Type of dog used for herding
"Heeler" redirects here. Not to be confused with
Healer
.
An
Australian Kelpie
backing sheep.
A
Koolie
working with
sheep
.
A
herding dog
, also known as a
stock dog
or
working dog
, is a
type of dog
that either has been trained in
herding
livestock or belongs to one of the
breeds
that were developed for herding. A dog specifically trained to herd sheep is known as a
sheep dog
or shepherd dog.
Herding behavior
[
edit
]
For a complete list of herding breeds, see
Sheep dog
.
A nine-week-old
Border Collie
directing ducks.
All
herding
behavior is modified
predatory
behavior. Through selective breeding, humans have been able to minimize the dog's natural inclination to treat cattle and sheep as prey while simultaneously maintaining the dog's hunting skills, thereby creating an effective herding dog.
[1]
[2]
Dogs can work other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the
Australian Cattle Dog
, typically nip at the heels of animals (for this reason they are called
heelers
) and the
Cardigan
and
Pembroke Welsh Corgis
were historically used in a similar fashion in the cattle droves that moved cattle from Wales to the
Smithfield Meat Market
in London but are rarely used for herding today.
Other breeds, notably the
Border Collie
, get in front of the animals and use what is called
strong eye
to stare down the animals;
[3]
they are known as
headers
. The
headers
or fetching dogs keep
livestock
in a group. They consistently go to the front or head of the animals to turn or stop the animal's movement. The
heelers
or driving dogs keep pushing the animals forward. Typically, they stay behind the herd. The
Australian Kelpie
and
Australian Koolie
use both these methods and also run along the backs of sheep so are said to head, heel, and back.
[1]
[2]
[4]
Other types such as the
Australian Shepherd
,
English Shepherd
and
Welsh Sheepdog
are
moderate
to
loose eyed
, working more independently. The
New Zealand Huntaway
uses its loud, deep bark to muster mobs of sheep.
[5]
Belgian Malinois
,
German Shepherd Dogs
and
Briards
are historically
tending
dogs, who act as a "living fence", guiding large flocks of sheep to graze, while preventing them from eating valuable crops and wandering onto roads.
Herding instincts and trainability can be measured when introducing a dog to livestock or at noncompetitive herding tests. Individuals exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
[6]
Terminology
[
edit
]
In
Australia
,
New Zealand
and the
United States
herding dogs are known as
working dogs
irrespective of their breeding.
[7]
Some herding breeds work well with any kind of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly
mustered
animals include
cattle
,
sheep
,
goats
and
reindeer
,
[6]
although it is not unusual for
poultry
to be handled by dogs.
[1]
The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe
livestock guardian dogs
, whose primary function is to guard flocks and herds from predation and theft, and they lack the herding instinct. Although herding dogs may guard flocks their primary purpose is to move them; both herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs may be called "sheep dogs".
In general terms when categorizing dog breeds, herding dogs are considered a subcategory of
working dogs
, but for
conformation shows
they usually form a separate group.
Australia has the world's largest
cattle stations
and
sheep stations
and some of the best-known herding dogs, such as the
Koolie
,
Kelpie
,
Red and Blue Heelers
are bred and found there.
Origins of herding dogs
[
edit
]
Creating herding dog breeds is associated with the development of cattle breeding. Domestication of sheep and goats began in the 8-7th millennium BC. Originally this process began in
Western Asia
, on the territory of modern
Iran
and
Iraq
. Shepherding was a difficult task: primitive herders did not have horses and moved their cattle for grazing on foot as horses and donkeys were not yet fully domesticated and obedient enough. Dogs that were previously helping humans in hunting, became assistants in livestock maintenance. The main task for dogs in the early stages of cattle breeding was protecting herds from a variety of wild predators, that were very numerous.
[8]
Roman relief of a Herdsman
This function predetermined herding dogs' characteristics: they had to be strong, vicious, courageous, decisive, able to stand alone against a large predator and, most importantly, ready to defend their herd. The history of the ancestors of herding dogs can be traced back to six thousand years ago, archaeological findings of the joint remains of sheep and dogs date back to 3685 BC.
[9]
The place of their origin is considered to be the territories of modern
Turkey
, Iraq and
Syria
. Shepherd dogs are mentioned in the
Old Testament
, the writings of
Cato the Elder
and
Varro
, their images are found in works of art created more than two thousand years ago. These dogs were used not only to guard herds, but also for military purposes.
[10]
From the regions of Western Asia, herding spread to west and north, followed by an increase in the number of domestic animals. On the territory of
Europe
, the progenitors of herding dogs appeared in the 6th to 7th centuries BC. According to archaeological research, cattle breeding and agriculture spread across Europe in different ways: along the
Danube
and
Rhine
rivers to the territory of modern
Germany
, northern
France
and the
Netherlands
, through the
Mediterranean Sea
to the
Alps
, up the
Rhone
to central and southwestern France.
[8]
[9]
The development of agriculture, increasing number of settlements and foundation of cities have led to a decrease in the number of predators. After the extinction of large predators in most of Europe and
Great Britain
, with the massive spread of sheep breeding and with an increase in the share of cultivated and populated land, the main task of herding dogs was to protect crops, private and protected areas from harm during grazing and moving herds. Shepherd dogs were more suitable for this work than larger and stronger breeds, being medium-sized and mobile. Such dogs managed small and large livestock, as well as domestic birds. In addition to the Central European type of shepherd, another type of dog has emerged, often with thick hair, more suitable for colder areas. These dogs have shown not only the ability to manage the herd, but also to protect it. With the spread of reindeer breeding among the northern peoples, hunting
spitz
-like dogs were "retrained" into shepherds.
[10]
Most breeds of Central European shepherd dogs ? with erect ears and short hair on the head, similar to wolves, were mainly formed in the 16th to 17th centuries, the breeds of curly-haired dogs of the Northern European type were formed later.
[8]
Physical characteristics
[
edit
]
During the selection process, the physical characteristics of the dogs were formed, allowing them to do their job in the best possible way. Regardless of the conditions in which herding dogs work and what function they perform, they all have a number of common characteristics. Herding dogs are strong and have a lot of stamina. Their paws are well protected from thorns and sharp stones: toes are compressed into a tight lump, paw pads are thick, claws are strong. The coat has structure and density to protect from getting wet and temperature extremes common in the region of the breed origin. All herding dogs have excellent eyesight and hearing. Cattle dog colors are varied and depend on local breeders' preferences, but all herding dogs should have well-pigmented eyelids, lips, nose and paw pads, because pink skin is too delicate and prone to wounds and sunburn.
In the modern world
[
edit
]
Originally used solely as a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd has become one of the most popular companion dog breeds in North America.
In countries where herding is preserved, herding dogs continue to work for their main purpose and are appreciated as effective and even irreplaceable helpers that can save labor costs and avoid investments in expensive equipment. Economic studies in Australia have shown that herding dogs are worth more than five times their cost, including training and maintenance. Meanwhile, the popularity and the number of herding dogs are growing, and the scope of work for them is narrowing.
[11]
In the 21st century herding dogs are often chosen as family
pets
. The
collie
breeds including the
Bearded Collie
and
Border Collie
are well known, as are the Australian kelpie and Australian Working kelpie, Welsh
Corgis
. They make good family dogs and are at their best when they have a job to do.
[1]
These dogs have been
bred
as
working dogs
and need to be physically and mentally active. They retain their herding instincts and may sometimes nip at people's heels or bump them in an effort to 'herd' their family, and may need to be trained not to do so.
[1]
Their activity level and intelligence makes them excellent canine athletes. The
Australian Shepherd
,
Shetland Sheepdog
,
Rough Collie
,
Smooth Collie
and
Old English Sheepdog
are more popular as family companion dogs.
[1]
Dogs of herding breeds now often live in urban or suburban neighbourhoods. Their owners need to maintain their physical and mental health, taking into consideration their herding instinct and qualities. The services of dog-trainers are in demand, along with the training centres for working and sporting herding dogs, offering sheep rental and walks in the pasture. Dogs living in the suburbs and villages can work with small groups of animals or poultry. Sometimes owners even buy a few sheep so that their dogs can enjoy what they were originally bred for.
[12]
[13]
The combination of quick learning ability, physical strength, endurance, predatory behavior with dedication to the owner and a desire to work has led to the widespread use of large European Shepherds for a number of other civil and military jobs. These are the most common police and military dogs employed in the guard, search, rescue and other types of services.
[8]
[14]
The modern world presents people with new tasks, which are successfully solved with the help of dogs. For example, in the United States, legally protected geese often pose serious problems for life and work. Here, border collies and other strong-eyed herding dogs are used to patrol crops, residential and recreational areas, parks, beaches, golf courses and, above all, airports. Protection from birds with the help of herding dogs turned out to be the most effective and only easily implemented way: walking through the patrolled area several times a day, the dogs force the geese to settle in places where they cause less trouble, while the nature is not being harmed.
[15]
All shepherd dogs are born athletes. Their high need for physical and intellectual activity can be replenished not only by sports grazing, but also by other types of cynological sports. Border Collies as owners of outstanding sports qualities, Belgian Shepherds, Australian Shepherds invariably occupy leading positions in agility, flyball, frisbee, dog dancing, obedience. At the same time, in service, sport and show dogs of herding breeds that do not interact with livestock, the herding instinct is gradually weakened.
[8]
[12]
Competitive herding
[
edit
]
Highland games
dog herding
The competitive
dog sport
in which herding dogs move animals around a field, fences, gates, or enclosures as directed by their handlers is called a
sheepdog trial
,
herding test
or
stockdog trial
depending on the area.
[16]
Such events are particularly associated with hill farming areas, where
sheep
range widely on largely
unfenced
land. These trials are popular in the
United Kingdom
,
Ireland
,
South Africa
,
Chile
,
Canada
, the
USA
,
Australia
,
New Zealand
[17]
and other farming nations, and have occasionally even become primetime television fare.
[18]
In the US, regular events are run by the United States Border Collie Handler's Association, Australian Shepherd Club of America, American Kennel Club and many others.
[6]
The world record price for a working sheep dog was broken February 2011 at the auction at
Skipton
Market, England, with £6,300 ($10,270) for Dewi Fan. The previous record was £5,145 ($8,390)
[19]
Basic herding dog commands
[
edit
]
A
Border Collie
at work with hair sheep.
- Come by
or just
by
- go to the left of the stock, or clockwise around them.
- Away to me
, or just
away
or
way
- go to the right of the stock, or counterclockwise around them.
- Stand
- stop, although when said gently may also mean just to slow down.
- Wait
,
(lie) down
or
sit
or
stay
- stop, but remain with that contact on the stock...don't take it off by leaving.
- Steady
or
take time
- slow down.
- Cast
- gather the stock into a group. Good working dogs will cast over a large area. This is not a command but an attribute.
- Find
- search for stock. A good dog will hold the stock until the
shepherd
arrives. Some will bark when the stock have been located.
- Get out
or
back
- move away from the stock. Used when the dog is working too close to the stock, potentially causing the stock stress. Occasionally used as a reprimand.
- Keep away
or
keep
- Used by some handlers as a direction and a distance from the sheep.
- Hold
- keep stock where they are.
- Bark
or
speak up
- bark at stock. Useful when more force is needed, and usually not essential for working cattle and sheep.
- Look back
- return for a missed animal. Also used after a shed is completed and rejoined the flock or packet of sheep.
- In here
or
here
- go through a gap in the flock. Used when separating stock.
- Walk up
,
walk on
or just
walk
- move in closer to the stock.
- That'll do
- stop working and return to handler.
These commands may be indicated by a hand movement, whistle or voice. There are many other commands that are also used when working stock and in general use away from stock. Herding dog commands are generally taught using livestock as the modus operandi. Urban owners without access to livestock are able to teach basic commands through herding games.
[6]
These are not the only commands used: there are many variations. When whistles are used, each individual dog usually has a different set of commands to avoid confusion when several dogs are being worked at one time.
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]
- ^
a
b
c
d
e
f
Renna, Christine Hartnagle (2008).
Herding Dogs: Selection and Training the Working Farm Dog
. Kennel Club Books (KCB).
ISBN
978-1-59378-737-0
.
- ^
a
b
Hartnagle, Jeanne Joy.
Herding I, II, III
. Canine Training Systems (CTS).
- ^
"Heading dogs, huntaways and all-purpose dogs"
, Te Ara
- ^
Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy (2005).
All About Aussies
. Alpine Publications.
ISBN
1-57779-074-X
.
- ^
"Sheep Herding Dogs"
.
RaisingSheep.net
. Retrieved
18 April
2015
.
- ^
a
b
c
d
Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy; Taylor, Ty (2010).
Stockdog Savvy
. Alpine Publications.
ISBN
978-1-57779-106-5
.
- ^
"DOGS, WORKING"
, 1966,
An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand
- ^
a
b
c
d
e
Hancock, David (2014-08-31).
Dogs of the Shepherds: A Review of the Pastoral Breeds
. Crowood.
ISBN
978-1-84797-809-7
.
- ^
a
b
Grandin, Temple (2007).
Livestock Handling and Transport
. CABI.
ISBN
978-1-84593-220-6
.
- ^
a
b
Serpell, James; Serpell, Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare James; Barrett, Priscilla (1995-09-21).
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People
. Cambridge University Press.
ISBN
978-0-521-42537-7
.
- ^
Arnott, E.; Early, J.; Wade, C.; McGreevy, P. (2014-05-01).
"Estimating the Economic Value of Australian Stock Herding Dogs"
.
Sport and Working Animal Welfare Collection
.
23
(2): 189?197.
doi
:
10.7120/09627286.23.2.189
.
- ^
a
b
Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy; Taylor, Ty (2019-05-17).
Stockdog Savvy
. Dogwise Publishing.
ISBN
978-1-61781-251-4
.
- ^
Renna, Christine Hartnagle (2012-04-10).
Herding Dogs: Selecting and Training the Working Farm Dog
. Fox Chapel Publishing.
ISBN
978-1-59378-653-3
.
- ^
"Nordic Herding Dogs"
.
Canine Chronicle
. Retrieved
2021-10-26
.
- ^
Gompper, Matthew E. (2013-10-17).
Free-Ranging Dogs and Wildlife Conservation
. OUP Oxford.
ISBN
978-0-19-164011-7
.
- ^
United States Border Collie Handler's Association events are referred to as
sheepdog trials
or cowdog trials. Australian Shepherd Club of America trials are referred to as stockdog trials. Competitions sponsored by the American Kennel Club
AKC
are known as
herding
events.
- ^
"New Zealanders began this unusual sport ... in 1889"
An Encyclopedia of New Zealand, 1966
- ^
"A Dog's Show"
, 1981, TVNZ
- ^
World record price broken again at Skipton working dogs sale. pdf
[
permanent dead link
]
External links
[
edit
]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to
Sheepdogs
.