How Many Types Of Sheepdogs Are There?

In the past, almost all domestic dogs were bred to fulfill a function in society, such as tracking and retrieving prey, guarding and protecting, and even keeping company. One of the most important types of dogs at that time was, without a doubt, the group of sheepdogs.

Developed to protect and lead the herd, the first herding dogs played a very important role in hamlets and farms, but little by little they evolved to become more than just a working dog. Similarly, they served as the basis for the breeding of many other breeds.

Today it is easy for us to identify some of them, such as the German Shepherd, the Belgian Shepherd, or the Shetland Sheepdog; however, there are other types of herding dogs that are not as widely recognized.

The herding dog family groups together numerous breeds, displaying a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.

Table of Contents

What are the different types of sheepdogs?

Here is a summary list of the main types of sheepdogs around the world. Find out what they look like, what characterizes them, and what makes them unique…

1. German Shepherd

Smart, brave, confident.

This is usually the first breed that comes to mind when talking about “sheepdogs”. The German Shepherd was developed to herd cattle and work on farms, but thanks to his intelligence and skill, he was soon drawn to the attention of law enforcement. In addition to herding, he began to be used as a service and/or police dog.

This is the reason why today’s German Shepherd is more commonly known as a guard dog.

It is a highly intelligent, loyal, and easy-to-train breed. He is often described as one of the most versatile herder types, being able to exceed any expectation. Since he was raised to work all day, it is important that he gets enough exercise to expend all his energy.

Origin: Germany
Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Temperament: alert, confident, courageous, curious, highly intelligent, loyal, obedient, watchful

Big size
Height: 55-65cm
Weight: 22-40kg

Colors: black, black and tan, black and silver, black and red
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High

Interaction with children: Good

2. Border collie

Bright, enthusiastic, tenacious.

The Border Collie is considered to be one of the most intelligent, obedient, and hard-working dogs in the world. No wonder he is often described as a workaholic sheepdog. The breed is known to have been herding sheep for over a century.

Border collies exhibit insatiable levels of energy and high drive. Although this is a much loved and family breed, they are not recommended as a pet if you cannot provide them with all the mental and physical stimulation they need. Keeping them entertained can become quite a challenge.

The best owner for a border collie is someone who follows a very active lifestyle.

Origin: United Kingdom, Ireland
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: intelligent, energetic, alert, tenacious, loyal, protective, sensitive

Medium size
Height: 46-56cm
Weight: 12-20kg

Colors: black, blue, brindle, gold, lilac, red, sable
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: Very high

Interaction with children: Good

It may interest you: What are the Types of Border Collies? Characteristics and Differences

3. Australian Shepherd

Energetic, affectionate, protective.

Contrary to what its name suggests, the modern Australian Shepherd was developed in California, United States; however, his predecessors did come from Australia. This is one of the most popular herding dogs, and can still be seen working on farms around the world.

Like its relatives, the Australian Shepherd is agile, intelligent, energetic, and insatiable. These characteristics make him excel in almost any dog sport.

As a pet, it is known to develop a strong emotional bond with its owner. He is a dog who loves to walk, run, catch frisbees and learn tricks.

Origin: United States
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: active, affectionate, sociable, kind, intelligent, protective

Medium size
Height: 46-58cm
Weight: 18-29kg

Colors: black, blue merle, red, red merle
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: Very high

Interaction with children: Good

4. Belgian Shepherd

Vigilant, independent, intelligent.

Another type of tireless, strong, and intelligent sheepdog is the Belgian Shepherd, which resembles other breeds, such as the German Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd.

There are 4 varieties of this dog: the Groenendael, the Tervuren, the Malinois, and the Laekenois. Collectively, they are known as Belgian Sheepdogs. They are highly appreciated in their country of origin, where the export of products derived from livestock (cows, sheep) is one of the main lines of the economy.

They are dogs that combine intelligence with an enormous desire to please and work. That, together with their robust and athletic body, makes him a top-level shepherd.

As a pet, it is a loving companion that needs human attention.

Origin: Belgium
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: active, confident, alert, sociable, hard-working, intelligent, protective, stubborn

Big size
Height: 56-66cm
Weight: 27-34kg

Colors: black, brindle, cream, fawn
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High

Interaction with children: Good

More details in All Types of Belgian Shepherd – Characteristics and Differences + Pics

5. Dutch Shepherd

Courageous, alert, hardworking.

A close relative of the German Shepherd, the Dutch is a herding dog with great herding skills and is excellent as a family pet. This breed is usually more common on farms and rural houses in the Netherlands and other European countries.

Dutch Shepherds are agile, strong, fast, and large enough to deter would-be predators. In fact, they are often used for protection in some cases.

Like other herding dog breeds, they are loyal and tend to be very observant; They are very good at reading the body language of their owners.

One of the most distinctive features of this shepherd is the brindle pattern on its beautiful coat.

Origin: Holland
Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament: Affectionate, Alert, Loyal, Obedient, Reliable, Trainable
Big size
Height: 55-62cm

Weight: 23-32kg
Colors: Brindle, Gold, Grey, Blue, Silver, Salt & Pepper, Yellow
Hypoallergenic: No

Exercise requirement: High
Interaction with children: Good

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Smart, active, loyal.

Originally from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is a very pretty and agile herding dog. Developed exclusively to herd sheep, ponies, and domestic birds (chickens, ducks, etc.), the Sheltie today is a dog admired throughout the world.

Its appearance is much the same as its close cousin, the long-haired collie. However, it is much smaller and more compact.

The Sheltie is always eager to please, which is why it is considered a very easy breed to train. He often excels in dog sports that involve endurance, speed, and agility. Although he has all the necessary skills for a sheepdog, what he likes most is exercising and playing.

Origin: United Kingdom
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: affectionate, friendly, gentle, intelligent, lively, playful, sensitive

Small size
Height: 33-41cm
Weight: 6-12kg

Colors: black and white, black, white and tan, white and blue merle, white, blue merle and tan, white and sable, white and sable merle
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: Medium-high

Interaction with children: Good

7. Australian Cattle Dog

Attentive, alert, inquisitive.

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the best herding dogs specialized in moving cattle. It is said that the origin of this breed included dogs like the collie, the Dalmatian, and even dingoes.

It is a very intelligent, resistant, and energetic type of sheepdog. He has a great attitude toward hard work, no matter how bad the conditions are.

As a pet, the Australian cattle dog requires not only vigorous exercise but also mental stimulation. It can be an excellent companion for jogging. One of the things he likes to do the most is solving puzzles and retrieving toys.

Origin: Australia

Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: alert, energetic, intelligent, sensitive, loyal, protective, sometimes aggressive
Medium size

Height: 43-51cm
Weight: 13-28kg
Colors: blue, blue speck, blue speck, red speck, red speck

Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High
Interaction with children: Good

8. Caucasian Shepherd

Brave, lively, friendly.

While most believe the Caucasian Shepherd originated in Russia, other countries have claimed this Shepherd as their own. He is currently found in much of Eastern Europe.

Being a large dog, it was not only used to herd flocks of sheep but also to protect and guard farms.

The Caucasian Shepherd is brave and fearless; few things can scare him. In addition, he has very good senses of hearing and sight. It is said that he takes his work very seriously. He is always ready to protect any member of his “pack” whether it be his owner or another pet.

In the home, he is gentle, loyal, and affectionate, making him a great family pet.

Origin: Eastern Europe

Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Temperament: brave, kind, self-confident, devoted, protective, fierce
Size: Very large

Height: 58-76cm
Weight: 44-77kg
Colors: gray, fawn, red, cream, tan, white, brindle, bicolor

Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High
Interaction with children: Good (if they are children from the family environment)

9. Icelandic Sheepdog

Curious, sociable, fun-loving.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only breed native to Iceland. Viking settlers are said to have brought their ancestors to the island over 1,000 years ago. This dog is adept at herding livestock, although it is also used for protection and other activities on the ground.

He is brave, intelligent, and very hardworking. In addition, he exhibits an endearing personality, which makes him very popular as a pet. The Icelandic Sheepdog is usually obedient, friendly, and fun. His level of loyalty to the owner is higher than that of many other dogs.

Like the other sheepdog breeds, it requires a lot of exercises and needs a place to run freely. Be warned that he can be quite vocal at times.

Origin: Iceland
Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament: agile, alert, playful, energetic, inquisitive, hardy
Small size
Height: 31-41cm

Weight: 9-14kg
Colors: black and white, white and chocolate, white and cream, white and fawn, white and gold, white and grey, white and red
Hypoallergenic: No

Exercise requirement: Medium-high
Interaction with children: Good

10. Old English Shepherd

Adaptable, docile, intelligent.

Another great representative in the group of sheepdogs is the Old English Sheepdog, a breed traditionally used to transport sheep and cattle to markets. Today, he is described by many as the perfect balance between a working dog and a family companion.

It is usually a loving and playful pet, but do not confuse this with the idea of a lazy dog. The adorably shaggy English Sheepdog is hardy, assertive, and active. He needs exercise, daily walks, and play sessions like any domestic shepherd.

It generally exhibits an outgoing and friendly personality, hence it does best when it receives enough human interaction.

Origin: United Kingdom
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Temperament: adaptable, outgoing, intelligent, loving, playful, sociable, protective

Big size
Height: 51-61cm
Weight: 27-29kg

Colors: white and blue, white, blue and grey, white and blue merle, white and grey, white and grizzle
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: Medium-high

Interaction with children: Good

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Alert, intelligent, and hardworking.

Many admire the charming corgi, but some do not know that this dog is, at its roots, a kind of shepherd. Even with its long stocky body and short legs, the Welsh Corgi excels at handling livestock. The “aggressive” behavior on the ground and the deep bark make it perfect for the job.

However today, the vast majority of them live as family dogs. They are not only very pretty but have a bright and affectionate character.

The breed is often recommended for people who maintain an active lifestyle. In fact, the corgi’s energy level is said to be contagious.

Origin: United Kingdom

Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: affectionate, cheerful, friendly, intelligent, lively, playful, outgoing
Small size
Height: 25-30cm
Weight: 11-13kg
Colors: black and tan, fawn, red, sable
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: Medium-high
Interaction with children: Good

12. Bearded Collie

Charming, animated, intelligent.

The Bearded Collie is an optimistic and enthusiastic type of herding dog, originating from the rural regions of Scotland. He is said to be one of the oldest shepherds. As its name suggests, the distinctive feature of the breed is the long facial fur that hangs down all over its face.

For many centuries, this type of collie worked herding sheep in the Scottish highlands. The breed combined a lively temperament with high intelligence, hence it was effective and easy to train.

Off the field, Bearded Collies are energetic and confident pets. They love to play and run freely. As an owner, it is important to start obedience training as a puppy, as they are known to be stubborn.

Origin: United Kingdom
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament: active, alert, confident, hardy, intelligent, lively
Medium size
Height: 51-56cm
Weight: 18-27kg
Colors: black, blue, brown, fawn
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: Medium-high
Interaction with children: Good

13. Briard

Fearless, loyal, obedient.

The Briard is a large, shaggy shepherd-type breed that has all the qualities of a family dog. He is deeply devoted; if you leave him he will never leave your side. However, he is also energetic and determined enough to do his job on the ground.

Native to northern France, the briard has a long history as a sheepherder. His bulky body does not prevent him from being an agile, brave, and athletic dog.

At home, expect him to behave in a fun and carefree manner. She knows how to recognize when she has to get all the energy out of herself, and when she has to relax.

Origin: France
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Temperament: reliable, fearless, intelligent, obedient, protective, active
Big size
Height: 56-68cm
Weight: 35kg
Colors: black, grey, fawn
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High
Interaction with children: Good

14. Bohemian Shepherd

loyal, alert, and intelligent.

The Bohemian Shepherd is arguably one of the lesser-known herding dogs. This breed was developed to obtain an athletic, agile and intelligent dog, capable of herding the flock with great success. But the physical conditions of the bohemian led him to perform different tasks.

He was not only exceptional as a shepherd but also as a watchman and protector of the home. It was even used to patrol borders.

It should be noted that this is not a dangerous herding dog. On the contrary, he is affectionate, intelligent, and especially kind to children. He is the typical devoted companion who will always have your back. He often performs as a therapy dog, search and rescue dog, and tracking dog.

Origin: Czech Republic
Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Temperament: active, confident, intelligent, stable, trainable
Medium size
Height: 48-56cm
Weight: 16-25kg
Colors: black and tan
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High
Interaction with children: Good

15. Beauceron

Protective, calm, intelligent.

The Beauceron is not the typical sheepdog that comes to mind, but it is undoubtedly a worthy member of this group. It is a very versatile and intelligent dog. It is said that he combines the intelligence of a poodle with the instincts of the Australian Shepherd, in the body of a Doberman Pinscher.

Although initially used as a herd guard, it eventually became a herding and working dog. At one time, the Beauceron was the most versatile farm dog in France.

Don’t be fooled by its powerful and strong appearance. Specimens of this breed are also very sensitive. In fact, it is not the classic sheepdog that barks and bites cattle. Instead, graze more gently and quietly.

Origin: France
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Temperament: brave, obedient, loyal, protective, loving
Big size
Height: 60-70cm
Weight: 50kg
Colors: black and tan, black and rust, black, tan and gray, harlequin
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise requirement: High
Interaction with children: Good