PicoPets

Herding Breeds

Loyal Workers with Boundless Energy

Herding, Sheepdogs, and Cattle Dogs are renowned for their intelligence, agility, and hardworking nature. Originally bred to assist farmers in managing livestock, these breeds are highly trainable, quick-thinking, and known for their incredible stamina. Their strong instincts make them excellent working dogs, but they also make loyal family companions when provided with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Breeds in this group, like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, and Corgis, excel in activities that require focus and agility, making them ideal for dog sports and farm work.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

These dogs have an innate drive to stay active, needing a high level of physical and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy. Without adequate exercise, they can become bored and develop behavioral issues. Activities such as herding, agility training, and obedience trials are perfect outlets for their energy and intelligence. Long walks, running, and structured games that involve problem-solving will keep them engaged and satisfied.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Herding balls and interactive herding games
  • Agility courses with tunnels, jumps, and weave poles
  • Frisbee or fetch for extended exercise and focus
  • Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
  • Tug toys for physical strength and bonding
  • Hide-and-seek or tracking games to engage their problem-solving skills

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Herding and Cattle Dogs tend to form strong bonds with their families and often prefer to stay close to their people. They are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent companions and watchdogs. Early socialization is important to ensure they are comfortable around other animals and people.


While generally friendly, they may try to “herd” smaller children or pets due to their strong herding instinct, so training is necessary to manage this behavior.

Loyal + Protective

Strong Herding Skills

Intelligent + Quick Learner

Breed-Type General Temperament

Herding breeds have a focused work ethic, but without enough activity, they can become restless and anxious. Stress signs include pacing, barking, or herding other animals or people. Consistent training, exercise, and mental tasks help channel their energy. These breeds thrive with positive reinforcement and clear guidance.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Barking or whining excessively
  • Attempting to herd people or other animals
  • Destructive behaviors when bored

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Herding and Cattle Dogs are generally healthy but can be prone to specific issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to their active nature and genetics. Joint health and vision care are key preventive measures to focus on. Additionally, maintaining a proper diet is crucial, as these breeds often have high energy demands but can also be prone to weight gain if under-exercised.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Routine check-ups are essential for monitoring joint health, especially in highly active dogs prone to hip and elbow issues. Eye exams are also recommended to catch any early signs of vision problems. Regular exercise and a balanced diet tailored to their energy needs help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related conditions.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

4: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

High hydration needs, especially after intense exercise or work

High hydration needs, especially after intense exercise or work

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune function, but regular immune support is beneficial due to their active nature.

Average immune function, but regular immune support is beneficial due to their active nature.

5: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Highly active breeds with a predisposition to joint issues, requiring regular joint support.

Highly active breeds with a predisposition to joint issues, requiring regular joint support.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Average digestive health but benefits from high-quality, nutrient-dense food to meet energy demands.

Average digestive health but benefits from high-quality, nutrient-dense food to meet energy demands.

5: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy demands requiring frequent, balanced meals and activity to prevent behavioral issues.

High energy demands requiring frequent, balanced meals and activity to prevent behavioral issues.

4: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

High intelligence requiring mental stimulation, making cognitive support beneficial.

High intelligence requiring mental stimulation, making cognitive support beneficial.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but respiratory support may be needed for particularly active dogs.

Generally healthy, but respiratory support may be needed for particularly active dogs.

3: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Average skin health, but injuries from active work may need occasional wound care support.

Average skin health, but injuries from active work may need occasional wound care support.

4: Heart Health + Circulation

Strong cardiovascular needs due to high activity levels, requiring heart health support.

Strong cardiovascular needs due to high activity levels, requiring heart health support.

3: Infection + Resistance

Average resistance, but regular immune system support is helpful for optimal health.

Average resistance, but regular immune system support is helpful for optimal health.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Generally long-lived breeds, but proactive joint and health care ensures they age well.

Generally long-lived breeds, but proactive joint and health care ensures they age well.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their active lifestyle, Herding and Cattle Dogs can benefit from targeted supplements that promote joint health, energy, and overall well-being:

  • PicoMyte: Helps maintain strong bones and healthy joints, crucial for breeds with high activity levels and risk of hip dysplasia.
  • ReMag®: Supports muscle function and reduces tension, aiding in recovery after strenuous exercise and keeping muscles relaxed and flexible.
  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and reduces inflammation, protecting your dog from infections and aiding in recovery from intense activity.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides antioxidant support, promoting cellular health and longevity, ensuring your dog stays active and healthy throughout its life.