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Top 20 Pastoral Dog Breeds: A Guide for Potential New Owners

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German shepherd dog sitting in grassy field — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be pastoral, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

26 Dog Breeds

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Border Collie

Every Border Collie is a shepherd at heart, constantly on the lookout for things to round up. No toy is safe from being gathered! These active workers are intelligent and attentive, and they have incredible agility with the ability to change directions on a dime. They can sometimes be considered workaholics since it’s so ingrained in them to be alert at all times. 

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Australian Shepherd dog breed laying down with head cocked against a white background

Australian Shepherd

With a hardworking spirit and grit, the Australian Shepherd is the epitome of the American West, the place where they first became popular in this country. They were originally bred to drive and herd. Suspicious of strangers but immensely devoted to their families, the Aussie Shepherd dog gets along well with other animals and children if socialized early and often. They love having a job to do, especially on a working farm. They are loving, alert, confident, independent, affectionate, and extremely smart dogs. The Aussie dog learns quickly—and that could include bad habits! It can take a lot to exhaust these dogs properly, and a bored Aussie can be a vocal and mischievous one. 

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German Shephard dog breed lying down with tongue out against a white background

German Shepherd Dog

Often described as a “one man (or woman) dog,” German Shepherds form extremely strong, affectionate, and loyal bonds with their handlers, wanting to be with them as much as possible. A well-behaved, well-trained German Shepherd should be bold, confident, swift, and intelligent, as well as calm and steady. They should listen well to their owner and be eager to learn and easy to train. They are sensitive and slow to mature, which might require more patience and effort than one might think. But the trade-off is a smiley, happy, Einstein of a dog who will stick by your side no matter what.

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Sitting side view of a Belgian Malinois dog breed looking forward against a white background

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are working dogs that thrive on having a job to do and constant mental and physical stimulation. This is a high-energy and intense breed. These dogs are alert, smart, and serious. They can be aloof with strangers and should be introduced to other dogs and animals carefully. Some can be domineering. When confined, they often run in sweeping circles in an effort to stay on the move. They are protective of their home and family.

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Australian Cattle dog breed sitting tall in front of a white background

Australian Cattle Dog

Often cited as headstrong, stubborn, energetic, and hardworking, Australian Cattle Dogs love a challenge, whether physical or mental. Natural Energizer Bunnies, these dogs love to silently herd and learn new things. Given their instincts, they tend to nip at heels, especially when small children are running but do well with older children.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breed sitting side view with face forward against a white background

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Tiny but mighty, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a large dog in a small package, with the bark to prove it. These strong, athletic, lively little dogs are the best of both worlds: a fearless, independent, hardworking athlete who’s well-mannered and does well in family life. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are bright, intelligent, and sensitive. They equally love curling up on the couch and being active, especially when their owners are involved. These dogs are hopelessly devoted to their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are friendly and generally get along well with everyone. 

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Anatolian Shepherd dog breed close up laying with mouth open and a paw out against white background

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a paradox of loyalty and independence. Deeply devoted to their family, they take their guardian role seriously. While calm and easygoing at home, they are serious, naturally wary of strangers, and highly territorial. This protectiveness can manifest as barking when unfamiliar sights or sounds trigger their alert nature. Their focus on guarding duties might not match a child's desire for an overly playful companion, making them better suited for an adult-only home with a more experienced owner. 

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Shetland Sheepdog breed sitting sideway with head facing the camera and tongue out

Shetland Sheepdog

Bright, sensitive, and willing to please, the Sheltie is an adaptable and hearty farm dog. They are devoted to their families. Their active minds take some time to quiet, and learning how to settle is an important part of their training. They get along well with children, albeit older ones since they are prone to nipping heels and herding while playing which might not be suitable for smaller children. Strangers might find them aloof and reserved, or on the end of a barking fit—Shelties take their job as watchdogs very seriously. 

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Komondor dog breed laying down with paws extended and mouth open against white background

Komondor

Bred to be independent watchdogs, the Komondor can be stubborn. Socialization is essential to have them live as family companions, although they do best as working livestock dogs, even today. They are reserved with strangers and weary of other dogs, but good with family pets and livestock. They are happiest when they have a job to do that requires protecting. They can be calm, but courageous when needed. 

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Rough Collie dog breed sitting tall with one ear forward against a white background

Rough Collie

While elegant-looking, the Rough Collie dog is more of a hometown guy or gal, friendly and affectionate with just about everyone. The Rough Collie bonds closely with its owners and is a loyal companion, game to do whatever its owners are doing. They take their job of watchdog seriously, inclined to bark to alert their owners, although not aggressively. They can back down when asked to do so.

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Samoyed dog breed sitting with tongue out against a white background

Samoyed

Gentle and playful with a heart of gold, a Samoyed has been bred for companionship from its origins. They bond closely with their families and are amiable with strangers, other pets, and other dogs. They are relatively chill indoors so long as they are exercised physically and mentally. They can have an impish streak if these needs are not met, and they’ll bark and dig excessively. Owners will need nerves of steel to combat a Samoyed’s stubborn streak, but they are generally responsive and eager to please their family, although they might herd small children.  

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Belgian Shepherd Laekenois dog breed sitting with tongue out against a white background

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

You can probably picture a Belgian Laekenois protecting a flock, as they are the quintessential herding and guarding dog. Think of them as honors students: independent thinkers who are eager to learn and please and get an A+ in the process. Affectionate, loyal, and curious, they can be introverted around strangers and might take some time to warm up to people they don’t know. They are often seen as the “softest” of the four Belgian Shepherds, cuddly and friendly. 

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Belgian Shepherd Tervueren dog breed laying down panting against a white background

Belgian Shepherd Tervueren

A Belgian Tervuren dog is as sharp as its gaze. They are natural herders and guarders. Unlike their more intense Belgian Shepherd cousins, the Tervueren breed possesses a remarkable ability to unwind and enjoy life's simpler pleasures after a hard day’s work. Initially icy with strangers, they thaw into loyal companions given time and trust. With family, they’re affectionate and protective, forming deep bonds, especially with respectful children.

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beauceron dog breed sitting against a white background with tongue out

Beauceron

Beaucerons are energetic powerhouses with a working-class spirit. Their personality is an admired blend of intelligence, loyalty, and working dog drive. These reliable guardians are courageous and quick learners who thrive on having a job and spending time with their people. Their strong will and independence make them a better fit for experienced owners who enjoy training and canine activities.  

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front view of a white and gray english sheepdog sitting in front of a white background

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are jolly giants who are intelligent, loving, and super-friendly. They thrive on human companionship and are well-mannered dogs that make excellent family pets.  Once used to drive cattle (not herd sheep as you might think!), they are good watchdogs with a protective yet gentle nature. They look out for their families, especially children, who they treat as part of their herd. There is a lot of energy in such a large dog, so they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to get the wiggles out. If not, they can become stubborn and noisy. 

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Standing Smooth Collie dog breed with head tilted against a white background

Collie (Smooth)

Smart and gentle, Smooth Collies are playful bundles of short-haired joy. These eager-to-please pups excel in training with their energetic spirit and sharp minds. Perfect for active families, their loyalty and affectionate nature make them devoted companions, always happy to cuddle or conquer an agility course by your side! They might have the zoomies of a tiny tornado sometimes, but their loving demeanor and faithful spirit make them the perfect furry friend for memorable adventures and movie marathons alike. 

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Lancashire Heeler walking outdoors on a leash

Lancashire Heeler

Spunky and game, the Lancashire Heeler is friendly and active. They are very people-oriented and can be suspicious of other dogs. Independent and determined, they are working terrier dogs that love nothing more than completing a task for their owners. They make good companion dogs due to their relatively small size.

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Swedith Vallhund dog breed laying on ground with head cocked to one side against a white background

Swedish Vallhund

Confident despite its small stature, the Swedish Vallhund is an energetic, versatile, and agile farm dog. They are playful but can settle and be mellow when they need to be. Quick learners but independent thinkers, they need a little extra motivation when it comes to obedience. They can be borderline too curious, sweet but not clingy, and friendly with other dogs and animals. They are good with children but might want to nip the heels of small children to herd them. Used as watchdogs for centuries, they do bark to alert. 

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Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed sitting down against a white background

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed is a highly spirited, sparky pup. They are goofy yet hardy, used to spending days dodging cattle kicks, although more likely now they are spending their days romping in a backyard. They can be well-behaved at home but do bark to alert. They can be scrappy with other dogs and reserved with strangers, but fun-loving and adoring with their owners. 

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