Is it common to use German Shepards as Herding Dogs?

Question

It obviously isn't where I'm from, yet my family sticks to that breed when it comes to herding. I know they are called Shepards, but we are the only farm I know that use them so I don't know.

Are Border Collies better? Our oldest Shepard is retiring after this year, and it would be fun to try a new breed since dad's letting me in charge of getting and training a new one. I'm so unsure about which breed to choose because all the owners are so biased. The majority is all pro Border Collie, but the rest, like my dad, is all Border Collies are awful dogs!

Answer 1

German shepherds were bred to herd. You don't see many of them doing it anymore.... all lost to border collies. I think it's great you use them to herd. Border collies are great dogs.... great workers... they exel in really anything you train them... look at agility! But I think just do research on the temperment of them. The only one's I have seen have been a bit crazy.... but that is probably due to lack of exercise and lack of a job to do.

Both great breeds, highly intelligent and very driven to please.  

Answer 2

German Shepherds were bred to herd. I've seen them at work a few times, and even though they are one of my favorite breeds I think Border Collies and Austrilian Shepherds are better at herding. If I had to choose any breed for my farm, it would be a Border Collie. What exactly are they herding? Sheep? Cattle? Austrilian Cattle dogs would be a good choice as well, when it comes to Cattle. I've never seen them work Sheep before, so I'm not exactly sure if they would be good with those, but I"m pretty sure they would. Another great breed is the Rough Coated Collie, like Lassie. I had a Sable one that I was fostering for my rescue and even at a young age she was herding the other dogs and my cousins around.

The only thing I have against Border Collies is that they need something to do all the time. You'll have to provide activites for the dog to do all day, or else they may get destructive.

Answer 3

get a border collie.

dont use the german shepards theyre better watch dogs.

Answer 4

GSD were originally bred for herding..  however they are more commonly used for protection, police work, and as guide dogs.

I have seen border collies and australian shepherds in action and they do a great job herding.  Check out some of the herding breeds... some are better herders, and some were bred more as "livestock guardians".. to live with the herd and to protect them, more than to help herd them.

Look for a dog that comes from working lines to help assure that you are getting a dog that has had the work drive bred into it.

Answer 5

Herding is what GSD's were bred for.

Answer 6

German ShepHERD!  get it?!

Answer 7

Absolutely, they are a very versatile. I know many Border Collie owners, definitely a high energy dog. If you don't have a lot of time to spend with it and training it and giving it a job expect trouble. They are extremely smart. If  you don't excercise them enough physically and mentally expect trouble.  

Answer 8

ABSOLUTELY, they were originally developed for herding sheep!  They are extremely smart dogs.

Answer 9

Yes GSD'S  where bred for herding but that doesnt make it common, whens the last time you saw a corgi or puli herding. Like the GSD they where bred to do this but needs change over time and breeds jobs do as well.

A lot of the farms use GSD's as pets and guardians, and border collies for herding. Whether or not a border collie is the right dog deepend on what stock you have. A lot of farmers around here use the borders for cattle. Some feel that the borders are too intense for sheep herding on hobby farms or where the sheep are used for wool (nipping) and have actually gone back to using collies (lassie type) both rough and smooth. They  are a loose eyed dog like the shepherd and use their body size and presence to work the sheep.

If the dog will be a household pet as well an Australian shepherds might also be a good option they are great herders but are a litle less intense than border collies. They have wonderful personalities and are beautiful dogs. If the dog is going to spend much of its time out doors an australian cattle dog may be a better option. They have a very strong drive and natural ability, but they are heelers so they do nip stock as well.

Answer 10

I never saw a german shepherd herding.I have a german shepherd but anyways I think you should get a different dog like a golden retriever maybe?

Answer 11

You might consider a Scottish (Rough) Collie...you know like Lassie:)

They are good cattle dogs...my grandparents had only Collies when they farmed.

Now, I have a tri-color rough collie puppy and she is constantly trying to herd my children and my husband and I and anyone else who stops by to say hello!!