According to Purina, over 30 dog breeds come from the United Kingdom, including some extremely famous and smart working breeds. Find out my top 8 UK breeds of herding dogs including everything from Border Collies to Welsh Sheepdogs.
1. Border Collie
The world's smartest dog breed is the Border Collie and it is from the UK. This British breed of herding dog is a remarkably bright workaholic that'll settle down for cuddle time after work. In the canine kingdom, the Border Collie is one of the most agile, balanced, and durable citizens. Having a job to perform or participating in dog sports like agility, flyball, or even herding activities is key to Border Collies' happiness.
2. Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is a long-coated breed of herding dog used and bred for herding sheep in Scotland. They are generally characterized by a distinctive long narrow tapered snout and tipped ears and come in shades of sable and white, blue merle, and tri-colored. According to the breed standards, Rough collies should show no nervousness or aggression. Plus, they should be generally great with children and other animals. The Rough Collie has been largely replaced by the Border Collie for serious herding work in the UK. As a result, recent breeding efforts have shifted towards developing the Collie as a show dog and also a companion dog.
3. Sheltie
The Sheltie, aka the Shetland Sheepdog, is a herding dog breed developed to thrive amidst the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It was originally called the Shetland Collie and was formally recognized by the official kennel club of the United Kingdom in 1909. However, the name "Shetland Collie" caused controversy amongst Rough Collie breeders of the time and was consequently changed. The Sheltie is a hardy but diminutive breed known to be clever, vocal, willing to please, and loyal. Today, the Sheltie is often raised as a family pet, although the breed still excels at herding.
4. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie, also known as Beardie, is a smart, lively, alert, and hardy breed of herding dog originating in Scotland. Once used primarily by Scottish shepherds as a herding dog, the Beardie is now mostly a popular family companion and also a show dog. The Beardie resembles the Old English Sheepdog, another British herding dog.
5. Old English Sheepdog
Famous for his profuse coat, the Old English Sheepdog is a large herding dog breed developed in England from early types of herding dogs. The breed is immediately recognizable by its long, thick, shaggy grey and white coat, which does not shed unless brushed. The ears lie flat to the head, with fur covering the face and eyes.
6. Lancashire Heeler
The Lancashire Heeler is a small herding breed of dog that resembles a Welsh Corgi. The possible forebears for this England herding dog include the Manchester Terrier and Welsh Corgi. The Lancashire Heeler was recognized in the UK by the Kennel Club in 1981 and in the U.S. by the American Kennel Club in 2024. The breed was deemed a vulnerable native breed in 2003 but has gained popularity as a wonderful family dog in recent years. Today, there is a growing interest in these friendly little dogs, once bred and used primarily as cattle herders.
7. Welsh Corgi
Both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are small types of herding dogs originating in the United Kingdom. Built long and low, Welsh Corgis are surprisingly quick and agile. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is larger, both in weight and height, than the Pembroke. The Pembroke is more popular than the Cardigan thanks to Elizabeth II, who had personally owned more than 30 Pembrokes.
8. Welsh Sheepdog
The Welsh Sheepdog is a medium-sized herding dog breed from Wales, United Kingdom. Like other types of sheepdogs, Welsh Sheepdogs have a natural ability to control the movement of large flocks of sheep or cattle. They are extremely active and smart and can be trained to compete in stock dog trials. Some Welsh Sheepdogs have been trained to compete in herding events, dog agility trials, flyball, and tracking.
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