They have been around for thousands of years: The herding and driving dogs. They are at man’s side, taking part of his work with the cattle herd. They are very intelligent, independent working dogs that keep the herd together and protect it against enemies of any kind, humans and animals. Of course, they are trained for this task by their owner, the shepherd, the owner of the herd, and obey him to the letter. But in earlier times they were also able to take care of the flock on their own for a while – with all the consequences.
Even today, these dog breeds still perform their duties all over the world. However, more and more they are also kept as companion or family dogs. This brings a reorientation with it, because of course all potentials are still present and want to be lived by the dogs. That is why it is so important that potential buyers find out in advance what they are getting into.
Which dog breeds belong to the herding and driving dogs?
The FCI has grouped herding and driving dogs into Group 1. It is divided into 2 sections. Sheepdogs are in section 1, and herding dogs are in section 2. By the way, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not listed in this section, although theoretically it is also a herding dog.
Section 1
- Australian Kelpie
- Australian Shepherd
- Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
- Beauceron
- Bearded Collie
- Mountain shepherd dog
- Belgian Shepherd Dog
- Bobtail
- Border Collie
- Berger de Picardie
- Berger Blanc Suisse
- Berger des Pyrénées à face rase
- Berger des Pyrénées à poil long
- Briard
- Ca de Bestiar
- Cao da Serra de Aires
- Chosdký Pes
- Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin
- Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic
- German Shepherd Dog
- Gos d’Atura CatalÃ
- Hollandse Herdershond
- Hrvatski ovcar
- Komondor
- Shorthaired collie
- Kuvasz
- Lancashire Heeler
- Longhaired collie
- Maremma Abruzzo Shepherd Dog
- Miniature American Shepherd
- Mudi
- Polski Owczarek Nizinny
- Polski Owczarek Podhalanski
- Puli
- Pumi
- Saarlooswolfhund
- Schapendoes
- Schipperke
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Slovensky cuvacz
- South Russian Ovcharka
- Czechoslovakian wolfhound
- Welsh Corgi Cardigan
- Welsh Corgi Pembroke
Section 2
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Bouvier des Ardennes
- Bouvier des Flandres
The characteristics of the herding and driving dogs
All dogs that belong to the herding and driving dogs are blessed with a great need for exercise. In order for the animals to be physically and mentally well, this need for exercise must be satisfied. Every day! For the owner, this means that he, too, would do well to be sporty and to love spending time outdoors, in wind and weather. These dogs don’t care if it’s been raining cats and dogs for days or if the sun is blazing. They need to give their energy an outlet.
Of course, very few owners of herding and driving dogs have their own herd of cattle or are high-performance athletes who, in turn, are outdoors every day for training. Thus, every owner of such a dog must find a way to satisfy both the physical needs and the intellectual demands that these dogs bring with them. Long walks, hikes, running on the bike, various dog sports – many options are open on this point.
The small difference between the herding dog and the guard dog
It is correct: all the dogs that we find in the group 1, section 1, belong to the herding dogs. And yet, some of them are called guard dogs. But where do we find the difference?
- The herding dog is a classic working animal.
- The herding dog is trained to round up animals and keep them together.
- They are experts at distributing small groups to the various paddocks and paddocks.
- Among the classic herding dogs we find the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie.
- In dog sports, they are particularly fond of the so-called Sheep Trails, as these recreate real working conditions.
- The guard dog is much larger and more compact than the “pure” herding dog.
- The guard dog keeps his flock together even on larger terrain.
- The guard dog is also able to protect the herd against intruders of any kind, wild animals, thieves, etc….
- Among the true guard dogs are the Kuvasz as well as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.
What are the requirements of the herding and driving dogs?
In addition to being lovingly welcomed into the family or owner’s home, it is important for any herding and driving dog to receive the adequate exercise it needs for its well-being. Likewise, make sure that the intellect is always addressed as well. Boredom can quickly cause these dogs to make things up on their own. And that usually backfires.
Buying the puppies of herding and driving dogs
These dogs are best bought from reputable breeders who themselves know about the peculiarity of their dogs and can pass on this very knowledge to the buyers of their puppies. Breeders can be found through the VDH or the VaH.
- First equipment for herding and driving dogs
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, additionally possibly a drag line
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- Dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- Long hair brush
- Undercoat brush
- comb / lice comb
- possibly a dog clipper (but this should only be used if you really know how to use it).
- dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly dog treats
Dog food for herding and driving dogs
Herding and driving dogs was left in earlier centuries mostly with the herd. Therefore, they were conditionally on their own. Of course, this was also reflected in the procurement of food. They did not approach their own herd and hunted for themselves, unless the shepherd came by with food. Thus, even today, they are not food eaters.
Rather, it is necessary to take care to give them only as much food as they actually need. Herding and driving dogs, which have no task or training sessions in dog sports, should be fed only with maintenance portions. The result of too much food is rapid obesity, which then cannot be quickly controlled.
Must every herding dog have a flock to protect?
No, of course not. Each herding and driving dog has different abilities. Therefore, you have to look at all the potential they bring to the table. Let’s take the German shepherd as an example. Certainly he could still herd flocks. This he does at times.
But mainly he is used as a guard, protection and service dog. In this job he is not only good, but excellent. Thus, the natural potential he brings with him is not only used in the best possible way, rather it has been developed further.
It is similar with the other breeds that we find in this section. For example, the Australian Shepard will be found in agility and obedience. Others, like the Kuvasz or the Russian Shepherd, on the other hand, are leisurely as long as their territory is in order. Their urge to move is limited, sporting ambitions are not present.
Are herding and driving dogs hunting dogs?
It is quite possible that these dog breeds also have a good hunting instinct, such as the German Shepherd. But that is why they are not hunting dogs in the classical sense. Because of their genetic potential to herd, it is still appropriate to keep them on a leash when walking, especially in the woods and meadows, as a precaution, regardless of the season. Otherwise, they will be tempted to herd wild animals that may have been startled.
Are herding and driving dogs family dogs?
This question is not easy to answer. The different breeds are literally far too different for that. Basically, it is the same as with any other dog breed: If the basic training is right, if the socialization is right, the coexistence of these dogs with the family, with children is no problem.
These dogs are also eager to please their owners and meet their requirements. The situation in the family will be especially good if the dog and children grow up together, as a team, so to speak. However, please always remember the consistency in the education of the dog (and, of course, the children).
They have to give the okay for this visit, so to speak. But they, too, can get along with the family very well if they are very well socialized. However, this attempt should be carried out only people, family who have already gained sufficient experience with these dogs. Because one thing is for sure: herding and driving dogs are absolutely not dogs for beginners. Therefore, only families who have this experience should take these dogs.
Especially the breeds Puli, Tervueren, Welsh Corgi and Berger Picard are suitable to establish themselves in the family.
Can herding and driving dogs be kept in a (city) apartment?
Although some of the smaller breeds in this section may well become accustomed to an apartment, as long as sufficient options for exercise and free movement are provided, it should be discouraged to keep herding and driving dogs in small apartments that do not have access to a large garden. There is nothing wrong with a spacious, ground-level apartment with free access to a large garden.
However, the city should not be done to the dogs. It is too noisy and much too cramped for these dogs, which simply have a completely different relationship to freedom and nature than all other dog breeds. They are much too independent to have to be permanently exposed to city noise.
Please always remember that it is not only you who must be comfortable with the situation. The dog should also be able to feel comfortable throughout his life. And for this purpose he belongs in the rural area and needs a large garden, which he can “rule” independently. After all, that is exactly where it originated – in the countryside!
FAQ
Can herding and driving dogs be kept in the city?
No, you shouldn’t. Try to put yourself in the dog’s place: His original task was the independent herding and driving of livestock. He cannot even begin to fulfill this urge, which is deeply rooted in these animals, in the city. No matter how much you love your dog, this would absolutely not be a husbandry method that would do these dogs justice.
What is the difference between a herding dog and a guard dog?
The herding dog is responsible for small herds or for rounding up and keeping together as well as assisting in the separation of the animals. The guard dog is also responsible for protecting the herd, even independently, from danger.
Are herding and driving dogs suitable as family dogs?
The question can not be asked in a general way, because in this case it depends on the specific dog breed. Some dog breeds can be socialized very well, so they can accept all family members well and can be best playmates for children. Others, however, do not want contact with all family members at all. They only want “their” human. So it depends on the dog breed whether the animal is suitable as a family dog or not.
Which dog sports are suitable for herding and driving dogs?
Firstly, the dog sports clubs have agility and obedience on offer. Here the dogs can prove both their physical needs, but also their intelligence. Inform yourself before buying the dog, because some of the herding dogs do not have this need for movement. They move only to control their territory and keep their herd under control. If everything is fine, they can easily sleep the day away until the mailman comes, can’t they? They are not enthusiastic about dog sports or playing with children.
