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Herding breeds represent some of the most popular dogs in the U.S. today. German Shepherd Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Border Collies are ranked in the AKC’s top 30 most popular dog breeds of 2024. Owners and breeders will tell you these are intelligent and extremely active dogs who require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they may channel their sharp minds and strong bodies into troublesome, annoying habits.
Dog sports offer herding breeds a stimulating, fun outlet to redirect their instincts and drives, expend their physical energy, and challenge their intellect while sharing quality time with their owners.
History of Herding Breeds
There are over 30 AKC-registered herding breeds. They vary in size, from the 110-pound Beauceron to the 29-pound Pumi. They have long coats like the majestic Collie, short coats like the sturdy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and flocked coats like the striking Bergamasco Sheepdog.
What all herding breeds share is a history of development that created them to help their owners round up, move, and control livestock in a variety of terrains and weather conditions. For example:
- According to the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA), the Sheltie was bred as early as 1844 to be an all-around farm dog in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They helped the crofters, owners of small farms, keep livestock away from the gardens, round up sheep, alert to intruders, and served as companions to the family.
- Ancestors of the Border Collie supported the earliest livestock farmers in the United Kingdom who raised sheep for the wool trade. The dogs were bred to be small and agile to handle the precarious terrain, fast and energetic to cover large territories and round up livestock, and smart and self-confident to make split-second decisions.
- The Beauceron is the largest of the French herding dogs and was first mentioned in a 1587 manuscript, reports the American Beauceron Club. “During the early part of the 19th century large flocks of sheep were common, and the Beauceron was indispensable for the shepherds of France; two dogs were sufficient to tend to flocks of 200-to-300 head of sheep.”
Characteristics of Herding Breeds
A group of certified dog trainers who teach at several Maryland dog training centers weighed in on the characteristics of herding dogs, how to best channel their herding instincts, and the dog sports that suit them. Following is the information they shared.
Herding breeds have deeply ingrained instincts such as:
- Gathering and Moving Livestock: They have a natural ability to guide and control the movement of animals, often using techniques like circling, eyeing, and stalking
- Problem-Solving Skills: Herding dogs are quick thinkers, able to assess situations and adapt their behavior to ensure the safety and direction of the herd
- Strong Bond with Humans: They thrive on collaboration and communication with their handlers, responding intuitively to cues and directions
- Controlled Aggression: Behaviors like nipping and chasing are controlled tactics to maintain order among livestock
These traits are a result of selective breeding over generations, designed to enhance the ability to work in various environments and with different types of animals. Even in pets, these instincts can manifest in behaviors like chasing and moving objects or “herding” family members. For example, Aussies are very active dogs that need a great deal of exercise on a daily basis to prevent them from becoming bored or developing destructive habits.
How to Channel Herding Instincts
Herding dogs are generally considered easy to train, thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong bond with their handlers. They excel in activities that require speed, precision, and teamwork, making them ideal for competitive dog sports. If you’re considering training a herding dog, be prepared for a rewarding experience that requires dedication and creativity.
Begin their training as puppies to establish good habits and channel their energy productively. It’s best to use positive reinforcement-based training methods and give rewards, including treats, praise and toys, to encourage desired behaviors and refine their natural skills. Be consistent in your training, sticking to a routine and using clear commands to avoid confusion. It can be helpful to teach commands like “stop,” “go,” and “circle” to harness their instincts effectively.
Providing mental stimulation is essential. Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience exercises, and herding tasks to keep their minds sharp. And don’t forget about the importance of physical activity. Provide plenty of opportunities for running, fetch, or agility training — activities that mimic herding — to burn off their high energy levels. If possible, involve them in actual herding tasks or trials to let them exercise their instincts in a controlled setting. It’s also crucial to expose them to various environments, people, and animals to build confidence and adaptability.
Sports Where Herding Dogs Excel
Herding breeds are an excellent fit for a wide variety of dog sports and activities. Each of the following sports provides an outlet for the herding dog’s energy and instincts while strengthening the bond between dog and handler.
Herding Trials
These are a natural fit, as they mimic the tasks herding dogs were bred for — gathering, moving, and controlling livestock. Plus, herding trials allow dogs to showcase their instincts and build teamwork with their handler.
Agility
Herding dogs dominate agility courses due to their speed, precision, and ability to follow complex commands. The sport challenges their physical and mental capabilities, keeping them engaged and active.
Flyball
This fast-paced relay race involves jumping hurdles, retrieving a ball, and racing back. Herding dogs’ energy, speed, and love for tasks make them perfect for flyball.
Treibball
Often called “urban herding,” treibball involves herding large exercise balls into a goal. It taps into their herding instincts in a fun and creative way, even without livestock.
Obedience Trials
Herding breeds excel in obedience due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. These trials test their ability to perform commands with precision and focus.
Dock Diving
For water-loving herding dogs, dock diving is a thrilling sport that combines their athleticism and love for retrieving.
Scent Work
Scent work utilizes herding dogs’ keen sense of smell and problem-solving skills, making it a great mental workout.
AKC Fast CAT
One of the fastest growing dog sports, Fast CAT, which stands for Coursing Ability Test, is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. Herding is all about the chase, so many herding dogs especially enjoy this sport.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Sport
Trainers or dog training clubs can provide guidance on suitable sports for your dog’s breed and personality. Begin with basic training or fun runs to gauge interest and compatibility, and experiment with different activities to see what your dog enjoys most. Here are suggestions for what you should consider:
- What’s your dog’s energy level? High-energy dogs may prefer fast-paced sports like flyball or dock diving, while calmer dogs might excel in obedience or AKC Rally.
- Consider your dog’s size, agility, and endurance to ensure the sport is suitable for their capabilities
- Every dog has their own unique personality. Some dogs love teamwork and thrive in handler-focused sports, while others may prefer independent activities.
- Always ensure your dog is physically fit and healthy enough for the chosen sport
- Choose a sport that excites you — whether it’s the thrill of agility or the precision of obedience trials
- Some sports require extensive training and practice, so consider how much time you can dedicate
Advantages of Participating in Dog Sports
Dog sports are great for herding dogs and their human partners. They provide your dog with a job to do, building self-esteem and confidence while allowing a necessary outlet for mental and physical energy. This results in a contented companion, as well as a more obedient, disciplined, and better behaved pet.
Dog sports offer opportunities for socialization and the chance to find a community of new canine and human friends. And they help keep dogs and their human partners physically fit.
Training and participating in sports with your dog will also strengthen the human-canine bond. Watching your dog excel in sports is incredibly rewarding and a source of pride. Dog sports provide a fulfilling experience for both the dog and the owner, creating a harmonious and enriching partnership.