Contents
The Domestic Dog
Dog Groups and Breeds
The Sporting Group
The Hound Group
The Working Group
The Terrier Group
The Toy Group
The Nonsporting Group
The Herding Group
Crossbreeds
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The Herding Group
Dogs in this group are skilled at rounding up and guiding other animals such as sheep and cattle. Today many herding dogs continue their traditional roles, though some are kept also as household pets. They‘re excellent learners and
respond well to training but need exercise and mental stimulation to prevent
behavioral problems. Their average lifespan is 10–12 years.
Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, this breed was actually developed entirely in the American West. The Australian shepherd has some collie blood in its lineage and has served for centuries as a shepherding dog.
Temperament
- Personality: Loving, intelligent
- Exercise needs: High
- With children: Friendly but tends to herd and nip
Appearance
- Size: Medium to large (35–75 lbs, 18–23" tall)
- Color: Blue or red merle, black, or red; may or may not have white or tan markings
- Coat: Medium, weather-resistant
- Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly
Bearded Collie
The bearded collie is believed to derive from lowland Polish sheepdogs brought to Scotland in the 1500s aboard a Polish ship. The breed served as a sheep and cattle driver for many centuries in Scotland and later became a popular show dog.
Temperament
- Personality: Eager to please and very lively
- Exercise needs: High
- With children: Friendly but tends to herd and nip
Appearance
- Size: Medium (40–60 lbs, 20–22" tall)
- Color: Gray, chocolate, blue, black or fawn; sometimes has white markings
- Coat: Long, thick, shaggy
- Grooming: Brush every 1–2 days
German Shepherd
This breed originated in Germany during the 1800s. Though traditionally a shepherding dog, the German shepherd has excelled in a variety of roles including police dog, seeing-eye dog, and search-and-rescue dog.
Temperament
- Personality: Intelligent, capable
- Exercise needs: High
- With children: Loyal, protective
Appearance
- Size: Large (75–95 lbs, 23–25" tall)
- Color: Black, black and tan, white
- Coat: Medium, thick
- Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This very old breed originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, almost a thousand years ago. Its precise ancestry is unknown, though some believe the Swedish vallhund was an early relative. The Pembroke was used traditionally to drive cattle, sheep, and ponies. It was the favorite pet of King George VI and is beloved by Queen Elizabeth II.
Temperament
- Personality: Responsive, active
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Very friendly but nips
Appearance
- Size: Medium (25–27 lbs, 10–12" tall)
- Color: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings
- Coat: Medium, weather-resistant
- Grooming: Brush weekly
Shetland Sheepdog
The Sheltie was developed in the 1700s on the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. It was used to herd sheep, ponies, and chickens. As a result of living in isolation from its collie ancestors, it quickly became its own distinct breed.
Temperament
- Personality: Loyal, intelligent
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- With children: Playful and gentle, but nips at times
Appearance
- Size: Small (14–20 lbs, 13–16" tall)
- Color: Black, blue merle, and sable, with white and/or tan markings
- Coat: Long, rough
- Grooming: Brush daily, trim every 3 months
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