The Herding group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family.

Happiest in wide open spaces, ACDs are very high-energy dogs and extremely intelligent, so they need a job -- such as herding, obedience or agility -- to keep them happy.

An energetic breed with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Aussie requires daily vigorous exercise. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, they are "people" dogs that want to always be near their families.

Active, outgoing and affectionate, the Beardie makes a wonderful family pet. Like most long-haired breeds, Bearded Collies require a commitment to grooming.

Like many breeds within the herding group, the beauceron is happiest when assigned a task. He is eager to learn and easily trained, but may display independence. The breed's short coat does not require extensive grooming. Although the beauceron can be reserved with strangers, he is loving, loyal and protective of his family.

A relatively easy keeper due to their medium size and short coat, this confident breed loves their families, but may be somewhat reserved with strangers. They are naturally protective of their owners without being overly aggressive.

The Belgian Sheepdog is happiest with an owner who can give him plenty of jobs to do. This breed gets along with gentle children, and will thrive in either country or suburban living if exercise is readily available.

As an intelligent, sensitive dog, the Belgian Tervuren makes a wonderful addition to any home, as long as training is provided. The breed also enjoys having a job to do and needs daily exercise.

The Bergamasco is a sociable, highly intelligent breed that possesses a deep desire to please its master. However, the breed thinks independently and often sees itself more as an equal partner than as a subordinate to the members of his family.

This high-drive breed is extremely energetic and requires exercise beyond just a walk around the block or a romp in the yard. They thrive when they have a job to do and space to run. Due to their tendency to herd objects and people, they do best with mature, well-behaved children.

Steady, resolute and fearless, the Bouvier des Flandres serves as a family friend and guardian. While this breed is not overly active in the house he does need plenty of exercise, so country and suburban living suits him well.

The Briard is happiest leading a busy, active life. This breed is an independent thinker, so patience is necessary when training. Like many sheepdogs, this breed may be wary of strangers.

While the Caanan Dog is highly territorial, the breed is docile with his family, yet reserved and aloof with strangers. He may be very vocal at times. This breed will need regular exercise, but is easily trained. His short coat requires minimal maintenance.

The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments, but needs some form of daily exercise. As companion dogs, they love to be with their people and are loyal, affectionate, and even-tempered. The breed's double coat requires regular brushing.

The Collie is a devoted family dog, especially with children. Although they require daily walks, they can also be couch potatoes. Despite the Rough Collie's immense coat, they only need to be brushed about once a week, although the need for brushing may increase in shedding season. Collies are also a very clean breed and are noted for not having a doggie odor.

Entles are an active, high energy & physical breed, with above average exercise requirements, so they are not a dog for the casual owner. Entlebuchers do best when they have a job. Their smooth, short coat requires minimal upkeep.

When working, Finnish Lapphunds are agile, alert and noisy. While interacting with people, however, the breed is calm, friendly, and very submissive. Lappies shed seasonally, but the fur can be easily controlled with regular brushing. Their double-coat makes them intolerant of the heat. Daily exercise is also necessary.

Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming.

Icelandic sheepdogs are extremely social, loving, and patient with children, making them an ideal family dog. The breed sheds its undercoat twice a year and needs to be brushed when it does. Intelligent and eager to please, Icelandic Sheepdogs are easily trained.

This breed makes a wonderful companion for active people or families and will thrive in a home where plenty of exercise is provided. While Norwegian buhunds make excellent watch dogs, they are also content to lie at your feet at the end of a hard day. Grooming is minimal -- brushing will maintain the breed's medium-to-short easy-care coat. Training wise, the buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the spitz breeds, but obedience training is still a necessity.

The Old English Sheepdog is an athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and therefore requires regular exercise or a job to do. Although affectionate with his family, he may try to herd people or other objects. If the coat is of the correct texture, the breed should not be any more difficult to groom than other long-haired dogs, provided a dog is introduced to it early.

Bold and friendly, the Pembroke responds well to training and loves his family, but he may try to herd you! He thrives on farms, but can adapt to a variety of living situations if given regular exercise. This breed also requires routine brushing.

When not used as a herding or working dog, the Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON, as he's called in the United States, can fit into any type of lifestyle. His medium size makes him suitable for apartments or the farm.

Intelligent and possessing an excellent sense of humor, Pulis retain their "puppy" attitude nearly their entire lives. The breed loves their family and home, and as such, is naturally protective and suspicious of strangers.

This breed will thrive in the home of an active family. The Pyrenean shepherd is dominated by his love for his work. As a companion, he is very active and enthusiastic and insists upon being involved in the day's activities whatever they may be. The Pyr Shep coat does not require much maintenance beyond a thorough brushing every few weeks.

Shelties love their families, but may be reserved at first with strangers. As a herding dog, they can be inclined to bark at and herd people. Shelties thrive on the farm, but adapt to many living situations if given proper exercise. The breed's dense double coat requires regular maintenance.