Herding Group
Breeds in the Herding Group were originally classified under the Working Group until 1983, when they were separated into their own distinct group. All these breeds share an innate instinct to control the movement of other animals and were primarily developed for gathering, herding, and protecting livestock.
Lancashire Heeler
The Lancashire Heeler is a small but energetic dog with medium to high activity levels. Intelligent, alert, and friendly, this breed learns new tasks quickly and thrives on interaction with its people. Compact and sturdy, the Lancashire Heeler has a short, weather-resistant coat that appears in black and tan or liver and tan. Affectionate and cheerful by nature, these dogs are known for being talkative, eager companions who are always ready for a walk or activity. Their small size adds greatly to their overall charm. Despite its size, the Lancashire Heeler is a powerful and capable working dog. Traditionally used for herding cattle, it also displays strong terrier instincts when hunting rabbits or controlling rodents. One of the breed’s most endearing traits is the so-called “Heeler Smile,” a unique expression in which contented dogs pull back their lips in a way that resembles a human smile. Due to its limited population and concerns over genetic diversity, the Lancashire Heeler has been recognized as a rare breed, requiring careful preservation and responsible breeding.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact yet powerfully constructed herding breed, widely known as the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Queensland Heeler. With ancestry linked to Australia’s native Dingo, this resilient and determined worker is celebrated for remarkable intelligence—often clever enough to challenge even experienced owners. Standing between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder, the breed is muscular, sturdy, and impressively agile. Puppies are born white, with their coats gradually developing into either blue-gray or red, both typically accented by distinctive speckled or mottled markings. Bred to manage demanding livestock tasks, the Australian Cattle Dog possesses an intense work ethic and thrives when given purpose. Their stamina, fluid movement, and boundless energy also make them exceptional companions for active lifestyles, including running and outdoor activities. Deeply loyal, highly perceptive, and constantly alert, Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be cautious around strangers. Without sufficient mental stimulation and physical exercise, they may become bored and develop unwanted behaviors. For this reason, owners are strongly encouraged to involve them in structured work, canine sports, or regular training to ensure they remain balanced, focused, and fulfilled.
Belgian Tervuren
The elegant and agile Belgian Tervuren is a bright, confident, medium-sized herding dog known for its affectionate nature and strong attachment to loved ones. For this tireless and versatile breed, demanding work and mentally stimulating play are pure happiness. The Belgian Tervuren is defined by its straight, abundant coat, graceful yet muscular build, proudly carried head, and an alert, intelligent expression. An intense drive to work lies at the core of the breed’s character. Decorative coat furnishings, such as the sporty “collarette” around the neck, are more pronounced in males, who are generally larger than females. The breed’s intelligence and high energy level can present challenges for owners who do not fully understand the Tervuren’s deep need for purposeful activity. However, this should not suggest a joyless or mechanical worker. On the contrary, Belgian Tervurens take genuine pleasure in mastering new tasks, and many owners note a playful, mischievous sense of humor—especially when a Terv cleverly outsmarts its devoted human partner.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Generally friendly with children and other animals, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a hardy, low-maintenance breed whose excellent health and calm temperament go far beyond its eye-catching appearance. Intelligent, eager to please, and deeply devoted to work, the Bergamasco is patient by nature yet instinctively protective of those under its care. Beneath the breed’s unmistakable coat lies a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient origin. Because the coat is the Bergamasco’s defining feature, it deserves special attention. The breed’s hair consists of three distinct textures that naturally form loose mats known as “flocks”—flat layers of felted strands that cover the body and legs. These flocks evolved to protect the dog from harsh cold and predators in the Italian Alps, the breed’s ancestral homeland. Bright, loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable, the Bergamasco retains a touch of independence typical of mountain dogs. It watches over family members with calm attentiveness and quiet confidence. Though naturally cautious around strangers until properly introduced, the Bergamasco resorts to aggression only when absolutely necessary.
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