Questions and Answers
What is a group created by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for dogs with a natural instinct to herd livestock called?
What year was the herding dogs group created by the AKC?
1983
Which of the following breeds is recognized under the herding dogs group? (Select all that apply)
What unique pattern do many Australian Cattle Dogs have?
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Where did the Australian Shepherd originate?
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The Border Collie has a docked tail based on AKC standards.
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What is the size range of the German Shepherd?
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What type of coat does the Old English Sheepdog have?
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What do Pembroke Welsh Corgis have that aids their herding capabilities?
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Shelties are considered miniature collies.
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Study Notes
Herding Dogs Overview
- Herding dogs, recognized by the AKC in 1983, possess a natural instinct to herd livestock such as sheep, cattle, and ducks.
- Characterized by high energy levels, these breeds represent the newest grouping in the AKC classification system.
- Breeds in this group include: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Old English Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Shetland Sheepdog.
Australian Cattle Dog
- Known as blue/red heelers; they originate from Australia and primarily herd cattle.
- Unique speckled patterns result from cross-breeding with Dalmatians.
- AKC recognized colors: blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red mottled, red speckled.
- Recognized markings: black and tan, red, tan.
Australian Shepherd
- Despite its name, this breed originated in the western United States.
- Features a medium-long thick coat and often has a docked or naturally bobbed tail.
- Frequently used in farm settings for herding various livestock, including horses and ducks.
- AKC recognized colors: black, blue merle, red, red merle.
- Recognized markings: tan points, white, white marking and tan points.
Border Collie
- Originated on the Scotland-England border; known for high intelligence and energy.
- Renowned for strong herding instincts, considered one of the best herding breeds for cattle and sheep.
- AKC standards specify that they do not have a docked tail.
- AKC recognized colors: 17 variations.
- Recognized markings: 7 different patterns.
Collie
- Hails from Scotland and Northern England; medium-sized breed weighing 50-70 lbs.
- Traditionally worked as herders for cattle and sheep.
- AKC recognized colors: 10 variations.
- Recognized markings include black and tan, blue merle, sable, and sable merle.
German Shepherd
- Originated in Germany as a sheep herder; large breed weighing between 50-90 lbs.
- Medium energy levels; popular in police work, search-and-rescue, military, and service roles.
- AKC recognized colors: 11 variations.
- No specific markings recognized by the AKC.
Old English Sheepdog
- Developed in England; large breed weighing 60-100 lbs with a medium energy level.
- Historically assisted farmers in driving cattle and sheep to market.
- Distinctive long, shaggy coat.
- AKC recognized colors: blue and white, blue grey & white, blue merle & white, grey and white, grizzle & white.
- No specific markings recognized.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Originated in Wales, descending from Viking dogs; medium-sized and weighing 25-30 lbs.
- Used for herding cattle and sheep, characterized by a long body and short legs.
- Erect ears provided an advantage in herding tasks.
- AKC recognized colors: black and tan, fawn, red, sable.
- Recognized markings: white.
Shetland Sheepdog
- Originated in the Shetland Islands, primarily herding sheep.
- Medium-sized, weighing around 30 lbs; likely descended from Scottish Collie and King Charles Spaniel.
- AKC recognized colors: black & white, black white & tan, blue merle & white, blue merle white & tan, sable & white, sable merle & white.
- No specific markings recognized.
Sheltie vs. Collie
- Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) are distinct breeds and not miniature versions of Collies.
- Differentiated by head shape; Shelties have a slight elevation at the forehead, unlike Collies.
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Description
Explore the herding group of dog breeds as classified by the American Kennel Club. This quiz covers the traits, origins, and characteristics of breeds like the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, and more. Perfect for dog enthusiasts and students of animal science alike!
