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Shepherd dogs have been an integral part of farming for hundreds of years and are classified in the Herding Group by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The term “shepherd” literally means “sheepherder” and is associated with those who tend a flock of sheep. Any dog breed with “shepherd” in its name was likely bred to herd sheep.
Farming has always been crucial to society, and herding large groups of cows, goats, or sheep without help would be overwhelming. That’s why farmers began training dogs to assist them. Shepherd dogs excel as working dogs because they thrive on the mental stimulation that comes with having a job. This is why they often serve as K-9 workers, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs.
Though shepherd dog breeds vary in appearance, they typically have short or medium-length double coats. Their agile and lean bodies require plenty of exercise to burn off their high energy levels.
Without further ado, here are 9 types of shepherd dog breeds that we think you’ll love getting to know.
Different Types of Shepherd Dogs
1. Akbash
The Akbash dog, originating in Turkey, was developed as a livestock-guarding dog. Turkish villagers and shepherds bred these dogs to protect their sheep from predators like wolves. These flock guardians are designed to bond closely with their home flocks and often work independently, as they frequently operate without human assistance.
Akbash dogs are highly aware of their surroundings and have excellent hearing and eyesight. Their independence can make training a bit challenging, requiring a steady yet firm approach to help them become well-behaved family pets. Their strong guarding instincts may lead to excessive alarm barking and digging, which they do to regulate their body temperature.
HillsPet states that these dogs have thick coats that need regular grooming at least once a week and more frequently during shedding seasons. While they require daily exercise, they are not built for continuous running. Instead, they are more suited to patiently watching over their flock from a hillside. Young Akbash dogs are more energetic and need more exercise than their mature counterparts.
2. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient breed with roots in mastiff types and flock guardian dogs from the Middle East. Large and athletic, this powerful dog was bred to protect sheep and goats from predators like bears, wolves, and even human thieves. They are loyal and friendly with family members and familiar people, but they retain their working instincts and are often suspicious of strangers, reacting quickly to perceived threats.
As a flock guardian, the Anatolian Shepherd is an independent thinker, capable of making decisions on its own rather than relying on commands. This independence can make them challenging pets, requiring careful management. Their coat, short and dense with a thick undercoat, offers protection in extreme weather and needs brushing once or twice a week, with heavy shedding during moulting seasons.
To keep an Anatolian Shepherd happy, they need up to two hours of exercise a day, divided into two walks. Purina reports that they also benefit from interactive training and puzzle-solving games to engage their minds and strengthen their bond with their owners.
3. Australian Shepherd Dog
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog breed that, despite its name, was developed in the western United States in the late 1800s, primarily from British-derived herding dogs. This hardy breed has strong herding and guarding instincts, making it active, independent, responsive, bold, and alert. These traits can be demanding for owners who cannot spend several hours a day interacting with their dogs.
Australian Shepherds are playful, interactive, and quick to learn. They respond well to commands and are eager to please. While they are aloof toward strangers and can be domineering with unfamiliar dogs, they make excellent watchdogs and fairly effective protection dogs. Some Aussies may bark excessively, especially when they are bored or under-stimulated.
This breed prefers cooler weather. Their coat requires occasional bathing and brushing at least once a week, with more frequent grooming during shedding seasons. Australian Shepherds need plenty of mental and physical exercise, including long jogs or vigorous play for at least an hour each day.
4. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent and energetic breed. Originating in Scotland and brought to Australia in the late 19th century, Kelpies were bred as sheep herders. They are agile and capable of tireless work, making them ideal for herding tasks. Kelpies are extremely smart, alert, and enthusiastic, with boundless energy.
As herding dogs, Australian Kelpies are intensely loyal and dedicated to their work. They have a natural talent for managing sheep in both open fields and enclosed spaces. Developed from Collie-type dogs, Kelpies are built to endure Australia’s harsh heat and dry conditions.
The Australian Kelpie has a double coat; they need weekly brushing to remove dead hairs and occasional baths to stay clean. Otherwise, Kelpies are relatively low-maintenance.
When properly socialized, most Australian Kelpies get along well with children and other pets, though they might try to herd them. According to AKC, these dogs need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily jog or long workout, combined with obedience training, helps keep their minds and bodies engaged.
5. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding dog breed renowned for its exceptional abilities as a sheepdog, especially along the English-Scottish border for about 300 years. Often regarded as the world’s smartest dog, the Border Collie excels at learning and performing tasks quickly. Their herding instincts make them active, alert, independent thinkers who are highly responsive.
Border Collies are very playful and interactive, getting along well with people of all ages. However, their high energy levels might be too much for young children or the elderly. They also tend to bark excessively when excited.
Border Collies have a coat that needs occasional bathing and brushing several times a week. They thrive in cooler weather and require a lot of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Activities like long jogs, vigorous play, or training sessions for at least an hour are essential. Border Collies love herding, catching Frisbees, retrieving, swimming, tugging, jumping, and running, making them perfect for active owners who can keep up with their needs.
6. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a breed that dates back to medieval times, originating in the Flanders region, which now includes parts of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These versatile working dogs were used for herding, guarding livestock, protecting farms, and pulling carts. Known for being steady, resolute, and fearless, Bouviers des Flandres are true working dogs that tackle tasks with enthusiasm and persistence.
Their strong work ethic needs to be accommodated; without plenty of activities, they can become bored and unhappy. Bouviers des Flandres also have big hearts and make affectionate, loyal companions. They thrive in homes where owners can dedicate ample time to their physical and emotional needs, helping these strong-willed dogs channel their energy positively.
Regular grooming is essential for Bouviers des Flandres. Brush them at least once a week to remove dead hair and prevent tangles, mats, and debris. Their beards may also need cleaning. They are comfortable in cold weather but can struggle in hot and humid conditions. They enjoy brisk walks, hiking, and trips to the dog park.
7. Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherds, also known as Caucasian Ovcharkas, come from Eastern Europe and were originally bred to protect livestock and properties in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. PetMD points out that these large dogs are known for their fierce loyalty to their humans, yet they maintain a striking independence.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is fearless and intimidating, making it a natural guardian. They are loving and protective of their families but can become aggressive if they sense a threat. Due to their large size, supervision is needed around small children, and they are better suited to larger areas where they can roam freely.
Their coats can be short, medium, or long, and their grooming needs will vary accordingly. These dogs have evolved to withstand harsh winters and extremely cold weather. While not as active as some other shepherd breeds, Caucasian Shepherds still need daily exercise, such as walking or hiking, to stay healthy and happy. Always keep them on a leash or in a fenced area when outdoors to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
8. German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dogs, as their name suggests, originated in Germany. Developed in the late 1800s by crossing various herding breeds, they are known for their courage, loyalty, and guarding instincts. Besides being excellent herders, German shepherds are treasured family pets, and they get along well with children and other pets if raised with them. However, their guarding instincts make them wary of strangers.
These dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train. However, poorly bred German Shepherds can be high-strung and nervous, and without proper socialization and training, they might exhibit over-guarding and aggressive behavior. HillsPet suggests early socialization and obedience training are essential to prevent these issues.
German Shepherds shed heavily about twice a year and moderately the rest of the time. They should be brushed several times a week to manage shedding and maintain their coat. This working dog is well-built for the cold since Germany is known for its cold temperatures. Being active dogs, they need plenty of daily exercise.
9. Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog originates from Italy, where it was traditionally used by shepherds to guard sheep from wolves. These large, patient guardians have been around for at least 2,000 years. Maremmas are natural protectors, whether it’s sheep, people, chickens, or territory. They are always alert and ready to protect their home. They are good with families and children but tend to be wary of strangers entering their homes. Early socialization helps to some extent, but their guarding instincts remain strong.
Maremmas often bark to warn off intruders, whether they are people, birds, or other dogs. To manage this, it’s important to teach the “quiet” command from an early age. While they are intelligent, Maremmas are independent thinkers and may take a moment to obey commands after considering their options.
These dogs have a thick double coat that protects them from the elements while guarding sheep. Regular brushing is necessary, but bathing is seldom needed. Maremmas need a fair amount of exercise, but because they mature slowly, long walks should be avoided until they are at least six months old. Once they are old enough, a long daily walk will keep them happy and healthy.
Conclusion
Shepherd dogs like the Belgian Sheepdog, Maremma Sheepdog, and White German Shepherds are versatile and loyal, excelling in roles from herding sheep to protecting homes. These breeds, known for their intelligence and guarding instincts, make excellent family dogs and are adept at interacting with other animals.
Whether serving as cattle dogs, guard dogs, or simply cherished companions, these sheep dogs are a great choice for dedicated dog owners who can provide the necessary training, socialization, and exercise.
