11 Herding Dogs: Shepherds and Sheepdogs-pt 2

This is part 2 of a previous blog on Herding Dogs. Please check out last week’s blog to get all the information.

Border Collie

Height: 18-22 inches tall

Weight: 30-55 pounds

Drooling: Low

Shedding: Moderate

Life Expectancy:  12-15 Years

Borders have a long history amongst shepherds and sheepdogs. They originally developed from crossing a stocky Roman herding dog and a Viking spitz-type herder. Today’s Border Collie comes to us from the land of Britain, where both cultures once ruled for a time. Border Collies are thought by many to be the world’s greatest herding dogs, as they are keenly aware and intelligent. When herding, they read each situation and know what action is required; crouching low, setting off at a sprint, making wide sweeping turns, or stalking stealthily.

The Border Collie is one of the shepherds and sheepdogs from England.

Collie (Smooth and Rough)

Height: 22-26 inches tall

Weight: 50-75 pounds depending on sex

Drooling: Low to Moderate

Shedding: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years

Rough Collies are one of the more well-known breeds of shepherds and sheepdogs as Lassie made them famous in the 1950s. There is also a smooth variety with a short, sleek coat. Collies are excellent with kids and make wonderful family dogs. They are devoted and loyal to their families. The Collie is originally from England where Queen Victoria popularized the breed in the late 1800s.

This Rough Collie has long fur unlike its Smooth cousin.

German Shepherd

Height: 22-26 inches tall

Weight: 50-90 pounds depending on sex

Drooling: Low to Moderate

Shedding: Moderate to High

Life Expectancy: 7-10 Years

German Shepherd Dogs are ranked fourth on the Most Popular Dogs Breeds of 2021 list by the American Kennel Club, or AKC. They were the first breed of shepherds and sheepdogs to be trained as guide dogs for the blind. This breed was developed by a German cavalry officer in the late 1800s looking for the perfect German herder. He was completely devoted to promoting and refining the breed. They are highly trainable and loyal and often used as police and military dogs, service dogs, search and rescue, and drug detection dogs.

The German Shepherd is popular as a guide dog for the blind.

Old English Sheepdog

Height: 21 inches tall and up

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Drooling: Moderate

Shedding: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years

The Old English Sheepdog is seemingly ill named as it is a relatively young breed first surfacing in the early 1800s as a drover, or dog used in herding cattle, not sheep. These are the quintessential shaggy dogs. In fact, they are the star of the 1959 Disney film The Shaggy Dog. (The 2006 remake used a Bearded Collie.) They appear to be all fur but there is a strong, muscular frame underneath. They are affectionate with family and small children and make watchful guard dogs.

The Old English Sheepdog seen here is standing erect being judged in a dog show

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Height: 10-12 inches tall

Weight:  up to 30 pounds

Drooling: Low

Shedding: Moderate to High, Daily

Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years

Well known as Queen Elizabeth II’s chosen favorite breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is among the smallest of the Herding Dogs. The Pembroke is a great family dog but should be observed around small children. They are a big dog on short, squatty legs and have a big dog bark to go with their stature. Corgis shed a little every day and need to be brushed daily. Pleasant little dogs they are affectionate without being too needy and love to play.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is among the smallest of the herding dogs

Shetland Sheepdog

Height: 13-16 inches tall

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Drooling: Low

Shedding: Moderate, Seasonal

Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years

Shelties hail from Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands. The Shetland Sheepdog is the Rough Collie’s little cousin, bred smaller as food could be scarce on the island and it took less to feed a smaller dog. Due to the inaccessibility of the northern Shetland Islands, Shelties were virtually unknown until the early 1900s. The AKC first recognized the Sheltie in 1911. This breed is an amazing family dog, affectionate and good with small children and other animals in the house.

The Shetland Sheepdog is the smallest of the shepherds and sheepdogs.

These shepherds and sheepdogs come in all shapes and sizes and will require different sizes of dog doors. Fortunately, the PlexiDor Dog Door is available in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Shepherds and Sheepdogs Breeds Needing a Large PlexiDor Dog Door

  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Belgian Malinois
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Bergamasco Sheepdog
  • Border Collie
  • Collie (Rough or Smooth)
  • German Shepherd
  • Old English Sheepdog (possibly an extra-large dog door)

Shepherds and Sheepdogs Breeds Needing a Medium PlexiDor Dog Door

  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Shetland Sheepdog

Contact PlexiDor Dog Door Customer Service Department with any questions or call at 888-PET-DOOR today.