The American Tundra Shepherd Dog is a working dog and a family companion. The breed was developed beginning in the late 1960's as part of the US Governments superdog program. This experiment entailed crossing German Shepherd dogs to Alaskan Tundra Wolves. The ATS is a large size dog with looks reminiscent of its unique ancestry. They bond very close with their immediate family. American Tundra Shepherds mature slower than most other breeds, are energetic and have a long life expectancy.

FCI Group 2. Not recognized by AKC. County of origin: Switzerland. In 1853 an Appenzeller Mountain Dog (also know as a Sennenhund) was first described in the book "Tierleben der Alpenwelt" (Animal Life in the Alps) as "...a clearly barking, short haired, medium size, multicolour cattledog of a quite even Spitz type, which can be found in certain regions and is used partly to guard the homestead, partly to herd cattle."

Today it is a versatile working and family dog.

The Australian Cattle Dog, or Queensland Blue Heeler, was developed by ranchers in Australia in the 1830's by crossing the Smithfield with the Dingo. Other breeds where then added to the mix to create a sound herding dog with the stamina to work over wide areas and in harsh conditions. In 1903 the breed was recognized by the New South Wales Kennel Club.

A short-coated, medium sized, alert breed born with a strong instinct for herding and guarding, the Australian Kelpie evolved as a breed shortly after the immigration of colonists from Great Britain to Australia introduced sheep to the continent. One account claims the breed resulted from a collie/dingo cross, while another suggests the breed resulted from a cross between a collie from the north of England and a black and tan female from New South Wales, Australia. Currently, the Australian Kelpie is recognized as being in FCI (Group 1).

Within this category you will find information on the various associations, breeders, and fanciers promoting this breed.

Often referred to as the "Aussie", the Australian Shepherd is a delightfully intelligent dog of strong herding and guarding instincts, and makes the perfect family dog. They are an extremely loyal companion and have the stamina and drive to work or play all day, but can be equally as happy to hang out and do nothing with their owners. Well balanced, slightly longer than tall, and of medium size and bone, this breed offers several coat coloring including black/tan/white, blue merle, and red/white. Blue eyes in the merle are not uncommon, and in fact lend a distinct individuality to the Aussie's sweet, happy face. Without doubt this breed is always attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness.

From the island of San Miguel in the Azores, the rustic Portuguese cattle dog has an unusual head, which evokes that of the hyena or the Lycaon.

The breed dates back to at least the 1800s. A standard was published in 1984 and the breed was recognized by the FCI in 1995.

The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog with a delightful, fun-loving personality. Gentle, easy-going, and agile, the "Beardie" has a bright inquiring expression that is a distinctive feature of the breed. Their coat is grey and white, weather proof, medium long and straight enough to split down the length of the back to hang on either side, lending a distinct jaunty aire to the dog when it trots. Bred for centuries as a herding dog, the Bearded Collie is a devoted and intelligent member of the family.

Although the official name of the breed is Berger de Beauce (shepherd of the Beauce), they are also known as Bas Rouge ( Red Stockings), but are more commonly referred to as the Beauceron. A large, smooth coated breed, it is still best known in its native France, but can also be found in Belgium, Holland and Germany.

It is said to have originated in a plains region surrounding Paris known "La Beauce" dating back to the 1500's as a livestock herding and guard dog, most often with sheep but also with cattle. In both World Wars the military used this breed on the front lines to run messages as these dogs were undeterred by exploding bombs or military fire. They were also used to pick up trails, detect mines, support commando actions, find the wounded and carry food and ammunition to the front lines.

The Beauceron is still used extensively for herding and livestock protection, as well as sports such as Schutzhund and use by the K-9 police.

The Malinois is a variety of Belgian Shepherd Dog with a short fawn coat with black overlay and mask. The AKC recognizes the Belgian Malinois as a separate breed.

There are three other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog: Groenendael, Laekenois, and Belgian Tervuren.

With the exception of the AKC, the Belgian Shepherd Dog is recognized as a single breed with four types or varieties based on coat and color:

Groenendael - long-coated solid black
Laekenois - rough-coated fawn with traces of black
Malinois - short-coated fawn with black overlay and mask
Tervuren - long-coated fawn with black overlay

The AKC recognizes three of the types as separate breeds: Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, and the Belgian Sheepdog (the Groenendael). It does not recognize the Laekenois.

The Tervuren is a variety of Belgian Shepherd Dog with a long fawn coat with black overlay. The AKC recognizes the Belgian Tervuren as a separate breed.

There are three other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog: Groenendael, Laekenois, and Belgian Malinois.

The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is an ancient guarding and working sheepdog breed of the Italian Alps, taking its name from the Bergamasco Valley. Modernization in the mid-1900's lead to the near extinction of the breed. Today, Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs are family companions and working herders.

The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Shepherd and Picardian Shepherd, is an ancient breed from the Picardie region of France. The breed was almost extinct by the mid-1900's and is still limited in numbers. Today the Berger Picard participates in dogsports, is a family companion and guardian, and works in Search and Rescue.

A working dog, developed in Texas in the late 19th Century, known for its tracking and herding abilities.

The border collie is typically an outstanding sheep dog, and has been used along the English-Scottish border for around 300 years. The breed is now very popular for many handlers participating in obedience, agility and fly-ball.

The Bouvier des Flandres ("Cattle Dog of Flanders") is a descendant of working cattle and farm dogs in the area that is now Belgium and the Netherlands. Refinement of the breed began around 1900, with the first standard developed in 1912, and the first breed club established in Belgium in 1922. However, the breed suffered heavy loses during the World Wars - during which it served as messengers, ambulance bearers, guard dogs, and trackers - and was restored from a small gene pool.

Today the Bouvier des Flandres remains a working dog - police dog, search and rescue dog, therapy dog, seeing eye dog, competitor in dogsports - and loyal family companion and guardian.

Breeders of breeds of dogs in the Herding Group.

The Briard (Berger de Brie) is a French sheepdog dating back to at least the 7th Century. The breed was recognized by the Le Club Francaise du Chien de Berger in the late 1800's. As the official dog of the French Army, Briards carried supplies, stood sentry, and performed search and rescue duties during World War I.

Today it is a faithful family companion and excels at herding, Search and Rescue, and dogsports from Agility to French Ring.

The Canaan Dog is a herding and flock guardian dog native to the Middle East. He is aloof with strangers, inquisitive, loyal and loving with his family. His medium-size, square body shows clear, sharp outlines and moves with athletic agility and grace in a quick, brisk, ground-covering trot. He has a wedge-shaped head with low-set erect ears, a bushy tail that curls over the back when excited, and a straight, harsh, flat-lying double coat.

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The Catalan Sheepdog (Gos d'Atura Catala) is originally from the Catalan area of Spain where it was a herding dog and herd guardian. Today the Catalan Sheepdog excels at herding and agility and is a loyal family companion and guardian.

Breed specific clubs for dogs in the Herding Group.

Perhaps no dog in the world can ever be as uniquely identifiable as the rough coated collie -- a dog that has become synonymous with the nick-name "Lassie".

Although the precise origins of this beautiful, intelligent breed are unknown, the rough coated collie has been most closely identified with the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. A steady sheepdog and devoted, loyal member of the family, the collie gained national prominence during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 1800's, and again in the 1950's when the movie makers in Hollywood set the book "Lassie, Come Home" to film, and launched the breed into stardom.

The modern collie is a medium sized breed that comes in two coat varieties - the long coated rough and the short coated smooth. Coat colors are numerous, the most commonly recognized being sable and white, tri (black, tan and white), and blue merle (blue, tan and white).

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The Dutch Shepherd, native to Holland, was originally a sheepdog, and was also used by Dutch farmers as a general purpose farm dog. Currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity in its homeland, it is also being used as a companion and guard dog.

This medium tall breed is very similar in physical characteristics to the Belgian Sheepdog. The coat comes in three varieties: long and short which can be brindle gray or brown; and rough which can be blue-gray; salt and pepper; silver-brindle; and gold-brindle.

Legend states, this hard working, herding dog descended from the Roman Cattle Dog that traveled with Caesar and his army in 55 B.C., across Europe, into Britain and to the border lands of Scotland. These drover dogs interbred with local dogs -- the smaller dogs developed the strong eye, and crouching position, becoming the Border Collie, while the larger dogs with the "loose eye" became known as Farm Shepherds or Farm Collies. When the first English settlers immigrated to the new American continent with their cattle, they brought along this breed which soon became known as the English Shepherd.

Today, the versatile English Shepherd has continued to work on farms, yet many otherwise knowledgeable dog fanciers are not familiar with the breed. This is changing as English Shepherds are excelling in the newer dog competitions of Agility Obedience Trials, Herding, Tracking, Schutzhund, and Flyball events.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, like the Rottweiler, probably descended from the Roman Molossus. It is a native dog to the Entlebuch region of Switzerland near Lucerne. The dog was originally used for pulling milk wagons in the mountain regions of Switzerland and for cattle droving. Listed by FCI as a Group 2

"The most striking features of the correctly bred German Shepherd are firmness of nerves, attentiveness, unshockability, tractability, watchfulness, reliability and incorruptibility together with courage, fighting tenacity and hardness."

- Max von Stephanitz, Father of the German Shepherd Dog

The Groenendael is a variety of Belgian Shepherd Dog with a long black coat. When the Groenendael was recognized by the AKC in 1912, the breed's name was changed to Belgian Sheepdog.

There are three other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog: Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren.

The King Shepherd was recently developed by crossing American-line German Shepherd Dogs with other breeds. The King Shepherd is recognized by several rare breed clubs.

The Australian Koolie (also known as the German Coolie, German Collie or Coulie) has a long history as an Australian stockdog, working both cattle and sheep in paddock, yard, truck and droving.

The Koolie can be between 400mm & 600mm, extremely faithful, active, attentive, friendly, very hardworking and easy to train when a light hand is used. They are suited to all areas from work on the land to private sectors such as quarantine, search & rescue and Pets as therapy. They will back, head, drive all stock equally as well. Koolies are also making a name for themselves in agility, obedience, tracking, endurance, flyball &T.V, Their intelligence, endurance and temperament set the Koolie apart from any other working and companion dog.

Research and DNA testing has shown that the Koolie is descended from Collie lines. Smooth coated blue merle Collies were imported to Australia around 1940. German author Von Stephanitz wrote in his book dated 1925 that Australian Graziers were sufficiently impressed with German sheepdogs to import some, these dogs were known as Alpine Header Breeds and the blue and red merle Tigers was amongst their numbers. It is generally accepted that due to the striking resemblance and similar traits these two breeds are the origins of the Australian Koolie. More can be read of Von Stephanitz’s classic work in Angela Sanderson book Australian Dogs. .

The Koolie breed is one of the oldest breeds of working dogs in Australia, unfortunately records were never kept regarding parentage. in order for this breed to be officially recognized by the Australian National Kennel Control, stud and breed records must be kept for a minimum of five hundred fifth generations.

The Laekenois is a variety of Belgian Shepherd Dog with a rough fawn coat, with traces of black on the muzzle and tail. The Laekenois is the only Belgian Shepherd Dog variety not recognized by the AKC.

There are three other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog: Groenendael, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren.

Originally bred in the United Kingdom to herd cattle to market, it is believed this feisty all-rounder is derived from the Manchester Terrier and Welsh Corgi breeds. The Lancashire Heeler is occasionally referred to as the Ormskirk Heeler.

An elegant, short coated breed, the Lapponian Herder is a unique product of Finnish history. The Reindeer Dog, as it is called by devotees, is clearly longer than high in body, strongly angulated and muscular, and has a deep and capacious chest. He represents a trotting type of dog with his lengthy body and angulation, his gait appearing indefatigable. The most common colour is black and tan which is common in many other breeds as well; a black dog with brown (or grey) markings in the chest, feet and cheeks, and "double eyes". There is often a small spot of white in the chest and the paws. Another common colour is bark brown, either solely brown or consisting of different brown tones with lighter tan markings than seen on a black dog described above. Completely grey or "bear black" (black coat with lighter undercoat) with grey markings also exist.

Besides having a steady position as the reindeer-owning Sami's assistant, the Reindeer Dog is also more and more used in herding other animals, especially cattle and sheep.

Also known as the McNab Dog and McNab shepherd, the breed was developed in the late 1800's by Alexander McNab in Northern California by crossing Border Collies with Spanish herding dogs. McNabs are working stockdogs and are registered with the National Stockdog Registry.

The New Zealand Huntaway is also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog. The breed was developed from the working Collie about 100 years ago. Huntaways are not often kept as pets, they are working dogs used to drive massive flocks of sheep.

The Old English Sheepdog has existed for at least 200 years in England where it was recognized by the Kennel Club in the 1870's. Originally a flock herder and guardian, its role changed to drover. The tails of droving dogs were docked, and the breed was dubbed the "bobtail."

The OES is still used as a herder in rural areas. It is also used as a sled dog, retriever, and a family companion and guardian. It is especially good with children.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog translates to Polski Owczarek Nizinny (PON) in Polish. In some European countries they are also known as Nizinnies. This medium sized, shaggy coated sheepdog bears a striking resemblance to the Bearded Collie with its medium long gray and white coat, and the long hair on the head that falls forward over the eyes, giving the expression a sweet, mischievous, and somewhat jaunty look.

The 'ancient' history of the breed, according to the few researched texts that exist, suggest that the roots of breed may go back to early Far Eastern origins, particularly Tibet. Traders from the east would bring their dogs with them and some would be used in trade. A long coated, hard working type of sheepdog was ideal in such cold and hostile terrains that were typical of countries in Northern Europe, and dogs fitting this description were soon selectively bred to good effect. Those that found a home in the Polish countryside were used to guard, herd and hunt, and were known as a Polish "farmer dog". Further selective breeding ingrained in this breed a higher degree of herding instinct - although the hunting and guarding tendencies are still prevalent.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a highly intelligent, highly adaptable dog. In a family environment they love children, especially boisterous ones who can provide the non stop activity this breed delights in.

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Developed in the Sierra de Aires region of Portugal, the Portuguese Sheepdog (Cao de Serra de Aires) is an all-purpose shepherd. A dutiful livestock herder and guardian, the Portuguese Sheepdog also excels at finding strays. The breed is relatively unknown outside its native country.

The Puli originated in Hungary and was used as sheep herder as long ago as 900. A Hungarian Shepard would pay as much as a year's salary for a Puli. It has a double coat which is traditionally corded. Today the Puli is used as a herder, police dog, protective family companion, and as a hunter in marshy areas. The Puli (plural is Pulik) is exceptionally loyal and protective of its owners.

The Pumi, or Hungarian Shepherd, is a medium-sized terrier-like dog with a curly coat. It originated in Hungary in the early 18th century by crossing Pulis with German and French herding dogs. The FCI recognized the breed in the 1920's. Originally used to drive cattle and as a ratter and hunter of small game, the Pumi today is usually a family companion and guardian.

The Pyrenean Shepherd, also known as the Pyrenean Sheepdog, Berger des Pyrénées, Pyrenean Berger, Petit Berger and Little Shepherd, is a herding and guarding dog. It is the traditional working companion of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog).

In 1923 the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénées (RACP) was formed to oversee both breeds and remains the official club of the breeds today. The FCI recognizes both long-haired and smooth-faced varieties of the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Today the Pyrenean Shepherd herds in the Pyrenees, excels in Agility, and is a loyal companion.

Breed specific rescue organizations for dogs in the Herding Group.

Originally bred in The Netherlands, the Saarloos Wolfdog is a powerful, wolf-like, coarse haired dog, and is used to herd sheep and cattle. Ancesters include the German Shepherd Gerard van de Fransenum, and the She-wolf Fleur.
Also known as; Saarloos wolf-dog, Saarloos Wolfhond, and Saarlooswolfhond.

The Schapendoes is a small Dutch herding dog who resembles a Bearded Collie in a small package, with a wavy, medium length coat running in all colors although gray/blue is the predominate. He was (and sometimes still is) used for herding flocks of sheep, and his light built, which makes him a remarkable jumper, is also very well built for endurance. He is intelligent and vigilant with an enormous amount of love toward his owners. Today the Schapendoes is often and successfully used in sports like Agility.

Loving, devoted, intelligent, sweet, beautiful, loyal, and chipper are probably the best descriptions of the Sheltland Sheepdog - also known as the "Sheltie".

This breed is one of the smallest members of the Herding Group, looking like a Rough Collie in miniature. The most common coat colors are: sable and white; tricolor (black, tan and white); bicolor (black and white, or merle and white); and blue merle (black, tan, and white). Their size, which ranges from 12 to 18 inches at the shoulder, is ideal for the diminutive sheep found on their native Shetland Islands, and the herding instinct is still strong in this breed. Shelties were also valued as a watch dog to keep the sheep out of the garden and alert their family to the approach of stranger - hence, as a breed, they tend to be more vocal.

Their conformation, which resembles a collie in miniature, is beautifully balanced and designed for tremendous endurance - be it working with sheep, or playing with children. They are outstanding family dogs, perfect for either farm or apartment, which is one reason for their extreme popularity. The AKC has listed the Shelie consistently in the top 15 favorite breeds for several decades.

Everything you need to know about this delightful, loving breed can be found in this category.

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The Shiloh Shepherd was developed by Tina M. Barber. Select German Shepherd lines, chosen for hip quality, temperament, and larger size, were bred and a Malamute line, known for its huge size, was introduced in 1989. In 1990, a small group of the dogs was selected as the foundation of the breed.

The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was developed in Australia in the mid-1800's. The Smithfield, a bob-tailed British droving dog, was crossed with the dingo and later with a blue merle Smooth Collie. The breed was recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1988. The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is used for working cattle and it also competes in show and obedience trials.

The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient farmer's dog, herding cattle and watching and guarding the farm. The breed is related to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, though whether, centuries ago, Vallhund-type dogs were taken to Wales or Corgi-type dogs were taken to Sweden is unknown. It was not until 1943 that the first breed standard was written, naming the breed the "Svensk Vallhund" (Swedish Vallhund). Ten years later, the name was changed to "Västgötaspets."

Today the Swedish Vallhund retains its working abilities - a herding dog, watchdog, and guard dog as well as competitor in dogsports - and is a loyal family companion with a special fondness for children.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two distinct herding breeds developed in Wales. Recognized initially in England as the Welsh Corgi, the Kennel Club declared the Cardigans and Pembrokes as separate breeds in 1934. In the same year, the AKC recognized the Welsh Corgi and then, just before year's end, recognized them as two breeds.

While there are other differences, the most obvious is that the Cardigan is the Corgi with a tail.

Sites that deal with the White German Shepherd.