HERDING DOGS. SHEEPDOGS

Men clad in ancient running clothes once gathered sheep from the hills. Due to the fact of lack of speed and stamina, the "sheep-men" were replaced by the sheep dogs.

Most of the pure herding breeds were produced from early Nordic dogs. Like their northern cousins, these flock-gathering breeds were heavily coated, retaining a jaunty personality and pricked or semi ears.

Other herding breeds descended from ancient sheep dogs of Tibet and the East. This section had the curled tail with drop ears and a shaggy or corded coat.

These dogs brought into Europe became a second source of the herding shepherds.

Most of these dogs are long in rib,enabling them to make sudden turns. The length of coat varied.

Many workers originated from working with reindeer, and then were bred for sheep. Some were selected for herding cattle. These dogs were short in the leg to avoid injuries from kicks. Working with cattle and hogs made these dogs too hard for sheep or fowl. Hence another type was bred, all the herding breeds were bred to herd one or two species.

Early cattle and hog farmers wanted a herding dog which demonstrated more toughness and aggression for their hard stock.The dog was also needed as a gaurdian.

To create this type of dog, herders were cross bred with mastiff or flock guards. This dog was muscular and robust, and these dogs were referred to as "shepherds" not "sheepdogs". They truly were an all purpose dog, herding the sheep and protecting the shepherd and family at night.

ORIGINS OF THE COLLIE

The hills of Scotland and Wales produced a race of dogs that were brilliant herders - "The Collie". The original collie looks nothing like the modern collie.

The Scottish and Welsh farmers were adamant that their dogs be sturdy, agile, intelligent, able to cope with rough terrain and inclement weather, and trustworthy with family members.

Collies of today herd instinctively. They "head" the sheep by circling them back to their master, or "heel", driving them away.

The Scottish sheep dog evolved into two groups. The "huntaway" or heeler, and the "strong-eyed" dog.

THE HUNTAWAY - HEELER SHEEPDOG.

The "huntaway" heelers drive the sheep by circling, barking and nipping at the heels. This type has to perform much of the herding on its own, searching out sheep in the craggy mountains. While responding to commands, it is still an independent worker.

Most huntaways "noise", flushing the sheep from narrow crannies. The barking marks the dog's position.

THE STRONG-EYED DOG

The strong-eyed dog, is at its best on open range, their job is to control the herd in silence with its nearly hypnotic stare, in a contest of wills. The strong eyed dog must always win the contest. These dogs are sort after.

The shepherd's dog must be quick and agile, with no excess of substance, for fleet movement and quick dashes. These herders are built for short bursts of high speed, and any terrain. Most drive the sheep by nipping, barking or darting at the animals. They must not injure or attack the sheep..

The collie is one of the best known dogs in the world. For hundreds of years herding dogs were the help mate of the peasant or working classes, and no records or pedigrees were kept, as dogs of certain areas started to breed to type in looks aswell as work, the farmers started to breed more selectively, and the modern collies were born.

One of the first bodies formed for the registration of sheepdogs competing in "Trials" was the International Sheepdog Society , their records of pedigrees and their performances goes back alot further than the Kennel Clubs records.

Sheepdog trials is a very popular sport that is now practised by people from all walks of life. One Man and His Dog went along way in promoting this country way of life, bringing the dogs and their shepherd into everyones living room.

The shepherds and flock guards, the "huntaway" and many other sheepdogs, in this modern society have become in most areas redundant.

The ever intelligent shepherd has moved into our modern way and made a place for it in our hearts, their loyalty goes without question.

They work in our society as police dogs, search and rescue, sniffer dogs, tracking dogs, they excel at Agility, Obedience, Show, Hearing dogs for the Deaf.. and more importantly - COMPANION AND FAMILY PET.

There are more breeds of shepherds.

The shepherds and collies are very intelligent dogs, certain members of this group are very active and need alot of walks and long runs. Some of them have long coats that need grooming every other day.

Always think carefully before buying a member of this group as
many do end their days in rescue.