Herding dog

 ( Human–animal Communication ) 

The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe livestock guardian dogs, whose primary function is to guard flocks and herds from predation and theft, and they lack the herding instinct. Although herding dogs may guard flocks their primary purpose is to move them; both herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs may be called "sheep dogs".

In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a subcategory of , but for conformation shows they usually form a separate group.

Australia has the world's largest and and some of the best-known herding dogs, such as the Koolie, Kelpie, Red and Blue Heelers are bred and found there.

From the regions of Western Asia, herding spread to west and north, followed by an increase in the number of domestic animals. On the territory of Europe, the progenitors of herding dogs appeared in the 6th to 7th centuries BC. According to archaeological research, cattle breeding and agriculture spread across Europe in different ways: along the Danube and Rhine rivers to the territory of modern Germany, northern France and the Netherlands, through the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps, up the Rhone to central and southwestern France.

There is evidence that the Chiribaya culture cared for and used a species of herding dogs, known as the Chiribaya dog. The Chiribaya dog was believed to be used for herding the llamas, and was viewed highly enough by the Chiribaya to be buried within their own graves; often times, the burial sites also included blankets or food.

The development of agriculture, increasing number of settlements and foundation of cities have led to a decrease in the number of predators. After the extinction of large predators in most of Europe and Great Britain, with the massive spread of sheep breeding and with an increase in the share of cultivated and populated land, the main task of herding dogs was to protect crops, private and protected areas from harm during grazing and moving herds. Shepherd dogs were more suitable for this work than larger and stronger breeds, being medium-sized and mobile. Such dogs managed small and large livestock, as well as domestic birds. In addition to the Central European type of shepherd, another type of dog has emerged, often with thick hair, more suitable for colder areas. These dogs have shown not only the ability to manage the herd, but also to protect it. With the spread of reindeer breeding among the northern peoples, hunting spitz-like dogs were "retrained" into shepherds.

Most breeds of Central European shepherd dogs – with erect ears and short hair on the head, similar to wolves, were mainly formed in the 16th to 17th centuries. The breeds of curly-haired dogs of the Northern European type were formed later.

Many dog breeds are selectively bred for physical traits that will benefit them in their environments. Australian Cattle Dogs, for example, come in two main colors, Blue and Red. These two main coat colors feature variations, including Speckle and Mottle. Border Collies feature similar patterns to Australian Shepherds, such as Black and White, Lilac, Merle, and Tricolor variations. The Patagonian Sheepdog's medium or long length coat comes in an abundance of colors, allowing it to not only be protected against the cold and possibly snow, but also camouflaged against the rocky Magallanes region. Most herding dog breeds are medium to large in weight, and are bred to be muscular, lean, and agile to perform their duties.

The Finnish Lapphund originated in Lapland, Finland, with the earliest records being in 7000 BC.These dogs specializes in herding reindeer, and tend to have a thick, double coat to help combat the cold winters and snow. Further East, the Samoyed dog originated and was aptly named after the Asian semi-nomadic residents who relied on these dogs for daily life. The Samoyed breed evolved along side the Samoyede lifestyle; they went from hunting wild reindeer, to herding and helping domesticate reindeer. On top of their fur being excellent insulation and camouflage in their native homeland of Siberia, the undercoat was frequently spun into wool by the Samoyede people and used for clothes.

In Chile, the rare Patagonian Sheepdog is used frequently to herd sheep and other cattle farming. The Patagonian Sheepdog was selectively bred in the 1900s for sheep herding, with a major contributor being the Old Welsh Grey. In Europe, there are many trademark herding dog breeds. Specifically, there are four recognized Belgian Shepherd. There is the Belgian Tervuren, Sheepdog, Laekenois and the notable Belgian Malinois, a type of Belgian Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois was originally bred for a versatile, dependable farm companion. This included herding various livestock, such as goat, sheep, and even ducks. In more recent times, the Belgian Malinois is more commonly used in police and rescue work around the world.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog, also known as the Bergamasco Shepherd, originated within the mountainous town of Bergamo, Italy. It is notorious for being one of few dog breeds with tight "flock" coats. This trademark flocking is selected for to protect against climate and predators while herding sheep within the steep Alps. The Shetland Sheepdog originated in England, specifically west England. Originally, they were used for herding sheep and horses. They have since become a common family and working dog within the United States, as well as popular agility competitors.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in the year 1107, when Henry I of England invited Flemish weavers to South Wales to work. The Corgi has served many purposes throughout history. Herding cattle, such as sheep and cow, are where this breed shines; the Corgi breed notably bite at heels of cattle to herd, and due to short stature, hold an advantage of avoiding the reactive kicks. Now, both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are staples in Britain's royal family.

In the 21st century herding dogs are often chosen as family . The collie breeds including the Bearded Collie and Border Collie are well known, as are the Australian kelpie and Australian Working kelpie, Welsh Corgis. They make good family dogs and are at their best when they have a job to do. These dogs have been bred as and need to be physically and mentally active. They retain their herding instincts and may sometimes nip at people's heels or bump them in an effort to 'herd' their family, and may need to be trained not to do so. Their activity level and intelligence makes them excellent canine athletes. The Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie and Old English Sheepdog are more popular as family companion dogs.

Dogs of herding breeds now often live in urban or suburban neighbourhoods. Their owners need to maintain their physical and mental health, taking into consideration their herding instinct and qualities. The services of dog-trainers are in demand, along with the training centres for working and sporting herding dogs, offering sheep rental and walks in the pasture. Dogs living in the suburbs and villages can work with small groups of animals or poultry. Sometimes owners even buy a few sheep so that their dogs can enjoy what they were originally bred for.