WHAT ARE HERDING DOGS?
Herding dogs are also known as stock dogs or what we like to call them - working dogs. They are not to be confused with livestock guardian dogs. Even though both are keen workers, they serve a different purpose in relation to livestock.
Livestock guardian dogs guard or flock guardian dogs protect flocks and herds from predators like foxes, dingoes, cats, goannas and tasmanian devils.They are left alone with the livestock and stay with them full time.Livestock guardian dogs bond with livestock at a very early age. They only protect animal species they have been raised with. They possess a strong guarding instinct however lack the actual herding instinct.
Some of these breeds are
Livestock guardian dogs guard or flock guardian dogs protect flocks and herds from predators like foxes, dingoes, cats, goannas and tasmanian devils.They are left alone with the livestock and stay with them full time.Livestock guardian dogs bond with livestock at a very early age. They only protect animal species they have been raised with. They possess a strong guarding instinct however lack the actual herding instinct.
Some of these breeds are
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Kuvasz
- Komondor
- Kangal Dog
- Akbash Dog
- Great Pyrenees
LETS HAVE A LOOK AT OUR HERDING DOGS
Their job is to keep livestock together as well as moving them to from A to B. They work as a team with their handler however distance between handler and dogs vary whilst on the job. Herding dogs are possess a natural herding instinct and are taught to respond to voice/whistle commands.
HERDING DOG CHARACTERISTICS
NATURAL ABILITY:
A Herding dog's inborn natural ability and instinct are the vital part of the character of these breeds. It is the instinct from where a dog develops the skills to become a great working dog - farm dog - or trial dog. Everything starts with the right genetics and drive.
HEALTH:
Additionally a herding dog would not be of any use without being fit and healthy. They must be able to work long hours and in our case be able to put up with a hot climate. dogs must learn to preserve their energy and it is up to the handler to use their dogs wisely and to keep them in good health. (nick)
TRAINABILITY/BIDDABILITY:
Trainability is the dogs ability to be taught and take commands. We often hear people talk about this characteristic and see them judge dogs by this trait. What we’d like to point out is that the best herding dog can be limited to excel or show its full potential if there is a personality clash between the dog and the handler.
People might find that by moving a dog on to another handler an untrainable dog might become highly trainable.
HERDING DOG CHARACTERISTICS
NATURAL ABILITY:
A Herding dog's inborn natural ability and instinct are the vital part of the character of these breeds. It is the instinct from where a dog develops the skills to become a great working dog - farm dog - or trial dog. Everything starts with the right genetics and drive.
HEALTH:
Additionally a herding dog would not be of any use without being fit and healthy. They must be able to work long hours and in our case be able to put up with a hot climate. dogs must learn to preserve their energy and it is up to the handler to use their dogs wisely and to keep them in good health. (nick)
TRAINABILITY/BIDDABILITY:
Trainability is the dogs ability to be taught and take commands. We often hear people talk about this characteristic and see them judge dogs by this trait. What we’d like to point out is that the best herding dog can be limited to excel or show its full potential if there is a personality clash between the dog and the handler.
People might find that by moving a dog on to another handler an untrainable dog might become highly trainable.