What breeds make good Cow Dogs?

[steffpeck]

We are thinking of getting a couple of cow dog's that can help with herding the cows. I would like to know everyone's opinions as to what you think the best breeds are for it.

Thanks.

 

[BarkerChickens]

Australian Cattle Dogs!!! Also Corgi's are cattle herders as well (even though they're small). Border Collies have great instinct and can heard cattle quite well, though traditionally herd sheep.

My personal favorite for both instinct and personality are the Australian Cattle Dog (aka Blue/Red Heelers, Queensland Heelers) and Border Collies.

Here's a couple Wikipedia links for general/quick info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_collie

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Border collies make great cow dogs!

 

[texasgirl]

Black Mouth Curs and Catahoulas are very popular here for cow dogs. BMC's are better with children IMO, if that makes a difference to you.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Somthing better than a dog....a good QH

Oh, how I LOVEEEEEEEEEE a cutter

 

[lorieMN]

australian shepards..they are better for cattle then BC,but can be harder to train..whatever you get will need training..very few are just born with it,unless all you need them to do is move cattle one way or another or hold them at a gate.remember even basic obedience will do wonders..

 

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

I think ninny might have a border collie cross you can have

 

[anngili]

Some kelpies are good cattle dogs. My vote would be a Border Collie, especially those bred for herding cattle (although good ones will herd just about anything), or a McNab (originally bred from Border Collies but now a distinct breed).
A couple of other good dogs are blue or red heelers (named for nipping at the heels of cattle without getting kicked). A lot of ranchers also use Border Collie/Heeler or Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mixes. The cattle dogs are good pen dogs and good as long as they don't have to cover a lot of ground. The Border Collies or long-legged Border Collie mixes probably do best if your covering a lot of ground or working a lot.
I didn't see where you live, but if it ever gets hot where youu are, I'd get a smooth coat Border Collie. They'll tolerate the heat better.
I agree with lorieMN; the dog will need training and it'd definitely be a good idea for you to learn a bit about handling them. There's good trainers throughout the US and they can often point you to good dogs.
Since you're apparently new to it, if I were you, I'd get a dog that's already trained instead of training it yourself. It's a lot of work and takes time. You'll pay more for the dog but a good one will save you LOTS of labor!
Ann

 

[Worn]

I don't have experience with cattle dogs, but have always loved Australian Cattle Dogs, or Blue Heelers.

 

[walkswithdog]

Australian Cattle Dogs, some BC's, Kelpies, Corgi's - yes really, some German Shepherds even. I've had one of those. Australian Shepherds also will herd cattle.

BC's and Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds were designed for sheep but many do well on cattle.

Australian Cattle Dogs ( original name Queensland Blue and Red Heelers) were developed for Cattle. The Kelpie was developed as an all round herder - fairly hard to live with for most people, I like them. Corgi's were bred for cattle - cattle have a very hard time kicking the low built high energy dogs. I prefer Cardigans (tails) though Pembrokes (no tail) are more common. Breed name - Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

All herding breeds STILL require actual herding training to do it very well.

Some will do it naturally and well and what some do naturally is NOT well.

Pet PEEVE alert ALL herding breeds of dog spell - shepherd, SHEPHERD as in herds SHEEP.

German ShepHERD Dog

Australian ShepHERD (breed created in CA by the way LOL)

see sig line...

I do herding breed rescue - they're my absolute favorite category of dog to work with. Though recently LGDs are running right up there.

They're all terrific if you meet their training needs. For cattle I would pick a cattle breed it's a surer fit. I'd also buy with someone who has the parents ON cattle.

Cattle take a certain temperament a weird combination of really high energy, patience, a solid grip and great timing. I had a BC with it, but they're not that common. Cattle usually take more than just EYE. Sheep and goats and ducks take just EYE from a dog. Cattle push much harder often, especially breeding stock. And are frankly looking at times to injure a dog.

Good luck with the search.