Have you ever looked at the list of recognizable dog breeds by the American Kennel
Club (AKC). It's a very long list. Dogs can be classified into different breeds.
The accepted definition of a dog breed is a group of dogs (species) that come from
common ancestors and retain certain distinguishable characteristics. You should
take the time and effort to match your environment and lifestyle with the dog breed
you plan to purchase. It would be a mistake to get a breed of puppy dog that does
not suit your living conditions and personality. Don't get a huge dog if you live in
cramped quarters. In a like manner, don't get a puppy dog if you don't give him the
attention, activity and exercise that is required to maintain a happy and healthy dog.
The AKC has assigned eight (8) standard groups to the different breeds of dogs.
These groups are: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding and
miscellaneous class.
Herding Dogs
The herding group of dogs are hard-working and intelligent dogs that were bred
originally to herd sheep, cattle and other types of domestic animals by a shepherd.
The two different types of herding group dogs are: cattle/sheep driving dogs and the
sheep herders.
Cattle/Sheep Driving Dogs
Cattle/sheep driving dogs are usually used without any human intervention to drive
cattle and/or sheep over very long distances. These types of dogs have a stocky but
solid build to their bodies. They can have aggressive, unpredictable and reservation
with stranger traits. Early socialization and proper training can help prevent these
traits from being dominant in cattle/sheep driving dogs.
The cattle/sheep driving dogs include the following species: Australian Cattle Dog,
Briar, Bouvier des Flanders, Canaan Dog, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Sheep Herding Dogs
The sheep herding dogs are the other type of dogs that are classified in the herding
group. They are agile, alert and extremely athletic. The sheep herding dogs are very
affectionate to the family that raises them but are somewhat suspicious of strangers
that enter their territory. These dogs get along very well with children if trained
properly. Sheep herding dogs need a job to perform and require plenty of exercise. To
have a great sheep herding dog you need to take the time to socialize with them and to
train them on herding or another useful type of exercise.
The sheep herder dogs include the following species: Australian Shepherd, Bearded
Collie, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Beligan Teruren, Border Collie, Collie,
German Shepherd Dog, Old English Sheepdog, Puli, and Shetland Sheepdog
