Australian Cattle Dogs: Hardy herders from scorching Outback. Mix of collies, Dalmatians, dingos. Smart, energetic, need daily exercise, great jogging partners.
Australian Shepherds: US origins, Aussie ancestors. Exceptional herders, ranch dogs. Brilliant, athletic, excel in sports, love hiking, jogging, flying disc, and tricks.
Bearded Collies: Scottish herders. Intelligent, high exercise needs. Start obedience training early, be consistent. Love off-leash running and thrive with lots of attention.
Border Collies: Centuries of sheep herding in British Isles. Highly intelligent, thrive with a job or dog sport training. Keeping them entertained can be challenging.
German Shepherds: Iconic shepherd breed from Germany. Versatile: herded livestock, valued in law enforcement. Highly intelligent, loyal, and trainable.
Icelandic Sheepdog: Iceland's native breed, Viking heritage. Great herders and farm dogs, excel in protection. Lots of exercise needed, love off-leash running.
Mini American Shepherd (Mini Aussie): Smart and energetic like the larger Aussie cousin. Compact size makes exercise easier. Horse-friendly, loved by equestrians.
Old English Sheepdog: 1800s England, cattle drivers. Loving, playful pets with stamina. Need daily walks, off-leash play. Large, powerful, shaggy coat, gentle temperament.
Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties): Agile herders from Scotland's Shetland Islands. Intelligent, easy to train, excel in dog sports like agility and flying disc. Similar to rough collies but smaller.
Rough Collies: Scottish herders, famous for "Lassie" TV show. Gorgeous long coats, highly intelligent, loyal family pets. Good-natured, friendly, wary of strangers but never aggressive.