30 Herding Dogs Who Could Be Your Best Companion

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Adventurous, intelligent, loyal

Australian Cattle Dogs earned their stripes herding cattle across Australia’s unforgiving terrain. That grit still shows today. 

They need daily, purposeful exercise—think long runs, learning new tricks during training sessions, or dog sports like agility—not just a light stroll. Cattle dogs shine with experienced pet parents who enjoy an active, outdoorsy lifestyle.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Energetic, enthusiastic, intelligent

Despite their misleading name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the U.S. for ranch work. They’re quick learners who love having something to focus on, even if it’s just fetching the morning paper or performing cues as you ask.

Aussies thrive with pet parents who enjoy spending time outdoors. They love going for hikes and are happiest in homes where daily activity is part of the routine.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Bouncy, friendly, confident

This herding dog is friendly, jovial, and fluffy. And caring for a Bearded Collie means lots of time spent keeping that fur well-groomed. 

Brush your dog for 30–60 minutes every day with an arsenal of brushes, including a pin brush for detangling, a bristle brush to make their fur smooth and shiny, and a slicker brush to remove loose fur. 

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, adventurous, friendly

The Beauceron has historically worked alongside French farmers, herding sheep and cattle with confidence. They’re athletic, intelligent dogs who need an experienced pet parent who has the know-how and patience to train a high-energy dog using positive reinforcement.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Alert, devoted, active

The Belgian Laekenois is one of four Belgian shepherd dog breeds originally bred for herding livestock on farms. 

Their rough coat gives them a tousled look, which sets them apart from the other Belgian herding breeds: the Malinois, Groenendael, and Tervuren. The Laekenois is a rare breed that thrives in an active family.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 14–16 years
• Temperament: Driven, determined, athletic

Belgian Malinois might just be the ultimate canine athlete. They got their start as sheep and cattle herders and need at least two 30-minute sessions of rigorous exercise every day, such as running, hiking, or dog sports like agility, dock diving, and flyball.

The high-energy, intelligent breed is best suited for highly active, experienced pet parents who can keep both their body and brain busy. When you need some downtime or when you’re away, make sure your Malinois has a puzzle toy to keep these brainy dogs busy. 

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Alert, devoted, intelligent

The Belgian Sheepdog, also called the Groenendael, earned their reputation herding sheep and working closely with farmers. They love learning, thrive on a routine, and enjoy being involved in their pet parent’s daily life. This breed does best with pet parents who want an active dog that enjoys training and teamwork.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Energetic, confident, intelligent

The final of the four Belgian shepherd breeds, the elegant and athletic Belgian Tervuren is a quick thinker who enjoys both mental and physical challenges. 

With the right mix of exercise and mental enrichment, they thrive. But they’re best matched with experienced pet parents who enjoy advanced training and active pursuits with a four-legged pal.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 13–15 years
• Temperament: Patient, independent, attentive

Developed to guard and herd sheep in the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is calm, observant, and deeply loyal to their family. They don’t need nonstop action, but they do appreciate daily walks and mental engagement. This breed suits pet parents who want a steady companion rather than a high-energy athlete.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Lively, observant, even-tempered

The Berger Picard is a herding dog who spent generations directing sheep across open French farmland. They’re alert, lively dogs who enjoy using their brains as much as their legs. 

Regular exercise, training, and outdoor time help them thrive, making them a great match for active pet parents who enjoy hands-on engagement.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Brainiac, driven, loyal

Few breeds are as closely tied to their job as the Border Collie. Bred in the British Isles to herd sheep with precision, they’re intensely focused and often cited as the smartest dog breed. 

These dogs need serious daily mental and physical work and are best for very active, experienced pet parents—not casual dog companionship.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Calm, loyal, steady

Originally bred to herd cattle and work farms in Belgium, the Bouvier de Flandres is a large dog with a steady temperament. But don’t mistake their calm demeanor for a laid-back exercise routine—this breed needs 60–90 minutes of activity every day. They’re the best fit for active pet parents. 

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12 years
• Temperament: Devoted, confident, intelligent

The Briard spent centuries herding sheep in France, often working closely with a person. Today, they’re a rare dog with gorgeous bangs (nd demanding daily grooming needs) who do best with a dedicated, active pet parent.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Fun-loving, friendly, intelligent

Long before becoming beloved companions, Cardigan Welsh Corgis herded cattle in Wales. Their low build and quick thinking made them effective workers. Today, these Corgis are likelier to run a lap than work in a field, but they still need to exercise their brains and bodies to be happy.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Gentle, friendly, intelligent

Collies gained fame on TV. But well before the breed starred in Lassie, the dogs were herding sheep across Scotland. 

Today, Collies are great family dogs, and their gentle, people-focused nature makes them especially good dogs for kids. Active yet easygoing, they’re adaptable dogs who can live comfortably in smaller homes as long as they get daily walks and mental enrichment.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 11–15 years
• Temperament: Energetic, confident, loyal

Bred to herd cattle through the Swiss mountains, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is sturdy, energetic, and confident. These dogs enjoy staying busy and, like most other herding dog breeds, they need daily exercise that challenges both body and mind.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Calm, friendly, alert

The Finnish Lapphund is a herding dog built for harsh winter weather—they once helped herd reindeer in northern Finland. Today, these dogs still love the snow and make friendly family companions.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 9–13 years
• Temperament: Brave, heroic, loyal

German Shepherds began as sheep-herding dogs in Germany, where they were prized for intelligence and versatility. Today, many are still hard at work as service dogs, police dogs, and in search-and-rescue, but they’re also popular family pets. 

To be happy and healthy, German Shepherds need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and a well-balanced diet (like Royal Canin’s Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Dog Food).

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Friendly, alert, playful

Icelandic Sheepdogs were shaped by centuries of herding sheep in Iceland’s rugged climate. They’re cheerful, social dogs who enjoy staying active with their families. Daily exercise and affection are key, making them a good match for pet parents who want a lively, people-friendly companion.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Energetic, alert, affectionate

Lancashire Heelers may be small, but don’t let their size fool you. These little dogs were bred for hard work—specifically, to herd cattle on English farms. 

They’re energetic, clever dogs who enjoy daily walks and play. With enough activity and engagement, they can adapt well to apartment life.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, eager, loyal

Miniature American Shepherds, like their Australian Shepherd ancestors, were bred to herd livestock. But at just 20–40 pounds, they do so in a more compact package. 

They’re smart dogs who are eager learners and love having a job to do—all common characteristics of herding breeds. This breed thrives with active pet parents and can do well in apartments if they get plenty of exercise and training time. 

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Lively, intelligent, adaptable

The Mudi emerged in Hungary as a herding dog for sheep and cattle. Though they’re rare outside of their home country, Mudik (the plural form of Mudi) make active and alert companions who thrive when they have wide-open space to run in and explore.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Gentle, playful, active

Once tasked with herding sheep and cattle long distances, Old English Sheepdogs are hardworking athletes beneath that shaggy coat. Be ready for a daily grooming routine that involves brushing out their thick double coat, plus regular exercise, play, and mental stimulation.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, social

Pembroke Welsh Corgis, like Cardigan Corgis, earned their keep herding cattle by darting low and fast across Welsh farms. In fact, the two were once considered the same herding breed before splitting in 1934, and now there are subtle differences between Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Energetic, devoted, smart

The Puli’s coat is sure to catch your eye—their fur is often formed into thick cords, making them look like a mop. This hairdo requires specialized grooming, so make sure you’re up for the job before bringing this herding dog home.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Lively, alert, intelligent

Like the Mudi, the Pumi is a herding breed from Hungary known for their quick reflexes with sharp intelligence. They love learning and staying busy. With the right mix of exercise and training, they thrive in active homes that enjoy structure and fun.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 17–19 years
• Temperament: Energetic, confident, happy

Pyrenean Shepherds worked alongside shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains, where they herded sheep with speed and confidence. They’re a smaller herding dog, at just 15–30 pounds, but have lots of energy. This breed is best for experienced pet parents who enjoy outdoor adventures and consistent training.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Energetic, friendly, playful

Shetland Sheepdogs look a lot like another herding dog: the Collie. The two breeds are likely related, and both originated in Scotland, where they were used as sheep herders.  They’re responsive, eager learners who enjoy training and routine. Today, Shelties are popular family pets. 

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Fun-loving, sporty, brainy

Spanish Water Dogs originally held two jobs: herders and hunters. Because of this, these dogs love to swim and have thick, water-repellent, curly coats that require a lot of care. 

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Brave, smart, loyal

Swedish Vallhunds were bred to herd cattle, a role that let them show off their stamina. They look a little like Corgis (both are short with long backs) and share many care needs, such as exercise and mental stimulation.