your area. For example, the American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) offers classes with real livestock and a test program to gauge your dog’s skills. You can view upcoming classes by state on their event calendar.

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

There’s no doubt dogs make wonderful companions, but some were literally born for it. While beloved breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers were developed for specific jobs, companion dog breeds generally have no working history. They’re bred simply to provide love, comfort, and support to their families.

But what do dogs bred for companionship look like today? It might surprise you that they’re not all toy breeds and lap dogs. Companion breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even working breeds that have developed a reputation for family-friendliness.

For our purposes, a companion dog breed is one that is people-oriented. These dogs form close bonds with family, preferring to spend time with their human pack over all else. They’re friendly, eager to please, and adaptable to various lifestyles (as long as their emotional and physical needs are met).

Ready to find your new furry best friend? We’ve assembled a list of the 15 best companion breeds to help you get started on your journey.

1. Affenpinscher

Originally developed as mousers, Affenpinschers have become popular as small companion dogs. They’re known for their wild, wiry coats and affectionate personalities. Weighing no more than 10 pounds at maturity, this small breed is well-suited to apartment life. Requiring moderate daily exercise, they’ll be satisfied with indoor play sessions and a walk or two outside.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short to medium, wiry
• Height: 9-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-10 pounds
• Colors: Black, black and tan, black and silver, red, beige
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

2. Bichon Frise

An all-around friendly little dog, the Bichon Frise was developed for companionship among European nobility. Bichons get along well with children and other dogs. They also tend to respond well to positive reinforcement training and have been known to excel in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and even canine freestyle dance. While their personalities are relatively undemanding, their fluffy coats require regular grooming.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, curly, double-coated
• Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds
• Colors: Usually white (sometimes with areas of apricot, buff, or cream color)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Individuals, families, people with allergies

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—affectionately known as Cavs, for short—are intelligent and eager to please. Though developed from larger sporting spaniels, they were always intended as a companion dog breed. They’re known for their gentle, loving temperaments and playful natures. While well-suited for family life, their silky coats require regular upkeep.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, wavy, and silky
• Height: 12-13 inches
• Weight: 13-18 pounds
• Colors: Blenheim, black and tan, black and white, ruby
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Families with children, urban dwellers, multi-pet households

4. Chihuahua

The epitome of a large dog in a small body, Chihuahuas are known for their big, sassy personalities. Originally developed in Mexico, they’re one of the oldest dog breeds native to the Americas but have adapted well to modern life, especially city life. Chihuahuas require consistent socialization and training—responding well to positive methods—but they make loyal and loving companions for many homes.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short or medium-length and smooth
• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 6 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, urban dwellers, families with older children

5. Cocker Spaniel

Bred for hunting and retrieving, Cocker Spaniels retain their athleticism, but their loving personalities make them good companion dogs. The Cocker Spaniel shines as a family pet, getting along equally well with children and other dogs. They’re affectionate, playful, and gentle by nature but do require regular grooming and plenty of exercise.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
• Colors: Black, golden, liver, red, parti-color
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, multi-pet households

6. French Bulldog

Easily identifiable by their big, bat-like ears and short snouts, French Bulldogs are popular among city dwellers. With their playful temperaments and moderate exercise and mental stimulation needs, Frenchies are less demanding than some other small breeds. They’ll be happy with a daily walk, some active play, and plenty of quality time with the people they love.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: Up to 28 pounds
• Colors: Brindle, solid colors, parti-color
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

7. Golden Retriever

While technically a working breed developed for hunting, the Golden Retriever consistently ranks among the most popular dog breeds in the US. Goldens are beloved for their sweet and affectionate personalities, as well as their intelligence and eagerness to please. These dogs make great family pets and adapt to a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a family companion or an adventure buddy, this breed is one to consider.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length and double-coated
• Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
• Colors: Dark to light golden
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, families with children

8. Havanese

Natives of Cuba, Havanese dogs are smart, playful, and silly. Born extroverts and former circus dogs, they’re eager to make friends with anyone who crosses their path while remaining devoted to their human families. The Havanese is the quintessential companion dog breed, but they also excel in dog sports, such as obedience and trick training. Despite the length of their silky double coats, they don’t shed excessively and may be appropriate for allergy sufferers.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, people with allergies

9. Maltese

Known for their long, silky coats, the Maltese dog was bred specifically for companionship. While sometimes stubborn, they’re smart and charming and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training. Maltese are incredibly affectionate with their human families and are happiest with caretakers who have plenty of time, affection, and attention to dedicate to them.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Colors: White (sometimes with lemon or tan markings)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

10. Papillon

With their elegant appearance, you might not expect the Papillon to be as hardy and athletic as a dog twice their size. However, they make incredible agility dogs and consistently rank as top contenders in the sport. For those less ambitious, these pups can also learn all types of tricks.

Friendly and energetic, Papillons are affectionate with family and are one of the best dog breeds for first-time pet parents. Because they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they’re best suited to active lifestyles or pet parents interested in training their pup for dog sports.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length and silky
• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Colors: Various combinations of white, black, red, sable, and fawn
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, urban dwellers

11. Pomeranian

Though descended from working breeds like the German Spitz, the Pomeranian is a companion dog through and through. This tiny toy breed has a long, fluffy coat and an affectionate personality, making them the ideal cuddle buddy. Pomeranians are bright and alert but not overly energetic. They’ll appreciate a daily walk or active training session followed by a quick nap curled up in your lap.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

12. Poodle

With three sizes to choose from, the Poodle is a versatile breed. The largest of the three, the Standard Poodle, was bred for water retrieving. However, the smaller Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle are primarily kept for companionship. Poodles are smart, sweet, and low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies. If you’re up to the challenge of regular trims and consistent training, a Poodle could be your perfect pup.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and curly
• Height: Up to 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)
• Colors: White, gray, brown, cream, red, silver, apricot
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, people with allergies

13. Pug

Charming, affectionate, and mellow, the Pug is well-suited to urban life. These little dogs need daily exercise, but a neighborhood walk or two should do. Afterward, they’re perfectly happy to snuggle up on the couch for a snooze. Pugs are generally good with other dogs and get along well with children, making them an excellent fit for families and multi-pet households. Just prepare yourself for some loud snoring!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds
• Colors: Black, fawn
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

14. Shih Tzu

Another pint-sized pup known for having luxurious locks, the Shih Tzu is the ideal companion dog breed. They’re highly affectionate—particularly with children—and have only moderate requirements for exercise and mental stimulation. As long as you’re willing to maintain their coats, Shih Tzus are adaptable to a variety of lifestyles.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Silky and flowy double coat
• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Colors: Widely varied
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

15. Yorkshire Terrier

Affectionately known as Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin. However, their beautiful coats and affectionate personalities quickly earned them a lasting place among the best companion dog breeds. They’re small, smart, and sometimes bossy, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more loyal friend.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Colors: Blue and gold, blue and tan, black and tan, black and gold
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles or families, urban dwellers, people with allergies