AKC group

The Herding group

Stock dogs that move sheep and cattle for a living.

Herding breeds were developed to move livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. They work closely with their handlers, and their intelligence and responsiveness make them some of the most trainable dogs around. That same drive is why some of them, such as the German Shepherd Dog, went on to police work. The AKC is frank about the downside: herding dogs have plenty of energy and do best with a job. Without one, some will try to herd whatever is nearby, including children. The Herding Group is the AKC's newest group. It was split off from the Working Group in 1983.

Sources: American Kennel Club, The 7 AKC Dog Breed Groups Explained; American Kennel Club, History of the American Kennel Club

8 Herding breeds

Filter further