17 Cattle Dog Breeds That Can Round Up the Herd in a Flash

Always cagey and tremendously fast , these sharp pups be intimate how to recall on their paws .

Cattle hound breed are respect for their quick instincts and fast - as - lightning maneuvering . Rarely has anyone been able to carry off their large herds without the help of trustworthy canid farmhands , and these breeds were build to herd cattle and other livestock .

We verbalize with experts to learn more about these heavily - sour dog breeds . Get to eff 17 of the best cattle herding dogs around the public .

border collie herding cattle

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What Is a Cattle Dog Breed?

Cattle dog breeds are level-headed , focussed , and committed workers . They ’re not of necessity one specific eccentric of weenie ( although one stock has that moniker ) but more of an inherent science stage set held by sealed canine tooth that can be enhanced throughdedicated training .

Duane and Dottie Packard , president and interim repository of theNational Cattledog Association , tell Daily Paws that cattle dogs can travel along direction , yet act upon independently when needed . " The good single con to understand the job you ’re doing and help get it done , more than just doing what they ’re say , " they explicate . " The firedog may be working out of good deal of the handler because of terrain or because they ’re on the back side of the cattle and they have to be able to work without being told every move to make . They need to oppose and manipulate the strain . "

Some herd dogs are more ' strong - eyeball ' , a communicating expressive style that require a mess of eye link with bovines and little barking . Others are ' idle - eyed ' , which intend they apply more movement and barking . Additionally , while certain kine detent breeds foregather the herd together , a select few are ' drovers'—driving them from place to post .

texas heeler jumping over logs

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Bos taurus firedog can be household pets , but these surd workers will be happier with something else to do . " Since working dogs are bred for actual jobs , they usually do n’t make very good darling unless you have a jolly active modus vivendi and give them exit for their drive and energy , " the Packards say , stressing the need for mental and physical stimulation . " If they ’re not given that , they can get eldritch and quirky . "

Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)

To become the namesake of the task , sleek Australian kine dogs ( also predict blue heelers ) are the crossbreed intelligent offspring of British Smithfields , dingoes , Scottish Highland collies , kelpies and , ensure a personable and affectionate canine companion , coach dog . The Australian stumpy tail cattle weenie is a distant cousin . Quite a parentage , but a solid understanding why he ’s master of vast grassland in the sunburnt country , where a distinctive kine station can be millions of acre and home to a ruck of thousands — and he ’s right at your heels , previse a great day together .

Australian Shepherd

You ’ll have both beauty and brains with an Australian sheepherder , as those European blackbird coats and striking eye pull back you into his tantalizing mind . Always eager participants inpositive support trainingand free with bow-wow kisses once the workday is done . Here ’s a fun fact : although Aussies came to the U.S. with Basque shepherd fromAustralia , they ’re not really " Down Under " hound . But these fleet pups are grain in the caption of the American West .

Border Collie

The epitome of a herding professional person , a perimeter collie could train you and me to do the task . Not only one of thesmartest dog breeds , but also one of the fastest — easily zipping off at 30 mph ! These pups are affectionate with their family , but not lazy porch dogs . Experienced pet parentsknow that if this Scottish - Welsh wonder is n’t moooving cattle around , she need intensedaily exerciseand plenty oftricksand agility work to be her happiest self .

Texas Heeler

The spry Texas heeler is amixed breeddog — a cross between the Australian shepherd and Australian oxen dog . Bred specifically for herd , he ’s a tenacious , whip - voguish mastermind who forms a deep bond with his humans . Known for his , um , experimentation , to get what he wants , he might not be the best dearie for afirst - time firedog owner . Consistent attention to improvingcue responseskeeps this gumptious brainiac in top mannequin when he ’s not on the range .

Australian Kelpie

A prized sheepherder in her aboriginal country , the Australian kelpy is also one of the top oxen dogs in the U.S. Nimble , smart as a whip , and full of enthusiasm , if she ’s not with the herd , let her do something every bit exciting and active , such asflyball , dock diving , oragility training . Not one to be contented with just the backyard , a kelpie expects across-the-board unresolved space to roam — and will do so if fence is n’t up to snuff , but does stand still for auricle scritches and snuggles .

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Who has sharp Welsh corgi buttanda tail ? This guy ! hail from Wales , the Cardigan breed uses his sturdy yet agile blue - passenger position to keep off pesky Bos taurus hoof kicking about in the pastures . HisGerman heritagemeans he ’s eager to stay meshed , so if there are n’t any animals to corral , offerpuzzle gamesand other interesting activities to make the most of his intelligence and sparky personality . Both of you will be flirt with for hours !

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

And if you ’re all about thatbutt , ‘bout that buttocks , then the more far Southern Wales Welsh corgi is for you . Although the Pembroke breed courted high favor with the lateQueen Elizabeth II , she ’s far from snooty . This Welsh corgi is more Nordic than German but is still considered a prime cattle herder and not afraid to get her hand soiled . If you do n’t have bovine to round up , keep your skitter smart pup engaged with outside toy that let her show off and burn it off !

Swedish Vallhund

Is this big blackguard a Welsh corgi , too ? No , just a distant congeneric . The Swedish vallhund is so important to the country ’s inheritance , he ’s an official home domestic dog breed . Quite revered for his kine - crowd abilities and company , many Viking warrior were bury with these hardy and persevering canines . Attentive to humans , not only is he a trusty New working dog but also a true companion for just about any activity you desire to do . They do tend tobark(gotta get those large animals in piazza somehow ! ) .

Spanish Water Dog

Always quick torunand especiallyswim , you do n’t often opine of Spanish water dogs herding cattle , but this is a multi - gifted doggy . In primal and southern Spain , they roam the countryside with their ruck and spate . But in the northern part of the country , they work alongside fishermen . Arare breedto find in the U.S. , she fits in well with a family of adults and older children who can keep up with this bright , active pup so long as they provide loving bound — she might be a teensy morsel mischievous if not .

Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres , which mean ' cattle herder of Flanders ' in French , is a fleet - footed , sovereign pooch with purpose . And bouncy ! These dogs actuallybounceto move herd into place . Their side on European farm has downsize quite a bit , but because of sharp senses , they ’ve successfully transition into search and rescue andservice dogopportunities . Yes , you ’ll demand to spend clip grooming , but their tender nature and response to gentle training make this a unequalled preferent foractive hoi polloi .

Bearded Collie

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The bearded collie hails from Scotland , where rancher historically employed them to herd and aim cattle and sheep . Their long , hardy coats offer protection from harsh weather but can be trimmed short in warmer climate . Regardless , they will postulate even brushing and preparation . In addition to their superior herding abilities , beardies make excellentfamily dogsfor fighting households .

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The rare Australian stumpy tooshie cattle heel is believed to be the first dog breed develop in Australia . They partake inheritance with Australian cattle dogs but are a distinct strain have it off for their bobbed tails , which are present at birth ( not dock ) . Brave , up-and-coming , and super - saucy , these dogs will excel at just about any job you teach them , including herding , dog sportsman , and service work .

Old English Sheepdog

Despite the name , Old English sheepdog were in the first place bred to drive large herds of cows and other farm animal from place to place . Big , fluffy , and goofy at first coup d’oeil , it ’s hard to think these dogs as serious workers , but they stand out at their task . The OES is also quite affectionate and deeply fast to family appendage and will likely follow you around when not backbreaking at work . Frequent grooming is indispensable but can be reduce by pare their coats short .

Black Mouth Cur

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Their root are ill-defined , but it ’s believed that the disastrous back talk cur was developed by European settlers who came to the southerly U.S. with multi - purpose wienerwurst . These dog-iron were treasured as loyal companions who look after their human family unit and work severely on farms and ranches to protect livestock . Today ’s calamitous lip curs are still used for herding , driving , and run but have become more pop as dearie for highly active families .

Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren was named for the village in Belgium where it was developed into a various farm wiener used to herd farm animal . guard animals and protect property . This level-headed dog is intense , determined , and highly fast to their human class member , but can be mistrustful of strangers . Although Tervs can be house pet , they ’ll only flourish in extremely active homes . If not used for herding or other farm work , it ’s best to get them involved in a hotdog sport that engages their mind and body .

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois reckon ( and work ) a lot like the nearly relate Tervuren and shares a similar chronicle as a severely - working farm detent and loyal fellow traveler . Today , they ’re chiefly see make for the police or military , a use in which they thrive . Malinois are not idealistic house pets because they need to be constantly on the move , using their brain and brawn to watch pedagogy and clear problems .

German Shepherd Dog

The German shepherd dog is one of themost pop dogs in the United States . Today , they ’re often seen as military or police work dogs , but the breed was primitively developed to work on farms . Although " sheepman " is in their name , German shepherd blackguard are able of herding more than sheep . They can manage all kinds of livestock , cattle include . And if there are no animals to herd , you may see them round up kids and other family member .

Australian Kelpie dogs herding cattle