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The Shetland Sheepdog, also called the Sheltie, hails from the Shetland Islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland. The breed is a descendant of the Collie, and its ancestors may have included the Greenland Yakki dog, King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, and the Border Collie, although this is uncertain. Up until the mid 20th century the breed was often called the Shetland Collie. The breed may have been used to herd small sheep and chase off scavengers, birds, pests, and wandering...

The Pyrenean Shepherd originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in the south of France during medieval times. It was bred for the purpose of herding livestock, and generally worked in conjunction with the Great Pyrenees. The breed is the smallest of the French herding dogs, but is still little known, only gaining national recognition in its country of origin following World War I. The breed is not only an excellent herder but also an efficient courier, search and rescue dog, water dog, and company...

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two types of Corgi; this particular breed originated in Cardiganshire, Wales, thus its name. The phrase "cor gi" is sometimes translated as "dwarf dog" in Welsh. It was originally bred as a farm guardian, and was then used to herd cattle and sheep. The breed stands very low to the ground because of its very short legs. The average Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall and weighs 25 to 38 pounds. Unlike its cousin the Pembroke Corgi, the...

The Border Collie is a herding breed that descended from breeds near the border of England and Scotland. It is commonly considered the most intelligent breed of dog. It has always been a herding breed and has more recently become popular as a pet and a sporting dog. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a fairly thick double coat. Black and white is the most common color combination, although its coat can be black tricolor, red and white, red tricolor, blue and white, red merle,...

The Australian Shepherd is a working breed that was developed in the United States, not Australia as its name implies. It has excessive energy and drive and needs a job to do. The Aussie stands between 18 and 23 inches tall and weighs between 35 and 75 pounds. The working segment of Aussies tends to have slightly shorter coats than the show dogs. Their coat can be one of eight colors: blue merle, red merle, black, or red; each of these may have copper points to create four additional...