Origins: Bred to herd farm animals, either by nipping at their heels (heeling breeds) or by a modified stalking behavior (herding breeds). This background makes these dogs extremely hard working and obedient.

Size: Small (Sheltie, 15 - 25 lbs) to large (Collie, 65 - 75 lbs)

Coat Care: Low (Australian Cattle Dog) to very high (Collie)

General Temperament: Hard working, intense, active, easily frustrated or bored, responds well to strong direction, playful, intelligent, quick learner.

Watchdog Ability: Moderate/High (Australian Cattle Dog) to Moderate (Collie).

Activity level: Moderate (Collie) to Medium/High (Sheltie).

Dominance: Moderate to low for most. Exception is the Australian Cattle Dog and the Briard, which may display a tendency to be head strong and independent.

Destructiveness: Moderate to high if not given anything to do.

Snapping at Kids: Moderate to low with a notable exception. Many of these dogs (especially the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie and Sheltie) will attempt to herd children. This can involve nipping at the child's legs or pulling (i.e., ripping) pant legs. These nips can be both frightening and painful to children. Sometimes these dogs become too protective of their "flock" and object to newcomers or to some newly adopted "member of the flock" going home. Proper direction and supervision of these breeds is required around children.

Behavior Problems: Do not get one of these dogs unless you plan on giving him lots of direction. Although highly obedient, they can become extremely frustrated if left with nothing to do, since they were developed to do a job. Aggression, excessive barking and destructiveness can result. Heeling breeds are quite willing to take control and make decisions on their own, so you will need to be more assertive with them than with the herding breeds. Excessive barking is most likely to occur with Collies, Shelties and Corgis. Snapping at children's or jogger's heels is most likely to occur with Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, Shelties and Corgis. Many Shelties also show a tendency toward shyness and fear biting. This is particularly likely to happen with dogs purchased from pet shops, which are often the products of a puppy mill.