Herding Dogs
Herding dogs are very intelligent and highly active. Most likely, they require jobs more than any other group in the UKC. They have a quick mind and a very high level of endurance. Border collies, Australian cattle dogs and Australian shepherds are all great companions if you like running and hiking—theres nothing they would rather do than having fun and exercising for hours with their favorite person. A herding dog may be the perfect dog for you if you would like to get involved with a sport like herding, agility, or fly ball. However, if a herding dog is in the wrong hands, all this energy and intelligence can lead to a completely out of control dog. For example, even a corgi can be a handful if theres not enough training or socialization.
Herding dogs must be very brave because they regularly herd animals that are much bigger and stronger than them. They are adventure seekers, and if you dont provide them with some kind of fun or entertainment, they will find their own. Some of these dogs will not accept anything less than a 3 mile run and an hour of aerobic play every day, so keep that in mind if you are considering getting a herding dog.
Herding dogs like to pick one person as their own. If you are getting one herding dog for a family of four, be ready for that dog to pick one person to bond with, and it may not always be the person intended.
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