There is a clear distinction between livestock herding dogs and those that are bred to guard livestock. As the name suggests, livestock guardian dogs are a type of shepherd dog breed bred to protect livestock from predators. Conversely, a livestock herding dog is a type of shepherd dog breed bred to move livestock. Unlike guardian dogs, which protect livestock, herding dogs control the movement of livestock. Livestock herding dogs were bred to be medium in size whereas guardian dogs were bred to be large in size. Livestock guardian dogs blend in with the sheep or cattle, watching for intruders within the flock.
The mere presence of a livestock guardian dog within the flock is typically enough to ward off some predatory animals. Livestock guardian dogs look more intimidating in appearance than their herding counterparts. They confront predators by displaying very aggressive behavior, vocal intimidation, and barking. Herding breeds, on the other hand, share an instinctual ability to control the movement of livestock. Some herding dogs like the Australian Shepherd move livestock by barking, circling, and nipping at their heels.
On the other hand, others like the Border Collie simply confront the sheep or cattle with a silent stare, which also proves effective. Livestock herding dogs follow the shepherd's command to drive in sheep or cattle from over a half mile away. Part of livestock herding dogs' skills is innate and part is learned behavior. This means that herding dogs possess natural herding instincts but need to be taught how to do it. Herding dogs exhibit an irresistible impulse to herd, so much so that they've been known to gently herd their owners.
Guardian dogs, on the other hand, exhibit an irresistible impulse to guard, so much so that they are commonly used for police and protection work today. Both livestock herding dogs and guardian dogs are considered working dogs or shepherd dogs. The key difference between the two lies in their specific duties and physical characteristics. Shepherds and their working dogs form a close social bond because they spend so much time together. Generally, working dogs are very smart, responding beautifully to training exercises.
Top 3 Livestock Herding Dogs
1. Australian Shepherd
The most popular and probably the best herding dog breed is the Australian Shepherd. Known as the cowboy's herding dog of choice, this smart dog is a worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye, despite its gorgeous look. Aussies are medium-sized dogs that originated in the United States, albeit the name suggests otherwise. The breed got its name from the fact that it was perfected in California by way of Australia. Categorized as one of the Loose-Eyed breeds of herding dogs, the Aussie often displays wear, grip, and/or an authoritative bark, as well as eye when necessary, to control livestock. Often described as the picture of rugged and agile movers of stock, the Aussie exhibits an irresistible impulse to herd anything, including birds, other dogs, and their humans. If kept as a pet, that is.
This strong herding instinct and work drive usually make Australian Shepherds too much dog for a sedentary pet owner. They are remarkably intelligent dogs with a high level of energy. In short, Australian Shepherds aren't the pet for everyone. They make excellent herding dogs but when kept as pets, Aussies need needs a great deal of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. However, your search might end here, if you're searching for a brilliant, tireless, and biddable partner for work or sport.
2. Border Collie
Often regarded as the smartest dog breed on earth, the Border Collie is a British breed of herding dog. The breed is known for its incredible smarts and unique herding style. Unlike the Aussie, which is categorized as a 'Loose-Eyed' herding dog, the Border Collie is categorized as a 'Strong-Eyed' breed of herding dog. When working, Border Collies constantly use "eye," remaining in constant contact with the sheep, even when lying down. In addition, they often display a very stalking, slinking posture, which can be seen in this video. As with the Aussie, the key to Border Collie's happiness is having a job to perform. For more info, see the difference between the working style of Border Collies and that of Australian Shepherds.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue or Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a breed of herding dog. It was created in Australia for droving livestock, specifically cattle, over long distances across rough terrain. This medium-sized breed has a short coat that occurs in two main color forms: blue-gray and red, both of which feature distinctive mottling patterns. Australian Cattle Dogs are called Blue or Red Heelers simply because they nip at the heels of cattle to move them. They are very good at their job, which is to control the movement of cattle around their living and grazing areas. Herding dogs may try to protect their livestock, although their primary purpose is to move them. Both livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs may be called "sheepdogs" or "shepherd dogs."
Top 3 Livestock Guardian Dogs
1. Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is an extremely old extra-large breed of livestock guardian dog from Aragón, an autonomous community in Spain. The breed was created to protect livestock from wolves and bears, as well as thieves. Pyrenean Mastiffs became property guards and companions after the decline of predators in the region. While they are still an effective guardian today, the gentle and loving, yet independent Pyrenean Mastiff has found its way into many families' homes. According to the AKC, this breed should be friendly towards humans, calm, noble, and very smart.
At the same time, Pyrenean Mastiffs are fearless and confident towards strangers. The Pyrenean Mastiff has a very low prey drive as a guardian breed. Therefore, they love and protect all creatures, human and animal alike. Pyrenean Mastiffs love children and welcome friends and family. They only feel the need to protect when there is a real threat. However, just like any mastiff, Pyrenean Mastiffs do drool.
2. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a livestock guardian dog breed of ancient lineage. Protective and territorial, the Anatolian Shepherd is prized as a working guard dog without equal. At the same time, these muscular avengers are intelligent, patient, and profoundly loyal. Standing between 27 and 29 inches and weighing as much as 150 pounds, Anatolian Shepherds are more than a match for the predators and harsh terrain of their homeland. This guardian breed is smart, devoted, responsive, and adaptable, protecting their livestock with intensity.
3. Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large breed of livestock guardian dog bred in the Soviet Union from dogs of the Caucasus Mountains. It was bred to defend flocks of sheep from predators, mainly wolves and of course human thieves. They were originally used as guard dogs and bear-hunting dogs. Today, Caucasian Shepherds work as prison guard dogs in Russia. In many other countries, Caucasian Shepherds are categorized as dangerous dogs and faced with restrictions. They are banned in Denmark and restricted in Russia. Caucasian shepherds are legal to own in the United States, although they are subject to restrictions in cities across the country.
Conclusion
Livestock guardian dogs are generally large, independent, and protective, and make good companion dogs despite their size. If introduced to a family as a pet, most guardian dogs are as protective toward children as a working guard dog is toward its flock. For various reasons, including the decline in livestock, livestock guardian dogs have critically declined in number. They are more often used to guard property, instead of their original purpose. Some livestock guardian dog breeds such as the Pyrenean mountain dog are mainly kept as pets. Nevertheless, the breeding of sheep, goats, and cattle remains an important part of agriculture, and guardian dogs remain the most sustainable and efficient way of protecting the herds.
On the other hand, livestock herding dogs continue to work for their main purpose in countries where herding is preserved. Meanwhile, the number and popularity of herding dogs are growing and they now often live in urban or suburban neighborhoods, unlike livestock guardian dogs. Some herding dog breeds, including the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, are more popular today as family companion dogs.
In conclusion, herding dogs lack the guarding instinct while guardian dogs lack the herding instinct.
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