Cattle dog breeds: list with descriptions and photos

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Since the time when sheep, goats, and then cattle were domesticated, a dog has become his constant companion on pastures. This four-legged friend not only helped herd herds, but also protected them from the attack of predatory animals. At first, all shepherd dogs were called shepherd dogs, and only after many centuries were shepherd dog breeds identified.

And all this time, from the first primitive breeds, those that have the necessary set of qualities were carefully bred:

• Average body size with a proportionate physique.
• Stamina and developed muscles - for big and long loads.
• Dense wool with undercoat - for protection from bad weather or heat.
• Poorly developed hunting instinct (so that the dog is not distracted from its direct duties).
• Excellent security qualities, distrust of strangers. If necessary, the dog can chase the beast.
• Selfless devotion to the owner.
• Courage and courage.

Geography of herding dogs breeding

The geography of countries where shepherd dog breeds were bred is quite extensive. Moreover, the more developed in the stateanimal husbandry, so for more breeds of dogs in this category it is home.

For example, Hungary has become the birthplace of five common breeds of herding dogs - Commander, Puli, Pumi, Mudi and Hungarian Kuvasz. The first two are long-haired, capable of excellently enduring even the most severe weather. The Pumi is a relatively young breed, developed by crossing a Puli and a Pomeranian. It is used not only as a herd guard, but also as a watchdog, as well as a rodent exterminator. And the Hungarian Cattle Dog (Moody) is an even younger breed, obtained by crossing several breeds, including Puli and Pumi.

Slovakia, in which there is no mountainous terrain, and, accordingly, the breeding of livestock is less developed, in its history it has bred only one breed of shepherd dogs - the Slovak Chuvach, which is closely related to the Hungarian Kuvasz.

English shepherd dogs are very popular. This is the well-known collie (Scottish shepherd), as well as sheltie, bobtail. You can often see small handsome Welsh Corgis. It was this breed of dog that was preferred by the royal family of George VI. And the dog of this breed was presented by the king as a gift to his daughter Elizabeth II. And all because their representatives are very smart, able to perfectly overcome difficulties and perform their functions.

Swiss breeds of herding dogs are one of the few remaining, thanks to the skillful actions of breeders, in their pure form until today. Four types of Swiss Shepherds with a unique color in the form oftricolor - this is a significant contribution of Switzerland to the science of cynology. The Greater Mountain Dog (or the Greater Swiss Mountain Shepherd) measures as much as 72 cm at the withers and has a smooth coat. The Bernese Cattle Dog (Bernese Mountain Dog) is already long-haired, with a withers of 65 cm. Well, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are short-haired, 58 and 35 cm, respectively. Pictured is a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Contributed to the breeding of shepherd dogs and Belgium. And very weighty. Breeds of dogs were bred in Belgium, the herding qualities of which correspond to a high level and are valued all over the world. Versatility, excellent guarding abilities, a similar physique, a height of 62 cm at the withers - these are the Belgian shepherd dogs. They differ only in color and type of coat. So, dogs of the Groenendael breed have a long black coat, and representatives of the Tervuren breed differ from the first ones in a bronze color with a black tint. Another shepherd dog, the Malinois, has the same color but with a shorter and tighter coat. But the Laekenois is a breed of wire-haired Belgian shepherd dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog

It is a cattle breed, and it got its second name, healer, due to the manner of grabbing cattle by the lower part of the hind limbs (from the English heel - heel) with its teeth when driving the herd. Australian Cattle Dog has a length body at 44-51 cm, its color can vary from red to dark gray. This is an extremely unpretentious and hardy animal, alwaysactive and ready for decisive action. The ideal conditions for a dog are to be outdoors most of the time. Gets along well with other animals. With vigilance and a strong grip, the dog also performs well in the work of detention.

The history of the origin of the breed dates back to the middle of the 19th century, when the development of the Australian state of New South Wales took place. Together with cattle, cattle breeders also brought herding dogs here - Smithfields (black bobtails), which were not adapted to the heat, were too large and noisy, which frightened the animals.

The first attempt of farmers to cross a Smithfield with a dingo (in 1830) was not crowned with success: red short-tailed dogs worked quietly, but bit strongly. An unsuccessful attempt was also made to cross a Rough Collie with a Bull Terrier. And in 1840, the landowner Thomas Holya ordered two collies from Scotland (black-blue and gray-black-marble), which were then crossed with dingoes. This is how the Australian Cattle Dog with a blue color was obtained. It should be noted that the same was done by the farmer J. Elliot from Queensland, and some still call this breed Queensland. A little later, Sydney farmers mixed Dalmatian blood into the healers, thanks to which the breed inherited the speckled-roan “shirt” pattern. The breed received its recognition in 1903 thanks to Robert Kaleski, who initiated its first standard. In 1963 it was released in a modern interpretation, and in 1987 its latest FCI version was released. In 1979, the standard was approved by the AKC. Also breed recognition is confirmed by SCS, UKC, KCGBand ANKC.

Australian Kelpie

The breed got its name from the kelpie water mentioned in the work of Louis Stevenson.

The Australian Kelpie is a very active dog, with an excellent combination of muscular strength and great limb flexibility. It has a high intellect, is distinguished by loy alty to a person and devotion to work. Despite its average size (43-58 cm at the withers), the dog does an excellent job of grazing even cattle. Has a short coat of black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate or smoky blue.

The history of the breed is not fully understood. The first mention of it dates back to 1870. The version that the appearance of the breed was the result of crossing a border collie with a wild dog dingo has become widespread. The Australian Kelpie really has the habits of a wild dog. For example, when grazing, it bends its head to the ground, as if sneaking up on a victim. In general, dogs of this breed can herd a thousand sheep alone. In their work, they use techniques such as biting defiant animals on the legs, as well as jumping on their backs to quickly reach the other end of the herd. The breed has been recognized by the FCI standard.

Azorian dog

Dogs of this breed are extremely rare. Only directly on the Azores, and occasionally at competitions and exhibitions, you can meet its representatives. Although the Azorean shepherd dog invariably enjoys well-deserved popularity in its homeland -excellent working qualities, as well as boundless devotion to the owners, make these animals true favorites of the family. Azor dogs belong to the category of cattle dogs, they have a rather lively temperament, they perfectly cope with the function of grazing cows and other cattle, they are excellent watchdogs. The breed is characterized by a height at the withers corresponding to 48-60 cm, and has a short brindle coat.

This dog breed has another name - Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel (Cau Fila de San Miguel) - identical to the name of the largest of the Azores. The fact is that during the period of active expansion of their possessions by Portugal, in 1427, the Azores were discovered by Henry the Navigator. The presence of lush vegetation and the absence of mammals on them became an obstacle to the settlement of the islands by people. Then Henry gave the order to bring cattle to the island of San Miguel, and already in 1439 there were abundant herds of animals on it, gradually running wild without human presence. That's when the need for a shepherd dog arose. The dogs brought by the settlers died out, but their crossbreeding with other Molossians gave birth to a different breed, which got its name from the island. Through centuries of almost complete isolation, the Azorean shepherd dogs have kept the breed pure. And only the development of external relations gave rise to the danger of losing her purebredness. Therefore, in 1995, the breed standard recognized by the FCI was described.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog breed is one of the oldest (more than 2000 years old). It is also one of the largest breeds (up to 75 cm at the withers, 45-70 kg). According to the type of coat, dogs of this breed are short-haired, with an intermediate length, as well as long-haired. But they all have a thick undercoat. Color can be wolf-gray, brown, fawn, red and motley.

There are two versions of the history of the origin of the breed. According to one of them, the breed originated from the Tibetan Great Danes and dates back to 1211 BC. BC, when the Chinese emperor Zhou was presented with one of these dogs. However, there are images of similar animals on the remains of the Caucasian state of Urartu (7th century BC). But whichever version is followed, one thing is clear - the ancient dog breeders did their best. The dog is smart, hardy, does an excellent job with shepherd and guard duty, has determination and courage.

Collie

The bright appearance and impeccable service characteristics of this dog captivate even those who are neutral towards our four-legged friends. Of course, we are talking about the Scottish Shepherd, Collie. The price of a puppy with a pedigree knowingly starts from 15,000 rubles - after all, its representatives are the standard of canine beauty, devotion and intelligence.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the breed. According to one of them, it is associated with a variety of Scottish sheep colley. On the other - with the word coaly, which means "coal" in translation. Well, the third suggests the connection of the name with the English word collar, which translates as "collar"and points to the chic mane and frill inherent in this breed. The royal appearance, proud posture of its representatives, muscular physique, graceful movements, as well as magnificent thick and long hair, were appreciated by Queen Victoria traveling through the Scottish lands. And since 1860 collies began to take part in exhibitions. Since then, selection work with the breed has been focused solely on the exterior and did not concern the working characteristics of the dog.

Today the collie is the personification of intelligence and beauty in the dog world. The sharp mind of the dog allows her to master not only the standard set of commands, but also learn the meanings of many words. Dogs are obedient, quick-witted, become excellent friends and helpers for children. In short, if you decide to get a collie puppy, the price you pay for a purebred breed, although it will be rather big, will fully meet your expectations from the acquisition.

Sheepdog from Portugal

Portuguese shepherd has long been valued for its herding qualities. Her demeanor is to urge cattle by barking, as well as silently bypassing flocks or herds while grazing them.

This is a medium-sized dog (42-55 cm, 12-18 kg) with thick, long and slightly harsh hair. There is no undercoat. Modern representatives of the breed are predominantly black in color, but there are also gray, reddish, yellow and brown individuals.

As you might guess from the name, the native breed is Portugal, or rather, its regions of Alentejo and Ribatero. Specialists admit a close relationship with such breeds,like the Briard, the Pyrenean and the Catalan Shepherd. Excellent watchdog qualities, tolerance for various weather conditions and unpretentiousness in food, as well as energy, vigilance, and at the same time calm and poise - all these qualities are inherent in Portuguese Shepherds.

Romanian Cattle Dog

The Romanian Shepherd Dog breed probably occurred as a result of crossing shepherd dogs of various breeds, possibly Slavic and Turkish. This breed is characterized by a white color (or with brown specks), which is very convenient such a dog is not afraid of sheep, it cannot be confused with wolves. The coat is straight, thick, of medium length. The dog has a height at the withers of about 58-66 cm, weight in the range of 32-45 kg, strong bones, a short and strong neck, well-developed muscles.

Romanian Shepherds are very reliable shepherds, perfectly adapted to harsh local conditions. These are very hardy dogs with a lightning-fast reaction and innate aggressiveness. The breed is quite rare and little known outside the borders of its homeland.

Czech dog

The Czech Cattle Dog is one of the oldest breeds and possibly the forerunner of the famous German Shepherd.

These shepherd dogs are 50-55 cm tall and weigh 15-25 kilograms. They have a proportional head and an elongated muzzle. The ears are pointed, medium in size, set close to each other and set high. The muscular body of the body also has a strong skeleton. A saber-shaped tail completes the perfect exterior. Wool straight, elongated(up to 12 cm), with a thick, well-developed undercoat, thanks to which the dog remarkably tolerates both severe frosts and summer heat. The coat is black with reddish tan markings on the cheekbones, around the eyes, on the chest, front of the neck and on the limbs.

Being shorter and shorter than other working dogs, the Czech Shepherd Dog is more comfortable to keep, more maneuverable, very active and quickly gets to work.

It should be noted that, along with the official, the breed has other names, one of which is the Chodsky dog (from the Czech ethnic group "moves", which has long guarded in the mountains of the Czech Republic the way to Germany). The history of the breed dates back to the 13th century, and in the 16th century its breeding was already on a professional level. Then, in 1984, the restoration of the breed began thanks to the work of Wilem Kurz and Jan Findeis. In one cynological publication, photos of the Chodsky Shepherd Dog were published and an appeal to readers to report the presence of such dogs. So, in the period from 1985 to 1992. 35 litters of dogs of this breed have been registered. In 1997 Findeis introduced the official standard of the Czech Cattle Dog.

South Russian

A distinctive feature and pride of the breed is its coat. First, it is soft, silky and very long. On the head, the hair covers the muzzle and reaches the tip of the nose, on the legs it forms a kind of felt boots. Coat color can vary from pure white to yellowish and smoky. But this harmless, as it seems at first glance, appearance hides a rather aggressive nature, designed to carry a shepherd andguard duty.

How did the South Russian Shepherd Dog appear? The history of the breed dates back to 1797, when Asturian shepherd dogs were brought to Tavria, along with the first pairs of fine-wooled Spanish sheep, to help cattle breeders. Being excellent shepherds, these dogs had a significant drawback. Their small stature and light build made them very vulnerable to the local steppe wolves. Therefore, sheep breeders needed to turn the dogs they brought into stronger ones, without losing their existing shepherd skills. By infusing the Asturian four-legged shepherds with the blood of Tatar shepherds, local greyhounds, Russian canine greyhounds, they bred a breed of dogs with such qualities as endurance, speed in running and viciousness towards predators. At the same time, the dog is unpretentious in content, smart, affectionate with its own and has a lightning-fast reaction. Breeding work was carried out in the famous Askania-Nova estate, so the breed was called the South Russian Shepherd Dog. Sometimes this shepherd dog is also called Ukrainian. But unfortunately, the breed has not yet become popular. The fact is that during the First and Second World Wars, due to the reduction in the number of sheep, the development of the breed ceased. As a result, by 1945, only true connoisseurs of the breed, as well as local shepherds, had rare specimens of the breed. Of course, since then the number of dogs has increased, but the breed has not gained popularity. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the activity of the animal is such that a lot of space is required, which is impossible in apartment conditions. Modern sheep breedingno longer needs so many service dogs. And other skills, for which shepherd dog breeds have the ability, have not been mastered by the South Russian Shepherd Dog.