They can all herd, just some that are a better size and speed for it. If the sheep were guinea pig sized we’d be using miniature dogs for it and calling them “herding breeds”.
I tend to agree with you, but working breeds really do have it in them. My hunting dogs have always had a strong response to retrieval play. My dogs that were shepherd breeds have always done a good job at keeping my indoor cats inside. I didn’t teach them that, somehow over the years they learned the cat can’t go out the door when I open. They treated it like a game. The retriever types didn’t.
The shepherd types had to learn to fetch, the retrievers kinda “got it” from the start.
All dogs can learn anything any other dog can learn, but I am hesitant to say breed does not matter based off my experiences.
Do you think herding dogs are taught to herd? Genetics absolutely influence behavior lol
They can all herd, just some that are a better size and speed for it. If the sheep were guinea pig sized we’d be using miniature dogs for it and calling them “herding breeds”.
I tend to agree with you, but working breeds really do have it in them. My hunting dogs have always had a strong response to retrieval play. My dogs that were shepherd breeds have always done a good job at keeping my indoor cats inside. I didn’t teach them that, somehow over the years they learned the cat can’t go out the door when I open. They treated it like a game. The retriever types didn’t.
The shepherd types had to learn to fetch, the retrievers kinda “got it” from the start.
All dogs can learn anything any other dog can learn, but I am hesitant to say breed does not matter based off my experiences.
Okay good luck training your herding pug. Maybe next you can raise a wolf pup as your family dog.
https://youtu.be/Nrv27yeYRTw
Okay but I’m arguing that herding dogs will do that instinctively, while those pugs were definitely taught. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-herd-my-kids/