The AKC (American Kennel Club), and indeed, every National Kennel Club and dog registry, classifies each dog breed based on its original function. This is a list of the Herding Group -
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
An intelligent, active dog, with a good friendly disposition, the Australian Shepherd is of medium size, averaging between 18 and 24 inches, males larger than females, and their weight averages between 40 and 70 pounds. This high-energy stock dog comes in four accepted colour types; blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, with blues and blacks having black eye rims and noses, and reds having brown (liver) coloured rims and noses.Considered the ideal working partner by many, the Aussie makes an great companion for a person with an active lifestyle. Not content to be a couch potato! The desire to please is a large part of the Aussie's personality and the energy these dogs can put out is astounding.
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
An intelligent dog, the Beauceron is often described by owners as an independent thinking dog. He is highly trainable, and fiercely loyal, willing to follow his people into the worst of situations. It is this trait that made him an exceptional military dog in both world wars, and a dependable partner in law enforcement today.The Beauceron comes in two color combinations: black and tan, and harlequin (a mix of grey, black, and tan). His most distinctive feature is his hind double dewclaws, forming a pair of independant "thumbs" on his rear legs.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Border Collie
A medium-sized, intense dog, the Border Collie is a shepherd's dream come true. The instinct to herd is so strong in these dogs that they often cause problems in the average pet home. Border Collies will chase anything that moves, even cars, and has been the result of many an early demise. The Border Collie needs a working home, or an owner who will work the dog, either in sports like Agility, or as a herder.One of the most talked about characteristics of the Border Collie is the "stalking behavior" that these dogs exhibit, when working or playing. An intense stare and a low-bellied crouch towards it's objective is somewhat unnerving for those new to the breed.