Herding Dog Breeds by Popularity
Intelligent and Energetic Partners
↓ Skip directly to Herding BreedsHerding breeds were developed to control the movement of livestock with remarkable intelligence and precision. These highly trainable dogs combine athleticism with problem-solving skills, making them exceptional working partners and active companions.
Key Characteristics
- Exceptional intelligence and trainability
- High energy levels requiring regular mental and physical stimulation
- Strong instinct to gather and control movement (may herd children or pets)
- Intense focus and work ethic
- Typically medium to large in size
Ideal For
These bright, active dogs thrive with owners who can provide consistent training, socialization, and plenty of exercise. They’re a great fit for people who want an engaged partner for sports, work, or active companionship.
Understanding Popularity Rankings
While breeds like German Shepherd Dogs and Australian Shepherds are widely available, some herding breeds may have fewer breeders and longer waitlists in certain regions.
Browse Herding Breeds by Popularity
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
German Shepherd
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Herding, protection
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 50-90 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #4
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Australian Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Herding cattle/sheep
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #12
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 24-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #15
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Miniature American Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Ranch work
Height: 13-18"
Weight: 20-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #24
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Shetland Sheepdog
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 13-16"
Weight: 15-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #29
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Border Collie
Origin: United Kingdom
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #30
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Belgian Malinois
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Herding, protection
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 40-80 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #33
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Collie
Smooth & Rough
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 50-75 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #39
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Australian Cattle Dog
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #49
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10.5-12.5"
Weight: 25-38 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #60
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Old English Sheepdog
Origin: England
Purpose: Sheep driving
Height: 21-26"
Weight: 60-100 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #89
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Beauceron
Origin: France
Purpose: Herding, protection
Height: 24-27.5"
Weight: 70-110 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #100
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Bouvier des Flandres
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Farm work, herding
Height: 23-28"
Weight: 70-110 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #101
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Belgian Tervuren
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Herding, protection
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 45-75 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #107
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Mudi
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Herding, farm work
Height: 15-18.5"
Weight: 18-29 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #122
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Finnish Lapphund
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Reindeer herding
Height: 16-21"
Weight: 33-53 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #129
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Belgian Sheepdog
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Herding, protection
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 45-75 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #131
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Bearded Collie
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Herding, companion
Height: 20-22"
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #140
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Icelandic Sheepdog
Origin: Iceland
Purpose: Herding livestock
Height: 16.5-18"
Weight: 25-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #143
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Briard
Origin: France
Purpose: Herding, guarding
Height: 22-27"
Weight: 55-100 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #145
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Spanish Water Dog
Origin: Spain
Purpose: Herding, water retrieving
Height: 16-20"
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #147
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Swedish Vallhund
Origin: Sweden
Purpose: Cattle herding, farm dog
Height: 12-14"
Weight: 20-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #153
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Berger Picard
Origin: France
Purpose: Herding, farm work
Height: 21.5-25.5"
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #166
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Pumi
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Herding livestock
Height: 15-18.5"
Weight: 22-29 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #169
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Puli
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Herding/Guardian
Height: 16-17"
Weight: 25-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #172
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Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Drover/Guardian
Height: 16-21"
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #178
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Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PONS)
Origin: Poland
Purpose: Herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #181
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Norwegian Buhund
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Herding/Watchdog
Height: 16-18.5"
Weight: 26-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #184
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Pyrenean Shepherd
(Berger des Pyrenees)
Origin: France
Purpose: Herding
Height: 15-21"
Weight: 15-30 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #188
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Lancashire Heeler
Origin: England
Purpose: Herder/Drover
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 9-17 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #189
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Belgian Laekenois
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Herding
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 55-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #190
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Canaan Dog
Origin: Israel
Purpose: Herding/Guardian
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #195
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Bergamasco Sheepdog
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Herding sheep
Height: 22-24"
Weight: 57-84 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #200
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Appenzeller Sennenhund
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Herding/Guardian
Height: 19-22"
Weight: 48-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Australian Kelpie
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 32-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Portuguese Sheepdog
Origin: Portugal
Purpose: Herding
Height: 17-21"
Weight: 37-59 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Schapendoes
(Dutch Sheepdog)
Origin: Netherlands
Purpose: Herding
Height: 16-20"
Weight: 26-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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