16 Most Popular Shepherd Dog Breeds
Shepherd dogs have been around for many centuries and are part of the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group. Shepherd literally means “sheepherder”, and is often associated with someone who tends sheep flocks.
Shepherd dogs, also known as sheepdogs, are dogs that shepherds use to protect and herd sheep. Some dogs may have the name shepherd, while others do not. This list could surprise you.
1. Australian Shepherd
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, energetic, work-oriented |
| Colors: | Red, red merle, and black |
| Size: | Medium |
The Australian Shepherd is clearly a shepherd breed. Their primary purpose is to herd sheep and chase other animals. They are driven and energetic and require a lot of exercise every day, at least for 1-2 hours.
Aussies are intelligent dogs who love to please. It would be great to have them participate in agility and herding trials, in addition to obedience training.
2. Beauceron
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Temperament: | Obedient, gentle, devoted |
| Colors: | Black & tan, black & rust, gray black & tan, harlequin |
| Size: | Large |
The Beauceron, originally from France, is a powerful and large dog that isn’t like other sheepdogs. They are gentle and sensitive dogs that make excellent watchdogs and guardians.
To get the mental and physical exercise they require, they need to be involved in a lot of activities. Beaucerons are intelligent and loyal, and they are easy to train.
3. Belgian Laekenois
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Temperament: | Loving, intelligent, observant |
| Colors: | Fawn, mahogany, and red |
| Size: | Medium |
The Belgian Laekenois, a related breed to the Belgian Sheepdog (listed above), spent their early years tending sheep and drying linen. They are affectionate and friendly with all their friends and family.
Laekenois dogs require lots of exercise and quality time with their family members. The intelligence and eagerness to please nature of the Laekenois make training easy.
4. Belgian Sheepdog
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Smart, loyal and watchful |
| Colors: | Black, white and black |
| Size: | Large |
The Belgian Sheepdog, a smart and adaptable sheepdog, has a beautiful shaggy black coat. They require more than a daily walk.
This breed will enjoy activities such as running, playing fetch, and enrolling in agility and herding trials. Belgian sheepdogs are easy to train because of their intelligence and desire to please their owners.
5. Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Lifespan: | 13-15 years |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, friendly, independent |
| Colors: | Gray or black |
| Size: | Medium-large |
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are known for their unique and eye-catching coat. It is made up of mat-like dreadlocks that make it easy to groom. They do not shed and only require a bath twice or three times per year.
The Bergamasco is a calm and gentle dog who needs moderate exercise. The Bergamasco should be involved in some activity with his owner, and not left alone. These dogs are intelligent and independent. They should be trained with patience and early socialization.
6. Border Collie
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, enthusiastic, and loving |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | Medium |
The Border Collie is one of the most popular herding dogs, especially for herding sheep. They are medium-sized with medium-length fur.
Border Collie is a very energetic dog. He loves his family but is cautious around strangers. Border Collies require a lot of exercise, even if you don’t have the time to give them work. Border Collies are easy to train, but they would be happier in a home with older children.
7. Briard
| Lifespan: | 12 years |
| Temperament: | Devoted, intelligent, loving |
| Colors: | Black, gray, and tawny |
| Size: | Large |
The Briard is a confident, protective dog who is intelligent and hardworking. They are available in three colors: black, gray, or tawny, and have a peek-a-boo style that covers their eyes.
Briards, like all herding dogs, need to have a job or they will be busy trying to herd everything. Although their independence can make it difficult for them to be trained, they are intelligent and capable of learning quickly with persistence and positive training techniques.
8. German Shepherd
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Brave, Intelligent, Loyal |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | Large |
Although the German Shepherd isn’t known for herding sheep, they are one of the most well-known shepherd dogs. The German Shepherd has thick double coats in many colors but is most well-known for its black and tan combination.
German Shepherds are well-known for their strong and unfaltering nature. They are gentle and loving with their families, but they are selective about the people they make friends with. They require lots of exercise and would excel in agility and herding. They are loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with their families.
9. Icelandic Sheepdog
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Friendly, curious, and playful |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | From small to medium |
The Icelandic Sheepdog breed is the only one that is native to Iceland. Their thick coat is complemented by white and comes in many colors. They are loyal and happy, but should not be left alone for too long.
Icelandic Sheepdogs need moderate exercise, which includes walks and play sessions. They are smart and eager to please so it is easy to train them.
10. Miniature American Shepherd
| Lifespan: | 12-13 years |
| Temperament: | Loyal, intelligent, energetic |
| Colors: | Black, blue merle and red, red merle |
| Size: | Small |
Miniature American Shepherds are miniature versions of the Australian Shepherd. They are energetic and loyal and come in the same coat colors as the Aussie.
Minis are athletic and energetic, but they only need moderate exercise every day. Minis are easy to train because of their intelligence and willingness to please their owners.
11. Norwegian Buhund
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, intelligent |
| Colors: | Black and wheaten |
| Size: | Medium |
The Norwegian Buhund was originally bred to herd and guard the Vikings. They are great family dogs with thick, dense coats that can be either black or wheaten.
Buhunds require a lot of exercise. This would include running at least twice a day. Because of their independence, they can be difficult to train. However, food can help them stay motivated and aid in training.
12. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Adaptable, clever, alert |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | Medium |
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, a medium-sized shaggy breed that is available in many colors and was likely bred in Poland, is a medium-sized dog. Although they can be stubborn, they are great with children and other pets.
A Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires a daily exercise of at least 2 hours. Although they can build strong relationships with their families, they can also be very wary of strangers. This can make it difficult to train them due to their stubbornness.
13. Puli
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 Years |
| Temperament: | Devoted, intelligent, athletic |
| Colors: | Black, white, and silver |
| Size: | Medium |
The Puli looks similar to the Bergamasco Sheepdog, although it forms dreadlocks. They aren’t as easy to maintain as the Bergamasco. They are available in white, silver, or black and are extremely agile and athletic dogs.
They need to be exercised a lot and excel in agility and herding. These dogs are independent and intelligent, so they require a firm and smart owner.
14. Pyrenean Shepherd
| Lifespan: | 15-17 years |
| Temperament: | Energetic, smart, affectionate |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | From small to medium |
There are many coat options for the Pyrenean Shepherd, including both smooth and rough-faced. They have a strong bond with their families and are affectionate with them. However, they can be reserved around strangers.
Pyr Sheps are energetic and would love to have a job. However, as long as they’re kept busy and given the exercise they need, they will be happy. They are easy to train because of their intelligence and connection with their owners.
15. Shetland Sheepdog
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Energetic, friendly, affectionate |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | Small |
The Shetland Sheepdog is a miniature Collie. They are loyal and active dogs who are affectionate with their families.
Regular exercise is necessary for shelties, but they can be just as happy in the country as in the city. Training can be very easy because they are eager to please and intelligent.
16. Anatolian Shepherd
| Lifespan: | 10-13 years |
| Temperament: | Independent, calm, friendly, and affectionate |
| Colors: | Multiple colors |
| Size: | Large |
This loyal guardian is a native of Turkey’s Anatolia region. He still protects his livestock today. He is one of the most independent shepherd breeds. He prefers to patrol his property alone for threats, rather than hanging out with his family. He doesn’t like strangers so don’t expect him to be a social butterfly at parties. This giant breed will be stressed if he is constantly around strange people.
Conclusion
We have not included all the shepherd dogs in the Herding Group. However, we have listed some of the more well-known and lesser-known shepherd dogs.
These dogs share a common trait: they love to herd. They will also attempt to herd children, pets, and anything else that moves. This is something to keep in mind when taking your shepherd on a walk. They might also be inclined to run after things that are outside.
These dogs are intelligent and independent, but generally speaking, they are smart. Before bringing a dog into your home, you should thoroughly investigate the breed. It is crucial that you find the right dog for your family.