This purebred line, as the name suggests, extends far back into English history. The Old English sheepdog is a large, long-haired dog with a famously playful nature.
Shetlands are a medium-sized, affectionate breed with high intelligence and a fun-loving streak. These dogs prove quite talented in agility, obedience, and tracking competitions.
These dogs are confident and smart, making them suitable for high-energy activities and jobs. However, this also means they require plenty of exercise to satisfy their herding instincts.
Corgis may share little physical qualities with most herding breeds, and indeed, the Cardigan line is a distant cousin to the dachshund.
Also referred to simply as “collies,” the most famous member of the breed was the iconically loyal Lassie. Devotion to a single person or family is a common trait among the breed.
This cattle dog was bred by Australian settlers to drive livestock across the wide and treacherous spaces of the continent, and they are believed to be descendants of wild dingoes.
Despite their name, Australian shepherds were actually bred in the Western United States. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable—even participating in horse shows and rodeos.
Please note, only the standard poodle is a good family dog. Miniature poodles tend to be very high strung and not suitable for families with children.