I have picked these 17 Shepherd dog breeds that guide and safeguard livestock.
#1 Belgian Shepherd
It is a Belgian breed of herding dog of medium size. Four varieties of the breed exist.
They have a strong guarding instinct and are always ready for action.
#2 Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized breed that originated in the French Pyrenees Mountains.
They are a very high-energy dog and enjoy the outdoors. Pyrenean Shepherd dogs also have an alert gaze.
#3 Berger Picard
The Berger Picard is one of the oldest French herding breeds. In 1955, it was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
You should know that they require a lot of socialization during the first two years of their lives. They are known for their smile.
#4 Romanian Raven Shepherd
It is a livestock guardian dog originating in the southern and sub-Carpathian regions. The breed is also called Raven (corb in Romanian) because of its predominantly black coat.
If overexposed to the sun during summer, their fur acquires scant reddish shades. It has a deep bark that can be heard from long distances.
#5 Carea Leonés
The Carea Leonés is a breed of herding dog from Spain that is used to carry and control livestock. They are active, brave, and possess a friendly disposition.
Editor’s Pick
#6 Tornjak
The Tornjak is a breed of livestock guardian dog native to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Tornjak can be used for herding and the protection of livestock.
#7 Sardinian Shepherd Dog
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog is an ancient landrace breed of Sardinian dog.
It is known for its protective, loyal, and hardworking nature.
#8 Karakachan Dog
The Karakachan is a large, Molosser-type dog that originated from Bulgaria. It is a descendant of the dogs of the Thracians.
They are effective at flock protection against predation and theft.
#9 Bucovina Shepherd
The Romanian Bucovina Sheepdog is one of the Romanian herding dogs, which was originally a natural breed from the Carpathian Mountains.
The breed is used both as watchdogs for the household and for defending the flocks and herds.
In 2019, it became fully recognized by the FCI.
#10 Miniature American Shepherd
It is a small herding dog breed that is athletic, and it needs at least one hour of exercise every day.
The MAS has an expected lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
#11 Bergamasco Sheepdog
It is a medium-large herding dog breed from Italy that is characterised by a long, thick coat.
The “goat hair” is long, straight, and rough in texture.
In 1956, the Bergamasco Sheepdog was recognised by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana.
#12 Bouvier des Flandres
It is a large and powerful herding dog from Belgium that is also used as a police dog. Bouviers require weekly brushing and combing to maintain their coat.
They should be socialized well, preferably starting at an early age. They are easily trainable dogs who learn commands relatively fast.
#13 Briard
The Briard is a breed of large shepherd dog that originated from the Brie region in France.
The coat is long, thick, and harsh like that of a goat. In 1954, it was fully recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Their job is to care for and protect their flock.
#14 Puli
It is a small to medium-sized breed of Hungarian herding dog. I love that their coat resembles dreadlocks. Its coat needs significant maintenance to keep it clean.
The Puli is active well into its senior years. The breed has earned a reputation as the acrobat of the dog world.
#15 Shetland Shepherd
The Shetland Sheepdog originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland.
They have a long coat that becomes short around the face.
They tend to be reserved toward strangers and like to bark.
They are working dogs and prefer to be kept busy.
They also make great therapy animals.
#16 Australian Kelpie
Australian kelpies are energetic herding dogs who originated from Collie-type dogs imported from Scotland. They get along well with other active dog breeds and are good with young children.
The Kelpie is not recognised as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
#17 Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is a large livestock dog that is also known to make an excellent guard dog.
The name comes from the Romanian word “mioară,” which translates as “young sheep.”
It tends to be a “one-man dog.” The coat is long and well-furnished on the head, all of the body, and the limbs.