• 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.

Pumi Origins and Heritage

The Pumi is a distinctive herding breed from Hungary, developed in the 1700s by crossing the Puli with various German and French dogs. Its lineage is also believed to include terrier ancestry, which may explain the breed’s lively temperament and sharp instincts.

Originally bred to drive cattle and herd pigs and sheep, the Pumi quickly gained a reputation for being both energetic and highly intelligent. These dogs didn’t just help manage livestock—they also worked as reliable watchdogs and natural vermin exterminators. The breed’s name first appeared in historical records in 1815.

Purpose and Modern Roles of the Pumi

While the Pumi was once primarily a herding and guarding dog, its role has expanded over the years. Today, the breed is commonly found in homes as a lively companion and family pet. It’s also a strong performer in various dog sports.

• Popular in agility and obedience competitions
• Frequently seen in dog shows thanks to its unique appearance and alert personality
• Valued for being quick-learning, responsive, and eager to please

For more on the Pumi’s success in performance sports, see our article on the top dog breeds for agility.

Pumi Temperament and Behavior

The Pumi is affectionate with family but tends to be cautious around strangers. It’s an alert, energetic breed that thrives in active homes—especially when socialized early.
Training is generally easy, but these dogs need structure. Without clear leadership, a Pumi may become stubborn or overly vocal.

You’ll want to:

• Set consistent boundaries
• Reinforce commands regularly
• Use positive training techniques

To build trust and respect, make sure you establish leadership early. This helps prevent dominant behavior and keeps routines smooth.

Pumik can also be quite vocal. Some barking is natural for this alert breed, but it can get excessive. If that becomes a problem, here are tips on how to manage a dog that barks too much.

Quick temperament facts:

• Very loyal and responsive to training
• Needs mental stimulation and regular exercise
• Not a quiet or laid-back breed
• Can be strong-willed if under-stimulated
• Gets along well with other dogs and kids—when socialized early

With the right guidance, the Pumi offers a lively and engaging companionship that’s well-suited for experienced owners.

Is the Pumi the Right Dog for You?

The Pumi isn’t a breed for those with tight schedules or a preference for quiet lap dogs. This is an energetic, working-minded dog that thrives with owners who can keep up with its active lifestyle.

Ideal conditions for a Pumi:

• Daily exercise and playtime
• Plenty of mental stimulation
• A home in the suburbs or countryside
• Owners with time and consistency

Though grooming can be moderately demanding, the breed is generally healthy and low-risk for major health problems.

Other important considerations:

• Needs early and consistent socialization
• Responds well to positive, reinforced training
• Typically gets along with children and enjoys being outdoors

If you can offer time, attention, and daily physical activity, the Pumi can be a fun, loyal, and highly rewarding companion.

Exercise Needs of the Pumi

High

HIGH: The Pumi has high energy levels and thrives on daily physical activity. Without regular exercise, this breed can become restless or develop behavioral issues.

This is not an ideal apartment dog. The Pumi prefers open spaces and active environments where it can move freely and stay mentally engaged.

Best conditions for meeting a Pumi’s exercise needs:

• A suburban or rural setting with room to run
• Daily walks, play sessions, or fetch games
• Access to outdoor spaces for off-leash activity
• Tasks or routines that give the dog a sense of purpose

If you’re looking for a dog that enjoys staying active and can keep up with your outdoor lifestyle, the Pumi will be a great fit.

Grooming Requirements for the Pumi

Medium

MEDIUM: The Pumi has a distinctive curly coat that doesn’t form cords, making grooming a bit easier than some other herding breeds. Shedding is minimal, but regular upkeep is still important.

Basic grooming routine:

• Brush the coat every 1–2 weeks to prevent matting and remove loose hair
• Schedule full or professional grooming every 3 months
• Trim ear hair and clip nails as needed—tools like PediPaws can help make nail care easier
• Brush your Pumi’s teeth regularly to support long-term health; learn why dental care matters for pets

With routine maintenance and proper care, the Pumi’s coat remains healthy and easy to manage, adding to the breed’s overall appeal for active and committed owners.

Common Health Problems in the Pumi

Low

LOW: If the grooming needs gave you pause, here’s some good news—the Pumi is generally a very healthy breed.

Serious health concerns are rare, but there are a few conditions to be aware of:

• Hip dysplasia is the most common issue, though it occurs infrequently in this breed. Learn more about hip dysplasia in dogs.
• Degenerative myelopathy, a spinal cord disease, may appear in some lines. More on degenerative myelopathy.
• Primary lens luxation affects the eyes and is another rare condition. Details here on lens luxation in dogs.

Aside from these, most Pumik enjoy long, healthy lives with minimal medical issues. Routine vet care and early health screenings can help maintain their well-being.

Adopt, Don’t Buy

If you do consider getting a pumi, please look into rescues and adoption resources. Even purebred animals often wind up in shelters. Try out Petful’s adoptable pet search.

Because the pumi is a rare breed, you may not find one through adoption resources. You can also check with rescue groups and breeders. If you do choose to go to a breeder, please make sure the breeder is reputable: Be aware of some common puppy mill warning signs.

Related Dog Breed Profiles You May Like

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Additional Resources

• American Kennel Club: Pumi Page
• Breed Club: The Hungarian Pumi Club of America