Selected breeds of herding dogs

name origin height in inches* dogs (bitches) weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) characteristics comments

Australian cattle dog Australia 18–20

(17–19) 35–45

(same) sturdy, compact body; moderately short, weather-resistant coat bred from several breeds, including dingoes and Dalmatians

Australian shepherd U.S. 20–23

(18–21) 35–70

(same) medium-sized; lithe and agile; moderate-length coat; bobbed tail descended from shepherds of Basque region (Spain/France)

bearded collie Scotland 21–22

(20–21) 40–60

(same) medium-sized; muscular body; shaggy, harsh outercoat dates to the 1500s

Belgian sheepdog (Groenendael) Belgium 24–26

(22–24) 50–60

(same) well-muscled, square body; erect ears; black coat used during World War I as message carriers and ambulance dogs; three other varieties

border collie England 19–22

(18–21) 31–50

(same) medium-sized; muscular, athletic build; numerous colours with various combinations of patterns and markings world's outstanding sheep herder; possesses hypnotic stare used to direct herds

bouvier des Flandres Belgium/France 23.5–27.5 (23.5–26.5) 88 (same) rugged, compact body; rough coat; blocky head with mustache and beard natural guard dog, often used in military settings

Cardigan Welsh corgi (Welsh corgi) Wales 10–12

(same) 25–38

(25–34) long, low body and tail; deep chest; large, prominent ears not as prevalent as its Pembroke counterpart

collie (rough) Scotland 24–26

(22–24) 60–75

(50–65) lithe body; deep, wide chest; abundant coat, especially on mane and frill also smooth variety with short coat

German shepherd Germany 24–26

(22–24) 75–95

(same) well-muscled, long body; erect ears; long muzzle one of the most recognized dog breeds

Old English sheepdog England minimum 22

(minimum 21) 55+

(same) compact, square body; profuse, shaggy coat loud, distinctive bark

Pembroke Welsh corgi (Welsh corgi) Wales 10–12

(same) 25–38

(same) low-set body, not as long as Cardigan; docked tail popular with British royalty; smallest herding dog

puli Hungary 17

(16) 30

(same) medium-sized; long, coarse coat that forms cords named for Puli Hou ("Destroyer Huns")

Shetland sheepdog Scotland 13–16

(same) N/A small-sized; long, rough coat, especially abundant on mane and frill traces to the border collie; excels in obedience competitions

*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram