Herding Shepherd dogs have been bred and raised since long.
Who are the Shepherd dogs? Shepherd dogs are types of working dogs used by humans for herding the flock of animals. They are also called “Sheepdogs”.
They can either be pure dog breeds recognized by the kennels or the popular cross dog breeds bred for the herding the flock of animals.
Shepherd dogs have a strong instinct to control the animals which have been passed to them in their genes. They are quite intelligent dogs who are energetic and enjoy human company.
They are independent thinkers as well. This trait helps them in independently controlling the flock.
Shepherd dogs are suitable for active lifestyle owners as they need a lot of time and energy to satisfy their mental and physical working needs. If they are not able to vent out their instinct of keeping busy, shepherd dogs may become destructive.
Let us explore the popular Shepherd dogs from the world.
Border Collie
Border Collie is the most intelligent dog breed in the world. The owners of Border Collie think of him as “Super Intelligent” and “Work-alcoholic”. They were originally bred in the hilly borders of Scotland and England as a herding dog.
These Shepherd dogs are still being used as herding dogs. Being intelligent they are also frequently seen in the dog shows.
Check out a border collie in action
The border collie is a medium-sized dog known for his intense eyes. They are popularly known for the same. They have medium to long double-coat and shed a lot.
Border collie can grow to a size of 19 to 22 inches and weigh 35 to 45 pounds. The average lifespan of this dog is around 12 to 15 years.
German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd is the second most popular dog in the USA and the most popular Shepherd dogs on this list. They were originally bred in Germany as a herding dog for flocking the animals.
Soon they become popular as a working dog because of their strength, intelligence, trainability, and obedience.
German Shepherd dog requires early socialization. They are easily trainable for any task. Being curious, courageous, and loyal, they excel as watchdogs as well. They are popular with security forces as a police or military dog.
German shepherd dog (GSD) is a medium to large size dog. One thing that GSD owner knows that they shed a lot and are also sometimes called “German Shedders”.
They can grow to a size of 24 to 26 inches and weigh approximately 75 to 95 pounds. The average life span of the German Shepherd is 10 to 14 years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the shepherd dogs that were originally bred in Pembrokeshire, Wales. They are short in height and their name Corgi in Irish means “Dwarf dog”. They are known for their energy, intelligence, and being obstinate at times.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular Corgi breed out of the two. They gained more prominence as they became preferred pets for Queen Elizabeth II. She once owned approximately 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
One thing that you should know about corgis is that they bark a lot. So if you are a silent freak, Corgi should not be your dog. Also, they are prone to overeating.
As these shepherd dogs became more popular as family dogs instead of working dogs, they became prone to be obese and thus their diet should be controlled.
Pembroke Corgis have a double coat and sheds a lot couple of times a year when their inner coat blows out.
Pembroke Corgi can grow to a height of 10 and 12 inches and weigh approximately 28 pounds. The average lifespan of Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are shepherd dogs. They were bred in Cardiganshire, wales, and is the older of the two corgi breeds. Cardigan Corgi is a distinct breed that is slightly larger than Pembroke Corgis.
Cardigan Corgi has a long tail and more rounded ears. They are highly loyal, intelligent, and energetic dogs.
Like Pembroke Corgi, they also have a double coat and shed a lot at-least two times a year when their inner coat blows out.
Cardigan Corgi can grow to a size of 11 to 13 inches and weigh approximately 30 to 38 pounds. The average life span of Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog originally bred in Malines, Belgium as a herding dog. They are very energetic dogs who are quite intelligent. They are nowadays becoming popular as a Police / Military dog.
Belgian Malinois resembles like a German Shepherd dog but is a distinct breed. They have squarer build than a German Shepherd. These shepherd dogs have a short mahogany coat with black markings.
Belgian Malinois have a double coat and sheds a lot couple of times a year. The size of a full-grown Belgian Malinois is around 24 to 26 inches and he can weigh approximately 40 to 80 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 12 to 14 years.
Australian Shepherd Dogs
While the name suggests Australia but the Australian Shepherd Dogs originated in California, USA as shepherd dogs. He is also known as “Aussie”. They are still being used in the USA and Australia as a herding dog. Check out this short video of his herding skills.
Like other herding dogs, he is at best when he is working and using his brains to do the same. He is not the dog for laid back guys.
If he doesn’t get enough physical exercise, he may become destructive with excessive barking. He needs enough space and is not a suitable dog for apartment living.
Australian Shepherd dogs can grow to a height of 20 to 23 inches and weigh approximately 50 to 60 pounds. Average Lifespan of this dog is 12 to 15 years.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are shepherd dogs also known as Sheltie. He was originally bred in the Shetland Island of Scotland from where these shepherd dogs derive their name. At first look, they look like Rough collie smaller in size but these are two distinctive dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdogs are quite intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs. They tend to bark and need to be trained to control the same. They have become quite popular family dogs though some still use them as a farm dog.
Shelties have a double coat and shed profusely a couple of times a year. They can grow to a height of 16 inches and weigh approximately 22 to 24 pounds. Their average life span is around 12 to 15 years.
Rough Collie
Rough Collie is a long-haired medium-sized dog originally bred in Scotland as a Shepherd dog. They are loyal and intelligent dogs who can easily be trained. Collies gel well along with children.
Though Rough Collie is similar to Border collie but is calmer than them. It doesn’t need as much physical stimulation relative to a Border Collie.
Rough collie has a double coat. He can grow to a height of 24 to 26 inches and weigh approximately 50 to 70 pounds. The average life span of Rough collie is 11 to 14 years.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog is also known as Shepherd dog. They were originally bred in England for driving cattle and sheep to the market. They are large dogs known for their long shaggy coat.
These shepherd dogs are powerful, intelligent, well behaved, and affable dogs. If he gets his exercise daily, he adapts well to apartment living as well. He likes human company and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long.
One thing that owner of OES knows about is the difficulty of grooming him. He has a double coat with long hairs which can easily knot. He needs at least 3 – 4 hours every week for coat grooming.
Old English Sheepdog can grow to a height of 22 inches and weigh approximately 80 to 100 pounds. Their average life span is 10 to 12 years.
Bouvier Des Flandres
Bouvier Des Flandres was bred originally in Flanders, Belgium as a dog to help farmers herding the animals and guarding. The French meaning of this dog is “Cow Herder of Flanders”. They are large dogs having a powerful build.
Bouvier Des Flandres are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs. They may intimidate someone with their large size but are gentle by nature. They are quick learners and hence often seen in dog shows.
Bouvier Des Flandres has a double coat. He sheds moderately but you need to spend time to groom his coat which is a magnet to dust. He can grow to a height of 26 inches and weigh approximately 70 to 100 pounds. His average life span is 10 to 12 years.
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgium Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog that originated in Belgium. They were bred as Shepherd dogs for herding flock of animals.
They are medium-sized dogs who are quite intelligent, energetic, alert, and affable suitable for family as well. Belgium Sheepdogs need an hour of daily exercise to provide enough physical stimulation.
Belgium sheepdog has a double coat which is typically solid black. They do shed and shed heavily once a year when their inner coat blows out.
They can grow to an average height of 26 inches and weigh approximately 60 to 70 pounds. Their average life span is 10 to 12 years.
Miniature American Shepherd Dog
Miniature American Shepherd Dogs are small shepherd dogs that were originally bred in California in the 1960s. They are quite intelligent and highly trainable dogs who are frequently seen in dog shows.
MAS dog is suitable for folks having an active life and not for the couch potatoes. With their small size, they are suitable for urban life apartments but need their daily exercise requirement fulfilled.
Miniature American Shepherd Dog has a double coat and sheds a lot when their inner coat blows out. They can grow to a size of 18 inches and weigh approximately 30 to 40 pounds. Average Lifespan of MAS is 13 to 15 years.
FAQ
What is a shepherd dog?
What are the most popular shepherd dogs?
1) Border Collie
2) German Shepherd Dog
3)Pembroke Welsh Corgi
4) Cardigan Welsh Corgi
5) Belgian Malinois
6) Australian Shepherd Dog
7) Shetland Sheepdog
8) Rough Collie