A shepherd dog (also known as sheep dog or sheepdog) is a type of working dog used by shepherds to herd and/or protect their flocks. The expression may refer to distinct breeds that are recognised by Kennel Clubs, and it may also describe non-purebred types of dogs that are used by shepherds for these purposes.
The two main types of shepherd dogs are:
- Herding dogs, used to herd sheep and other livestock
- Livestock guardian dogs, used to guard sheep and other livestock
Read more about Shepherd Dog: Classification
Famous quotes containing the words shepherd and/or dog:
“The metaphor of the king as the shepherd of his people goes back to ancient Egypt. Perhaps the use of this particular convention is due to the fact that, being stupid, affectionate, gregarious, and easily stampeded, the societies formed by sheep are most like human ones.”
—Northrop Frye (b. 1912)
“Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor dog a bone:
But when she got there
The cupboard was bare,
And so the poor dog had none.”
—Sarah Catherine Martin (1768–1826)