What Are The Different Types Of Shepherd Breeds, And Which Is Best For Me?

Shelter worker, animal rescuer & advocate, Jan has become a well-regarded source of insights & know-how on pet care & behavior nationwide.

While all shepherd breeds have several things in common (herding instincts for instance), they also each have their own personalities, temperaments, and health issues that make each dog in this overall ‘shepherd breed’ unique from the group. Here we will take a brief look at many of the dogs in this category and see what makes them tick.

1. German Shepherds

Probably the most well-known of the shepherd breeds, the German shepherd is a high-energy, extremely versatile, strong, agile, and protective dog. They are highly intelligent, enjoy learning, are very trainable, and need stimulation that is both physically and mentally challenging.

Give your German shepherd a job—yep any job—and he will most likely not only succeed at that job but also excel. This characteristic of excellence at whatever is thrown its way makes the German shepherd a very versatile working dog. They have served in many capacities including search and rescue dogs, drug dogs, explosive dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, guide dogs, show dogs, war dogs, competitive obedience dogs, actual shepherds, and yes... faithful companions/pets.

This family-oriented protector of home and people is loyal and faithful with unmatched courage and devotion. German shepherds rank moderately high in both their sociability and energy levels and tend to rank moderately low as far as emotional reactivity—this makes them great family guardians.

As with any breed, there are general characteristics that are known true for most dogs within that breed, however, all dogs have individual characteristics and personalities that make them unique. Depending on breeding, training, upbringing, and many other factors each breed can show characteristics uncommon among the breed as a whole so this needs to be kept in mind when deciding on a breed that’s right for you.

2. Australian Shepherds

Another well-known (and popular) shepherd breed is the Australian shepherd. A very smart and responsive dog that must be exercised and challenged regularly to avoid a difficult living arrangement. This dog has lots of stamina, speed and agility and is mighty powerful and muscular for its medium size build. The Australian shepherd is athletic, bold, confident and alert and makes an excellent working dog.

They are not just a physical powerhouse though; they are also very loving and loyal and make obedient companions. They have a protective nature and can be reserved with strangers. Another issue to watch is that they may nip at the heels of children or small animals in an attempt to herd them.

These dogs are generally healthy dogs with life spans of 12-15 years, but they are serious shedders and their coats should be brushed at least once to twice weekly. Speaking of their coats, they have a double coat and they come in multiple colors.

Make sure you have an active lifestyle or have plenty of ‘work’ for your dog to do if you are thinking of choosing this dog for your next pet.

3. Anatolian Shepherds

Anatolian Shepherds are built tough—they are large, powerful, and rugged dogs with large heads. They can be suspicious of strangers and tend to be territorial. They are devoted to their family as well as their duty to be the family’s protector. They are good with children, but not overly playful and instead more laid back and easygoing.

Anatolians need daily exercise, can be barkers (part of their watchdog duties), and have a life span of 10-13 years.

4. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy dog that requires daily mental and physical stimulation. They enjoy herding and while they can live outside in temperate to cool climates they would prefer to split their time both indoors and outside.

The Malinois is a sturdy dog with square proportions - its power without the bulk. They are an intense dog that is alert, smart, and serious, and they make both ideal watchdogs and guard dogs.

The Malinois can be aloof with strangers and they can also be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. Some in this breed can be domineering and they are known to be protective of both their homes and families.

This dog has no major health concerns and their life span is 10-12 years. This is a dog for more experienced dog owners.

5. Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a very active and energetic dog that loves to run and play outside. They especially enjoy herding activities and may even nip at the heels of children and other animals in an attempt to herd them.

These dogs are smart and obedient, but also independent. They can be very well-mannered companions in the home as long as you exercise them sufficiently on a daily basis and should have regular human interaction.

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6. Pembroke Welsh Corgis

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a quick, agile bundle of energy in a fairly small package. They are fun-loving dogs and make great companions. They are great with kids although they may nip at their heels during play.

These dogs are usually reserved with strangers and may bark a lot, but they are devoted animals and willing to please. If you’re looking for a ball of energy and fun then this dog, with a life span of 11-13 years, may be for you.

7. Bearded Collies

The Bearded Collie, aka the Boisterous Beardie, is a lively and playful dog that is full of energy and enthusiasm. They are smart and obedient dogs but are also independent thinkers. They are known to have a clownish sense of humor and like children, though they may be a bit overly rambunctious for the smaller children or may try to herd them.

Bearded Collies have long coats that need brushing every other day, have no major health concerns, and a life span between 12-14 years.

8. Collies

Collies are a gentle and devoted dog. They are mild-mannered and friendly to almost everyone. They are willing to please their family, but can sometimes be a bit stubborn. They are smart and sensitive and some may bark a lot.

Collies are strong, active dogs that combine their strength with speed and grace. They are fairly healthy dogs with a life span of 8-12 years and can bring the right family lots of love.

9. Briards

Briards are faithful, loving, devoted dogs and protective companions. They are an intelligent, independent and self-assured dog that is willing and eager to not only please but to be a partner in adventure with their family.

The Briard can be reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs and may even nip at people’s heels during play. While Briards are young, they should receive a lot of socialization.

Briards are considered to be a ‘boundary herder’ which means they act like a moving fence to keep their flock contained in an unfenced area.

10. Belgian Sheepdogs (Groenendael)

The Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael as it is also known, is an ever-watchful and protective dog. They seem to always be on the move and tend to move in circles rather than straight lines.

These dogs can be playful, are alert and intelligent, and will protect their homes and families. They should be with families that have experienced owners as some can be a bit domineering and intense.

Other Breeds That Could Fall Under Shepherds

• Bohemian
• East-European
• Icelandic Sheepdog
• Dutch Shepherd
• Belgian Laekenois
• Beauceron
• Bucovina
• King Shepherd
• Pakistani
• Panda
• Polish Lowland
• Shiloh
• Old English Sheepdog
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Finnish Lapphund
• Miniature American Shepherd
• Pyrenean Shepherd
• Polish Lowland Sheepdog
• Norwegian Buhund
• Canaan Dog
• Bergamasco Sheepdog
• Benger Picard
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Hardworking Dogs

So, as you see, shepherds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes with varying temperaments and needs, but a few things many seem to have in common are their love of herding, their work drive, and their protective nature over what is theirs.

If you are looking into getting a herder, shepherd, or working breed, be sure to do your research so you have a better understanding of what you are getting into and what you can most likely expect. Happy Herding!

How Much Do You Know About Shepherds?

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. Which dog does the US Military prefer on their team?
   • Anatolian Shepherd
   • German Shepherd
   • Groenedael
2. Belgian Malinois were bred to be...
   • Herding dogs
   • Guard dogs
   • Family dogs
3. Collies are from...
   • Ireland
   • England
   • Scotland
4. What breed was the celebrity dog ‘Strongheart’?
   • Australian Shepherd
   • Belgian Malinois
   • German Shepherd
5. What breed of dog was Lassie?
   • Australian Shepherd
   • Collie
   • Shetland Sheepdog
6. Did Belgian Malinois dogs ever serve in the military?
   • Yes
   • No
7. What does the word corgi mean?
   • Little herder
   • Fierce fighter
   • Dwarf dog
8. Australian Shepherds come from...
   • United Kingdom
   • Australia
   • Spain
9. Bearded collies are from...
   • Scotland
   • Poland
   • England
10. Which branch of the US military used Belgian Malinois dogs most often?
    • Army Rangers
    • Navy Seals
    • Army Special Forces

Answer Key

1. German Shepherd
2. Herding dogs
3. Scotland
4. German Shepherd
5. Collie
6. Yes
7. Dwarf dog
8. Spain
9. England
10. Navy Seals

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 Jan Kelly