Relatively Rare Herding Breeds

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1. Originating in Belgium, this curly coated breed belongs to a family of four similar breeds. Roughly the size of a German Shepherd Dog, this breed was originally bred as a livestock herder and guardian. Laekenois Tervueren Malinios Belgian Sheepdog

2. Formed from the mating of a Collie from northern England and a local black and tan female, this breed is still a popular livestock herder in Australia, its country of origin. Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Australian Kelpie Australian Cattle Dog

3. Easily recognizable by its long haired, curled fringe-like ears, this breed originated in Hungary in the 1800's as a livestock herder. Not only does it serve as a herder, but also functions as a farm guardian and efficient ratter. Puli Pumi Mudi Muli

4. This breed comes in a smooth-haired and a long-haired variety. Also known as a Labrit, this breed originated in France in the 1700's as a sheep herder and guardian. Pyrenean Mastiff Catalan Sheepdog Pyrenean Sheepdog Great Pyrenees

5. Comparable physically to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, this breed found its origins in Sweden. Often still used for its original purpose, this breed functions as a multipurpose drover, watchdog and ratter. Broholmer Leonberger Swedish Vallhund Bearded Collie

6. A need for a vocal dog, capable of driving sheep from a distance with its voice as opposed to the common silent herders, spurred the selective breeding that resulted in this breed. South Russian Sheepdog Hovawart Tatra Mountain Sheepdog New Zealand Huntaway

7. This breed takes on the appearance of a livestock guardian, but is a capable sheep herder as well. Finding its origins in Macedonia in the middle ages, this breed wasn't officially recognized until 1930. Illyrian Sheepdog Leonberger Maremma Sheepdog Akbash Dog

8. This breed comes in three coat varieties: short-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired. Also known as the Hollandse Herdershond, this breed found its origins in The Netherlands in the 1800's as a livestock herder. Bergamasco Beauceron Dutch Shepherd Dog Dutch Sheepdog

9. Coming in a variety of colors, this breed with a densely wavy coat was originally used in Hungary to guard flocks, herd sheep, and hunt boar. Mudi Standard Schnauzer Croatian Sheepdog Komondor

10. Tracing its origins back to antiquity, this breed is thought to descend from warrior Mastiff-type dogs left in Switzerland by passing Roman legions about 2000 years ago. Though its tri-colored markings are common among breeds of Switzerland, this breed is set apart by its tightly curled tail. Appenzeller Sennenhund Entelbuch Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog