The Herding Group was born when man came down from the mountains and began to settle in the fertile lowlands and valleys. He no longer needed the large and often cumbersome dogs to guard them, such as the Great Pyrenean dog. The requirement now was for smaller, faster and more mobile dogs that could keep large flocks together. Many of these dogs became the ancestors of modern-day sheepdogs, such as the various types of collies, the quick moving AUSTRALIAN Cattle dog and the Lancashire Heeler.
Some of the worlds working sheepdogs are hardly ever seen outside their native countries, and the qualities that suited them for a life spent working with livestock do not always translate into suitable attributes for the show ring or even family life.
The qualities required of a herding dog include the ability to control large flocks of cattle, sheep, goats, or other livestock and to quickly and obediently respond to the commands of the shepherd. It is also vital that the dogs are instinctively protective towards their owner and the animals in their care.
These traits, together with a high degree of intelligence and willingness to be trained, mean that dogs of this type also make good guard dogs. Herding dogs tend to be energetic, highly intelligent and good natured. They also have an enormous amount of surplus energy and require a good deal of exercise to keep them fit in mind and body.
Here's a short list of some of the dog breeds found in the Herding group;
Anatolian Shepherd, Australian Cattle dog, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Briard, Great Swiss Mountain Dog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi
