Herding Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. It does not refer to one particular type of dog. How the Herding Group is defined varies among kennel clubs, and different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Herding Group. Some kennel clubs do not use the term Herding Group. The international kennel club association, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, does not have a Herding Group, and includes most pastoral dogs in Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs) and Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.

Herding dogs

Herding dogs assist humans in the movement of livestock, especially cattle, sheep, goats and reindeer. Herding dogs are not livestock guardians, a separate type of dog that also works with livestock.

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. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises. Consequently urban owners with no access to livestock can train herding commands through herding games. Furthermore, herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Herding dogs that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.