Do you know herding dogs make wonderful family pets because they are intelligent, friendly, outgoing, eager to learn, and easy to train? They were bred to work closely with their human companions while herding sheep, so they are also able to bond quickly with their owners/family members.
However, most herding dogs are athletic animals with high energy needs – a trait they have inherited from their ancestors who used to run around in large open fields while herding sheep and other livestock animals. Consequently, herding dog breeds are most suited for families who have an active lifestyle and can include the dog in their daily activities.
German shepherds are one of the world’s most popular herding dog breeds. But there are many other herding dog breeds in the world who are as good-looking and as intelligent as the German shepherds. Read on to know more about 5 dog breeds that are not German shepherds.
5 dog breeds that are not German Shepherds (700)
Here are 5 shepherd dog breeds other than German shepherds:
1. Swiss White Shepherds
Hailing from Switzerland, Berger Blanc Suisse, better known as the Swiss White Shepherd Dog, is a beautiful dog with a snowy white coat. Swiss White Shepherds look a lot like white German shepherds, and they even exhibit a lot of similar traits.
The founding father of Swiss white shepherds was a white German shepherd called Lobo, who was imported from the USA to Switzerland in the 1960s. Lobo was subsequently bred with other white-coated dog breeds to produce the Swiss White Shepherds or Berger Blanc Suisse that we know and love today.
Like their ancestors, the white German shepherds, the Swiss white shepherds were also bred to herd livestock in the Swiss Alps. The Berger Blanc Suisse is a large dog with a muscular body. It generally weighs around 50-80 pounds and grows up to 24-28 inches tall.
They are intelligent, loyal, eager to please, and very energetic. Swiss white shepherds were bred to herd livestock and assist their humans in other areas of farm work. As such, they need a lot of physical activity and mentally stimulating activities everyday. They make great family pets, but they need constant attention and daily exercise.
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Border Collie
The Border Collie is considered by many to be the world’s smartest dog breed. The breed originated in the lowlands and counties that were on the border of England and Scotland. Historians believe that border collies have been around since the 1700s.
Border collies are extremely energetic, intelligent, and one of the most hardworking sheepdogs in the world. Border Collies are purebred herding dogs known for their flock management style – they generally stay in front of the herd and give them an intense stare-down to stop them from wandering away.
They have a strong herding instinct, and they may herd smaller dogs, cats, and even small children at home if they have nothing better to do. If they are bored because they are not getting enough energy or attention, they may also nip at heels. Owing to their herding instincts, border collies make excellent watchdogs and are extremely protective of their territory and family.
Due to their heritage, border collies have an instinctive need to work, and they require constant attention from their owners. They are also notoriously intelligent and train very well. They can learn complex commands and tricks with ease.
However, their intelligence means they need constant mental stimulation to prevent behavioral issues. Puzzle toys, training, and interactive play will keep your Collie’s mind engaged.
Border collies are not for first-time dog owners or for laid-back families. They are perfect for active families who live in the countryside, as then they will have lots of spaces to run around and be free.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent, energetic herding breed that was developed in the United States, despite its name. Aussies are adaptable workers, herding livestock as well as doing search and rescue, assisting disabled owners, and participating in dog sports. They are versatile, trainable, and make great family companions.
They are intelligent and train well, but they can also be stubborn and dominant if not handled properly. Early socialization and training are essential. Harsh or inexperienced training may cause behavioral issues. Positive reinforcement training with rewards and play will work best for this breed.
While devoted to their families, Australian Shepherds are not suited to apartment living or urban environments. They require space, fenced yards, and opportunities to exercise and may bark excessively if confined or bored. Aussies thrive in rural settings where they have room to run and play and a job to do, such as herding livestock or other farm animals.
Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic sheepdog is an adorable Nordic breed with a thick, fluffy coat and a curled tail. Vikings originally used these dogs to herd sheep and other livestock in the harsh, cold climate of Iceland.
Today, the Icelandic sheepdog makes a wonderful family companion. They are playful, energetic, and patient with children and other pets. However, they still have a strong herding instinct and may try to round up anything that moves, including people, other dogs, and even birds or squirrels in the yard. Early training and socialization can help curb this behavior.
These dogs need daily exercise and attention, or they can become bored, restless, and even destructive. A long walk, hike, play session, or training time each day will keep your Icelandic sheepdog happy and well-behaved. They can adapt to apartment living if given enough activity and interaction, but a large fenced yard is ideal.
The Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a tough but loyal companion that was originally bred to herd cattle on ranches. These energetic dogs need daily exercise and attention but will reward you with years of faithful friendship.
Originally from Australia (as the name suggests), the Cattle Dog was bred in the 19th century to handle cattle in the harsh, rugged conditions of the Australian outback. They are intelligent, independent, and extremely resilient.
They are very loyal to their owners but wary of strangers and other dogs. Early socialization and training are important to help them become well-adjusted. With patient, positive reinforcement training, cattle dogs can become obedient and trusted companions.
Recap!
So there you have it. Here are 5 Amazing herding dog breeds which also deserve as much love and attention as the white German shepherd. All of these talented pups here have the potential to steal your heart and become your new best friend. So take a chance and adopt one of them today.
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