Australian Kelpie

Herding group: The Herding group dogs all share an instinctual ability to control the movement of other animals. They have traditionally been raised on farms to help herd and protect valuable livestock. They are intelligent, and have been bred to treat each day like they have a "job" they must do. Their innate herding ability is such a big part of who they are, that they are known to even "herd" their owners, children, or other small dogs. Some can seem stubborn and even obsessed with their herding, since they take it seriously! They have high expectations, and must be stimulated mentally just as much as physically. The reward to these "high expectations" is that they can be trained very well, and are oftentimes used in competitions. Certain breeds such as the well known German Shepard are also used by Police forces, because of their discipline, intelligence, and ability to be trained.

Cattle dog sub-group: Cattle dog breeds are the ultimate medium sized herders with both strength and agility. They have been traditionally bred to help work on the farm, and therefore are eager to please their owners, and cattle dogs have an excellent temperament. Cattle dogs are very smart, a bit cautious with strangers, and always want to be doing something. If you simply leave them in your apartment or house, without the proper exercise and stimulation eventually they will become destructive. Cattle dog training is important, and if you put in the work you will be rewarded with an excellent dog. Because of their well roundedness and athleticism, cattle-dog mixes are are common- such as cattle dog and husky mixes, and cattle dog pitbull mixes.