Key Takeaways
These dogs can follow instructions but are also able to work on their own when necessary.
Active lifestyles with lots of exercise and tasks keep these dogs happy and less likely to develop quirks.
Cattle dog breeds are valued for their quick instincts and fast-as-lightning maneuvering. Rarely has anyone been able to manage their large herds without the help of trusty canine farmhands, and these breeds were built to herd cattle and other livestock.
We spoke with experts to learn more about these hard-working dog breeds. Get to know 17 of the best cattle herding dogs around the world.
What Is a Cattle Dog Breed?
Cattle dog breeds are intelligent, focused, and committed workers. They’re not necessarily one specific type of dog (although one breed has that moniker) but more of an inherent skill set held by certain canines that can be enhanced through dedicated training.
Duane and Dottie Packard, president and interim secretary of the National Cattledog Association, tell Daily Paws that cattle dogs can follow directions, yet work independently when needed. “The good ones learn to understand the job you’re doing and help get it done, more than just doing what they’re told,” they explain. “The dog may be working out of sight 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 react and control the stock.”
Some herding dogs are more ‘strong-eyed’, a communication style that involves a lot of eye contact with bovines and little barking. Others are ‘loose-eyed’, which means they use more movement and barking. Additionally, while certain cattle dog breeds gather the herd together, a select few are ‘drovers’—driving them from place to place.
Cattle dogs can be house pets, but these hard workers will be happier with something else to do. “Since working dogs are bred for actual jobs, they usually don’t make very good pets unless you have a pretty active lifestyle and give them outlets 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 weird and quirky.”
To become the namesake of the task, sleek Australian cattle dogs (also called blue heelers) are the crossbreed intelligent offspring of British Smithfields, dingoes, Scottish Highland collies, kelpies and, ensuring a personable and affectionate canine companion, dalmatians. The Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is a distant cousin. Quite a pedigree, but a solid reason why he’s master of vast grasslands in the sunburnt country, where a typical cattle station can be millions of acres and home to a herd of thousands—and he’s right at your heels, anticipating a great day together.
You’ll have both beauty and brains with an Australian shepherd, as those merle coats and striking eyes draw you into his tantalizing mind. Always eager participants in positive reinforcement training and free with doggie kisses once the workday is done. Here’s a fun fact: although Aussies came to the U.S. with Basque sheepherders from Australia, they’re not really “Down Under” dogs. But these swift pups are ingrained in the legends of the American West.
The epitome of a herding professional, a border collie could train you and me to do the task. Not only one of the smartest 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 parents know that if this Scottish-Welsh wonder isn’t moooving cattle around, she needs intense daily exercise and plenty of tricks and agility work to be her happiest self.
The spry Texas heeler is a mixed breed dog—a cross between the Australian shepherd and Australian cattle dog. Bred specifically for herding, he’s a tenacious, whip-smart 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 pet for a first-time dog owner. Consistent attention to improving cue responses keeps this energetic brainiac in top form when he’s not on the range.
A prized sheepherder in her native country, the Australian kelpie is also one of the top cattle dogs in the U.S. Nimble, brilliant, and full of enthusiasm, if she’s not with the herd, let her do something equally exciting and active, such as flyball, dock diving, or agility training. Not one to be content with just the backyard, a kelpie expects wide open spaces to roam—and will do so if fencing isn’t up to snuff, but does stand still for ear scritches and snuggles.
Who has a cute corgi butt and a tail? This guy! Hailing from Wales, the Cardigan breed uses his sturdy yet agile low-rider status to avoid pesky cattle hooves kicking about in the pastures. His German heritage means he’s eager to stay engaged, so if there aren’t any animals to corral, offer puzzle games and other interesting activities to make the most of his intelligence and sparky personality. Both of you will be entertained for hours!
And if you’re all about that butt, ’bout that butt, then the more far Southern Wales corgi is for you. Although the Pembroke breed courted high favor with the late Queen Elizabeth II, she’s far from snooty. This corgi is more Nordic than German but is still considered a prime cattle herder and not afraid to get her paws dirty. If you don’t have bovines to round up, keep your scampering smart pup engaged with outdoor toys that let her show off and burn it off!
Is this handsome hound a corgi, too? No, just a distant relative. The Swedish vallhund is so important to the country’s heritage, he’s an official national dog breed. Quite revered for his cattle-herding abilities and companionship, many Viking warriors were buried with these hardy and diligent canines. Attentive to humans, not only is he a trusty modern working dog but also a true companion for just about any activity you want to do. They do tend to bark (gotta get those large animals in place somehow!).
Always ready to run and especially swim, you don’t often think of Spanish water dogs herding cattle, but this is a multi-talented pooch. In central and southern Spain, they roam the countryside with their herds and flocks. But in the northern part of the country, they work alongside fishermen. A rare breed to 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 boundaries—she might be a teensy bit mischievous if not.
The Bouvier des Flandres, or ‘cattle herder of Flanders,’ is an agile and bouncy dog used for herding. Though their farm roles have decreased, their keen senses make them excellent service dogs. They require grooming but respond well to gentle training, suiting active people.
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The bearded collie hails from Scotland, where ranchers historically employed them to herd and drive cattle and sheep. Their long, sturdy coats offer protection from harsh weather but can be trimmed short in warmer climates. Regardless, they will need regular brushing and grooming. In addition to their superior herding abilities, beardies make excellent family dogs for active households.
The rare Australian stumpy tail cattle dog is believed to be the first dog breed developed in Australia. They share heritage with Australian cattle dogs but are a distinct breed known for their bobbed tails, which are present at birth (not docked). Brave, energetic, and super-smart, these dogs will excel at just about any job you teach them, including herding, dog sports, and service work.
Despite the name, Old English sheepdogs were originally bred to drive large herds of cattle and other livestock from place to place. Big, fluffy, and goofy at first glance, it’s hard to imagine these dogs as serious workers, but they excel at their jobs. The OES is also quite affectionate and deeply loyal to family members and will likely follow you around when not hard at work. Frequent grooming is essential but can be reduced by trimming their coats short.
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Their origins are unclear, but it’s believed that the black mouth cur was developed by European settlers who came to the southern U.S. with multi-purpose dogs. These dogs were treasured as loyal companions who look after their human families and work hard on farms and ranches to protect livestock. Today’s black mouth curs are still used for herding, driving, and hunting but have become more popular as pets for highly active families.
The Belgian Tervuren was named for the village in Belgium where it was developed into a versatile farm dog used to herd livestock. guard animals and protect property. This intelligent dog is intense, determined, and highly loyal to their human family member, but can be suspicious of strangers. Although Tervs can be house pets, they’ll only thrive in extremely active homes. If not used for herding or other farm work, it’s best to get them involved in a dog sport that engages their mind and body.
The Belgian Malinois looks (and acts) a lot like the closely related Tervuren and shares a similar history as a hard-working farm dog and loyal companion. Today, they’re primarily seen working for the police or military, a role in which they thrive. Malinois are not ideal house pets because they need to be constantly on the move, using their brains and brawn to follow instructions and solve problems.
The German shepherd dog is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. Today, they’re often seen as military or police working dogs, but the breed was originally developed to work on farms. Although “shepherd” is in their name, German shepherd dogs are capable of herding more than sheep. They can manage all kinds of livestock, cattle included. And if there are no animals to herd, you may see them rounding up kids and other family members.
