Cattle dogs are known for their ability to work on farms and herd livestock, but they also make great pets. Many breeds of cattle dogs are popular with dog owners, and they are loved for their intelligence and companionship.
These dogs have even been known to try to herd their family members! Most of these breeds require a lot of exercise, but their lineage has made them easy to train and happy to work.
You are reading: 11 Different Types Of Cattle Dog Breeds
Cattle and herding dog breeds have a wide variety of temperaments and needs, but they have grown to be loved by many people and have become much more than just working dogs. In this article, we will explore 11 different types of cattle dog breeds, their characteristics, and what makes them unique.
11 Different Types Of Cattle Dog Breeds
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a medium-sized herding dog developed in Australia. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and hardworking nature. They are extremely alert and watchful, making them great watchdogs.
Australian Cattle Dogs are loyal to their owners but can be wary of strangers. They are not suited for apartment living and require a lot of exercise. This breed is known for its tenacity and courage, and they have a strong sense of duty. They tend to be aggressive with other dogs and may display dominance and herding behaviors toward children.
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd cattle on large ranches, and they are still used for this purpose today. They are also popular as family pets for those who can provide them with ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog that originated in the region of the Anglo-Scottish border and descends from traditional sheepdogs found all over the British Isles.
This breed is known for its athleticism, intelligence, and stamina, which were developed when they were required to work all day in the hills and valleys of the rugged Scottish border country, sometimes running 50 miles or more a day.
Borders are athletic, medium-sized herders standing 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder, with a muscular but nimble worker unspoiled by passing fads. They have a double coat that varies from smooth to rough and is occasionally curled, and while black and white is the most common coloring of the Border Collie, the breed appears in just about any color and pattern known to occur in dogs.
The Border Collie is a good match for an owner who is as active as they are, especially one who’s eager to get involved in dog sports. With the right training, this breed excels in any activity they try, including sheepdog trials, agility, flyball, flying disc, advanced obedience, freestyle obedience, or tracking.
However, they are not suited for apartment living and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Border Collies are intelligent dogs full of energy with a strong desire to herd anything—and everything—around them. They are best suited for country living, and if confined without activity and company, these dogs can become unhappy and destructive.
Australian Shepherd
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The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United States. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature.
Aussies have a moderately long, double coat that can be straight or wavy, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and versatile dogs with a strong work ethic. They are reserved with strangers but are generally friendly and social once they warm up.
Australian Shepherds are great family pets, herding animals, police dogs, and are also used in dog sports such as agility, flyball, and advanced obedience. They are best suited for country living or, at the very least, should have a large fenced yard and owners who can provide them with ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Aussies are remarkably intelligent, quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner, so they are not the pet for everyone.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog breed originating in Flanders, Belgium. They were originally used for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, and cart pulling, and nowadays as guard dogs and police dogs, as well as family pets.
Here are some characteristics of the Bouvier des Flandres:
– Bouviers des Flandres are rational, gentle, loyal, and protective by nature. They are good family pets, as well as keen guard dogs.
– They are obedient dogs with a pleasant nature. They look intimidating, but are actually calm and gentle. They are enthusiastic, responsible, even-tempered, and fearless, and are excellent guard and watchdogs that are easy to train.
– Bouviers get bored easily and learn best when repetition is limited. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
– They are large, powerful dogs that stand between 24 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 110 pounds. They have a muscular build and a thick, shaggy coat.
– The Bouvier des Flandres is slow to mature physically and is a great family dog. They can get along well with other animals if raised with them; if not, some can be aggressive toward other dogs.
– They are energetic and active dogs that have an average demand for exercise. They need to go out with you for long, brisk daily walks or running alongside a bike.
Overall, the Bouvier des Flandres is a calm, docile, and loyal dog that makes a great family pet and guard dog. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, but with the right training, they can be excellent companions.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two different varieties of livestock-herding dog breeds known as Welsh corgis, with the other being the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is one of the oldest breeds of the British Isles, believed to have been in existence in Wales for over 3,000 years. Here are some characteristics of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi:
– The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small to medium-sized dog breed that stands about 10-13 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 25-38 pounds.
– They have a long, low body with upright ears and a fox brush tail. Their coat is water-resistant and comes in a variety of colors, including red, sable, brindle, black, and blue merle.
– Cardigan Welsh Corgis are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their unique long tail, herding heritage, and laid-back nature.
– They are good with children and other pets, but may be reserved with strangers. They are generally easy to train and enjoy learning new things.
– Cardigan Welsh Corgis require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are best suited for families with a yard or access to outdoor space.
– They are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
Overall, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a unique and charming dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy dog breed that originated in Wales. They were bred to herd cattle and sheep and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful personality. Here are some characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
– Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs that stand about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 23-28 pounds.
– They have a long, low body with upright ears and a fox-like face. Their coat is short to medium length and comes in a variety of colors, including red, sable, fawn, black and tan, and tri-colored.
– Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly intelligent, loyal, and eager to please their owners. They are active, animated dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
– They are good with children and other pets, but may be reserved with strangers. They are generally easy to train and enjoy learning new things.
– Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
– Pembroke Welsh Corgis are considered chondrodysplastic dogs, meaning they have slightly bowed limbs and a tendency for back problems. They are full size at about a year of age, but some keep filling out until age two or even three.
Overall, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a charming and intelligent dog breed that makes a great family pet. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but with the right training, they can be excellent companions.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Here are some characteristics of the Shetland Sheepdog:
– The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized dog breed that stands about 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 15-25 pounds.
– They have a long, dense double coat that comes in various colors, including sable, black, and blue merle, often with white markings.
– Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They are known for their herding instincts and can be cautious around strangers but are generally good with families.
– They are active and playful dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are best suited for families with a yard or access to outdoor space.
– Shetland Sheepdogs are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
– They are easy to train and enjoy learning new things. They excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials.
Overall, the Shetland Sheepdog is a charming and intelligent dog breed that makes a great family pet. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but with the right training, they can be excellent companions.
Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized herding dog breed that originated in Finland. Here are some characteristics of the Finnish Lapphund:
– Finnish Lapphunds are friendly, intelligent, and attached to their human pack. They crave companionship and will be miserable when neglected.
– They are calm, friendly, and outgoing dogs that love their family and can be good around kids. They have high intelligence and can excel in training.
– Finnish Lapphunds have a thick, medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors and markings, including black, brown, cream, tan, wolf sable, or blonde with a variety of markings.
– They are energetic and agile dogs that possess the ability to execute quick movements. They require ample exercise to satisfy their energetic nature.
– Finnish Lapphunds are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
– They are best suited to cooler climates due to their heritage as reindeer herders. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
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Overall, the Finnish Lapphund is a friendly and intelligent dog breed that makes a great family pet. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but with the right training, they can be excellent companions.
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized herding dog breed that originated in Scotland. Here are some characteristics of the Bearded Collie:
Appearance:
– The Bearded Collie has a shaggy, medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, and fawn, often with white markings.
– They have a sturdy body, floppy ears, and bearded facial hair as part of its distinctive look.
Personality:
– Bearded Collies are known for being quick-witted, lively, and enthusiastic dogs.
– They are smart, active, and can be stubborn or independent.
– They are boisterous and charismatic droving dogs that enjoy outdoor exercise in all weather.
Health:
– Bearded Collies are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
Grooming:
– Bearded Collies require regular grooming to keep their long hair mat-free. Weekly brushing is mandatory.
– Some Bearded Collie owners opt to keep their pets in a “puppy cut” haircut, which reduces (but does not eliminate) the need for brushing.
– Like all shaggy dogs, the Beardie is a messy dog. Leaves, mud, snow, fecal matter, and other debris cling to his long wavy coat and ends up all over your house.
Overall, the Bearded Collie is a lively and enthusiastic dog breed that makes a great family pet. They require regular exercise and grooming to stay happy and healthy, but with the right training, they can be excellent companions.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a breed of dog that originated in the Italian Alps. Here are some characteristics of the Bergamasco Sheepdog:
Personality:
– Bergamascos are bright, loyal, loving, and trainable with a dash of mountain-dog independence.
– They tend to have a patient and protective temperament, and they are very devoted to their work.
– They are known for their independent spirits, high intelligence, and herding skills.
– The Bergamasco could be described as an attentive, intelligent, patient, do-it-yourselfer.
Appearance:
– The Bergamasco Sheepdog has a unique coat that is made up of mats of hair. The mats are formed by the combination of the dog’s woolly undercoat and long, coarse outer coat.
– They are a medium-sized dog breed that stands about 22-23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 57-84 pounds.
Health:
– Bergamascos are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
Grooming:
– The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s coat requires minimal grooming. The mats of hair protect the dog from the elements and do not need to be brushed out.
– The mats should be separated by hand to prevent them from becoming too large and uncomfortable for the dog.
Overall, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a unique and intelligent dog breed that makes a great family pet. They require minimal grooming and are known for their independent spirits, high intelligence, and herding skills.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. Here are some characteristics of the German Shepherd:
Appearance:
– German Shepherds are a large breed of dog that can stand up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds.
– They have a strong, muscular body with erect ears and a keen, alert expression.
– German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and sable.
Personality:
– German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence.
– They are confident and courageous dogs that make excellent guard dogs, police dogs, and military dogs.
– German Shepherds are highly trainable and versatile dogs that excel in various roles, including herding, search and rescue, and as assistance dogs.
– They are loyal to their families but can be aloof or reserved around strangers.
Health:
– German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy.
Grooming:
– German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds heavily and requires regular grooming.
– They need ample daily exercise to prevent mischievous or destructive behavior.
Overall, the German Shepherd is a loyal, courageous, and intelligent dog breed that makes an excellent guard dog, police dog, or military dog. They require regular exercise and grooming to stay happy and healthy, but with the right training, they can be excellent companions.
FAQS
1. What are cattle dog breeds?
Cattle dog breeds are dogs that were originally bred to work with cattle and other livestock. They are known for their intelligence, herding instincts, and high energy levels.
2. What are some popular cattle dog breeds?
Some popular cattle dog breeds include the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog.
3. What are the characteristics of cattle dog breeds?
Cattle dog breeds are generally intelligent, energetic, and loyal dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are often used for herding, but can also make great family pets with the right training and socialization.
4. Are cattle dog breeds good with children?
Cattle dog breeds can be good with children, but it depends on the individual dog and their temperament. It is important to socialize them early and supervise interactions with children to ensure everyone’s safety.
5. Do cattle dog breeds require a lot of exercise?
Yes, cattle dog breeds require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are best suited for families with a yard or access to outdoor space.
6. Are cattle dog breeds prone to health issues?
Like all dog breeds, cattle dog breeds may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy. It is important to work with a reputable breeder and provide regular veterinary care to ensure your dog stays healthy.
7. Are cattle dog breeds easy to train?
Cattle dog breeds are generally intelligent and trainable dogs, but they can also be stubborn or independent. It is important to start training early and use positive reinforcement techniques to ensure success.
8. Can cattle dog breeds make good family pets?
Yes, cattle dog breeds can make great family pets with the right training and socialization. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that can be great with children and other pets. However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
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