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A herding dog is a member of pastoral breeds family, that either has been trained in herding or belongs to breed developed for herding. Some herding breeds work well with any kinds of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly herded animals include cattle, sheep, and reindeer, although it is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs.
The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe livestock guardian dogs, whose primary function is to guard flocks from predation and theft. Herding dogs do not guard flocks but move them.
In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a subcategory of working dogs, but for conformation shows they usually form a separate group.
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A Border Collie at work with hair sheep.
Dogs can herd other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals\' heels (for this reason they are called heelers). Others, notably the Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called strong eye to stare down the animals; they are known as headers. The Koolie has been observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges. Koolies are therefore said to \'head\', \'heel\', and \'back\'. Other types such as the Welsh Sheepdog are loose eyed, working more independently.
All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior.
Most herding breeds have physical characteristics that help them with their work, including speed and endurance. Shorter breeds, such as Welsh Corgis, were bred so that they would be out of the way when cattle, their primary charges, kicked at them.
Due to their intelligence and beauty, herding dogs are often chosen as family pets. These dogs have been bred as working dogs and must be kept active.
Herding breeds include the following:
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
urkarain sheepdog
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia
