One of the best things that can ever happen to you is raising a sheep dog, especially an English sheepdog. This breed is not only clever but receptive to learning basic commands. They also herd sheep as if their life depends on it.
A study from the U.S Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (USDA NAHMS) has shown that 29.6 percent of sheep farmers in the United States use a livestock guardian dog to guard a sheep against predation. Another research has also shown that seventy-five percent of livestock guardian dogs are effective. A Sheepdog happens to fall under the category of a livestock guardian dog.
The fact is that once you learn more about a sheepdog, you will probably figure out many reasons why you should raise it.
What Breed Is A Sheepdog?
First things first, a sheepdog is a working dog used to herd sheep or other animals like cows. It is little wonder that you can also refer to a sheepdog as a “livestock guardian dog” and “a herding dog.”In any case, dogs were one of the first animals that humans domesticated. This explains why they have been used for herding for thousands of years.
In any case, a sheepdog has been categorized as a herding breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Most sheepdog breeds weigh over fifty pounds and can stand over two feet.
According to the AKC, every sheepdog shares the instinctual drive and ability to manage the movement of sheep and other livestock. These dogs have been trained to gather and protect sheep.
These days, some herding breeds like German Shepherd Dog and English sheepdog are used by police to gather intelligence. In any case, the herding instinct in these dogs is so intense that they make every move with caution. Hence, these dogs can make excellent friends with the sheep and its owner.
Although sheep dog is more receptive to herding a sheep, they know how best to care for their family members. In this case, they will make a fantastic addition to your family. To this end, let’s explore some popular sheep dog breeds.
Belgian Sheepdog
History has it that the Belgian dog made an awestruck performance on the battlefield. It served as an ambulance dog and even helped to transport ammunition.
Today, this breed can do more if its owner can offer many mental stimulation exercises. In any case, this dog needs a lot of agility exercises. They make a fantastic watchdog, a rescue dog, and even a search dog.
Himalayan Dog
The Himalayan breed is a mountain dog. This dog has deep-rooted connections with Nepal and India. So, you will hardly see it outside of these countries.
A Himalayan dog is overly cautious, brave, and territorial. In any case, it is recommended that these dogs should not be bred in homes with too many people. However, they are one of the best breeds for herding sheep.
German Shepherd Dog
As its name implies, this dog originates from Germany. It does not only herd sheep. These fearless and loyal dogs are often used by military personnel as guard dogs.
This dog breed may look mean. But in the real sense of it, it has an amiable personality. However, the dog needs early socialization to minimize the tendency towards aggressiveness or nervousness.
Blue Merle Border Collie Dog Breed
This is a cute, intelligent, and loving dog. Even though it makes an excellent family dog, it can also herd sheep.
This dog is not a distinct breed per se. It is just a Border Collie breed with a blue Merle coat. However, it is unarguably one of the most clever dogs out there.
Shetland Dog
Shetland dogs are fantastic pets for individuals occupying small apartments. However, these dogs need frequent exercises and stroll to perform their herding duties better.
This dog breed is also lively, sweet, and easy to please. It is also an excellent hunting canine.
Other popular sheepdog breeds include the Australian shepherd dog, Puli dog, Canaan dog, Mudi dog, Briard dog, Pumi dog, Australian cattle dog, Cardigan Welsh corgi dog, Norwegian Buhund dog, and many others.
An old English sheepdog is also one of the most popular sheepdog breeds. Since it has a unique appeal, we will explore it shortly.
Old English Sheep dog: Origin, Characteristics, And Traits
Origin of the Old English Sheepdog
Some historians suggest that the Scottish Collie played a significant part in the development of the old English sheepdog. Other historians believe that English sheepdogs share a deep-seated connection with the Russian Ovtcharka. Therefore, it has been suggested that the English sheepdog has either Scottish or Russian origins.
Characteristics and Traits of the Old English Sheepdog
History has it that the sheep farmers used an Old English sheepdog for driving sheep and other livestock to the market. The sheepdog uses its body language to manage the sheep. These days, this dog relishes the comfort of apartment life while it works.
English sheepdogs are the most prominent sheepdog breeds. These dogs do not only herd sheep but also give off an aesthetic appearance suitable for dog shows. Its attractive coat is a force to be reckoned with.
In any case, the Old English Sheepdog is known for its heavy and sassy coat. This dog is also attractive due to its trademarked bushy coat and gigantic size. So this is a surefire way to identify an English sheepdog if you’ve never seen one before.
As stated earlier, the appearance and size of the English sheepdog are its defining characteristics. They are large dogs that weigh 60 pounds or even more.
The English sheepdogs usually have a double coat with two layered furs which helps to give off a robust appearance. This dog has different shades of coat. These include gray, white and blue. In any case, the Old English Sheepdog may also have brown or blue eyes.
This dog is usually friendly and can be hyperactive. The best part is that it handles children and other animals with care. So these breeds can make excellent pet dogs.
The average life expectancy of an English sheepdog is ten to twelve years. So they can stand the test of time when they lead a healthy life.
You can’t discuss the traits of an Old English sheepdog without discussing its hair. This dog has bushy hair. The implication is that its coat needs at least 3 to 4 hours of grooming every week. It is little wonder that a busy owner of an English Sheepdog would give up these dogs to rescue shops.
Even though English sheepdogs are purebred creatures, you might find them in the care of rescue organizations. Always remember to adopt these dogs. Shopping won’t help.
Are Sheepdogs Good Pets?
Yes, sheepdogs, especially English sheepdogs, are good pets. The reason is simple.
These dogs are smart, cheerful, and easygoing. Known for being good-natured, they are sturdy hard workers.
Most sheep farmers and children attest to the dog’s remarkable sense of humor. This explains why this breeding stock is often used in anime and comedy shows. The best part of this livestock guardian dog is that it does not get carried away. These dogs are always ready to swing into action when the need arises.
Are Sheepdogs Protective?
Yes, these dogs can be very protective of the sheep they seek to protect. It is in their nature. They reveal their protective nature through a loud bark at potential predators. In this way, sheep owners can be on the alert.
Can Sheepdogs Be Left Alone?
No, they cannot. These dogs cannot survive as loners. In this case, they can easily suffer from separation anxiety or become destructive if they are left alone for a prolonged time. These breeds should always stay with their family members and friends.
Do Sheepdogs Smell?
Generally, it is a no-no. A dog that herds sheep does not smell or emit an unpleasant odor. However, they can smell when proper precautions have not been taken.
For instance, these breeds can smell due to many conditions. These include yeast infections on their paws, ringworm, and dental problems.
Why Are Sheep Afraid Of Sheepdogs?
There are several reasons why a sheep can be afraid of a sheepdog. However, the primary reason is that a sheep perceives a sheepdog as a predator.
Chances are that a sheep who has had frequent exposure to a sheepdog is likely to panic when they encounter one. This kind of sheep is categorized as a “dogged sheep.”
Do Farmers Still Use Sheepdogs?
Partially. Some farmers in New Zealand no longer use sheepdog breeds to herd their sheep. Today, they use sheep drones that simulate the sounds of a barking dog. Although no one is certain whether this applies to farmers from other parts of the world, the use of sheepdogs can hardly go out of style.
Are Sheepdogs Loyal?
Yes, they are. Most sheepdogs rank top in the list of the most loyal dogs in the world. They will make sure that your family members, sheep, and home are in good shape.
Do Sheepdogs Hurt Sheep?
No, a sheepdog is trained to exercise a reasonable level of emotional intelligence than every other breed. It will not hurt a sheep unless the need arises.
Can sheepdogs be aggressive?
Yes, these dogs, especially the masculine ones, can be stubborn and aggressive. But they can get better with early socialization and obedience training.
FAQ
Conclusion
Sheepdogs are herding breeds and require more attention than you think. But with the right training and environment, they can make excellent friends, guard dogs, and every other thing you want them to be. Do you want to raise a sheep dog? We thought the idea sounded nice.
Related topic: Mutt dog: 15 awesome mixed dog breeds
*photo by tatyanatitova – depositphotos
