Working Breeds
To understand the temperament of the breeds in this group, it is important to understand the primary function or purpose for which the dog was originally bred. This will assist you in predicting the traits you require in the breed of your choice.
The working breeds are dogs selectively bred for generations to herd but also sometimes guard Sheep and Cattle. The Herding breeds are usually responsive, easily trained and capable of running all day. Ideal for participation in Obedience, Agility and other modern dog sports, these Herding breeds have boundless energy but love to chase anything that moves, including cars. However, they make wonderful companions for those who enjoy dog training and lots of exercise. However, the the Livestock Guarding Dogs are a different story!
The Primary Function of Working Dogs
The name of a breed in this group does not necessarily reflect its original function. These names are confusing because some involved with sheep are called 'Sheepdogs' while others are called 'Shepherd Dogs'. This is also for no apparent reason as a dog called a Shepherd Dog could be either a Livestock Guardian Dog or a Herding Sheepdog. To further confuse the issue, although a dog may be called a Sheepdog, that could be because that dog primarily herds sheep rather than any other domesticated species, for example cattle or reindeer. However, this is not the case with the Maremma Sheepdog which is a Livestock Guardian Dog.
So to understand the breed's function, it is important to research each breed one-by-one. To make this job seem less daunting, the list of breeds that follows lists its primary, but not necessarily its only function.
The classification of the dogs in this Group varies from country to country. For simplicity of navigation and accessibility, the table below lists the breeds alphabetically that appear in the Australian classification, divided into five sections based broadly on their historical purpose.
With a Herding Sheepdog dog like a Border Collie, the dog’s natural prey instinct of chasing has been modified to chase or herd under the direction of a Shepherd, who is the dog’s master. So Herding Sheepdogs work from outside the flock, causing the livestock to bunch together in order to protect themselves from the dog.
As explained in Livestock Guardian Dogs History, these dogs live and blend permanently with the flock, bonding with the animals as their social companions. These dogs are usually much larger than predators, which are often foxes. The sheer size of Livestock Guardian Dogs makes it easy for them to bluff and displace the predator.