7 Types of Shepherd Dogs, From Anatolians to Shetland Sheeps!

Which types of shepherd dogs are suited to be working dogs and family dogs?

These seven different types of shepherd dog breeds are working dogs with some of the best dogs for family farms. These different shepherd dogs are herding breeds that perform well as working herding dogs and family pets. Dog owners who are looking for hard-working and intelligent dogs will appreciate these breeds, which are often also excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. With the appropriate dog food and care, these breeds can stay in the family for a long time.

Herding dogs include breeds such as the border collie, bearded collie, old English sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh corgi, Belgian tervuren, Beauceron, Cardigan, Groenendael, Laekenois, black german shepherd, blue heeler, and Australian cattle dog. Many of them have a double coat, and their dog training primarily focuses on using their intelligence and work ethic. Many herding dogs originated in Scotland, Germany, and other countries that traditionally used herding groups with their livestock. Mixed breeds of these shepherds often retain the same characteristics as their parents with fewer health problems, making them great for families. Move over, Lassie!

1. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a big breed of dog that has been known to defend itself against wolves and bears in the wild. They are still puppies at heart and will act like them until they are four years old. They don't have thick coats like other shepherd dogs and usually have a cream to tan coat with black markings around their heads.

2. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd was created in America to herd animals. They can come in a variety of vibrant hues and may have blue eyes. Merle blue is a popular hue in which the dog's coat is split up into dispersed patches. They are vivacious companions that are as friendly as they are diligent.

3. Belgian Malinois

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The Belgian Sheepdog is a dog breed that originated in Belgium. They are very active and need to be challenged to be happy. They have a high prey drive and should not be kept in a home with cats or other small animals. They do, however, provide delight to youngsters and do not mind being frightened by smaller children, as do many other shepherd breeds.

4. Bohemian Shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd, sometimes called the Chodsky pes, is a tiny shepherd breed. They are dedicated workers and excellent pets. The American Kennel Club (AKC) makes no distinction between rough and smooth-faced variants of the breed. This type of shepherd dog breed has a fluffier ruff around the neck than rough-faced Bohemian Shepherds.

5. Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd is a GSD lookalike dog breed from the Netherlands. They are descended from the same canines that gave rise to the German Shepherd dog and the Belgian Shepherd dog. Outside of Europe, they are rarely seen, although they have a lovely brindle coat that is reasonably easy to care for. This European shepherd is a very adaptable breed that has been employed as a cart dog, farm dog, and even as a police dog.

6. The German Shepherd

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German Shepherds are brave, sharp, attentive, and fearless. Formerly named Alsatians, this type of shepherd dog will only bark if they believe it is essential and is one of the most popular dog breeds to be used in the military and as search and rescue dogs. In the United States, the German Shepherd is also a favorite show and family pet, eclipsed only by the labrador retriever in popularity.

7. Shetland Sheepdog

The Sheltie is a fun-loving dog who thrives in family environments. They are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise, but they aren't as focused on work as many other sheepdog breeds. They can even get along with any felines in the house with proper socialization.

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READ MORE: Types of German Shepherd: Most Common Variants of This Working Breed