Top 7+ Lovable Shepherd Breeds — Including Some You May Not Know

1) Icelandic Sheepdog

1) Icelandic Sheepdog, 3) German Shepherd, 4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, 5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 6) Old English Sheepdog, 7) Shetland Sheepdog

"The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's native breed of dog and has ancient origins, having been referred to in the Sagas more than a thousand years ago," says a spokesperson from The Kennel Club.

"It is thought to be the descendant of the dogs brought to Iceland by the original Viking settlers to herd livestock, including Icelandic horses."

This breed is instantly recognizable by its dense coat, foxy face, pointed ears, and bushy curling tail.

3) German Shepherd

1) Icelandic Sheepdog, 3) German Shepherd, 4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, 5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 6) Old English Sheepdog, 7) Shetland Sheepdog

Energetic, versatile and intelligent, German Shepherds are loving dogs that make great companions.

As well as this, their history of herding has meant they are great guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.

4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog

1) Icelandic Sheepdog, 3) German Shepherd, 4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, 5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 6) Old English Sheepdog, 7) Shetland Sheepdog

The team add: "Officially recognised by The Kennel Club in 2021, the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog was originally bred for horse and cattle herding in the lower foothills of the Pyrenees, and can be traced back to the late 18th and 19th centuries.

"They are an energetic and intelligent breed that has retained a strong herding instinct."

5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog

1) Icelandic Sheepdog, 3) German Shepherd, 4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, 5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 6) Old English Sheepdog, 7) Shetland Sheepdog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large and active breed that originally worked as a 'flock guard' to protect livestock from predators.

"They are also said to have lived a nomadic life and travelled great distances. As such, they are agile and very loyal to their owners," adds The Kennel Club.

6) Old English Sheepdog

1) Icelandic Sheepdog, 3) German Shepherd, 4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, 5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 6) Old English Sheepdog, 7) Shetland Sheepdog

"The Old English Sheepdog, often referred to as the 'Dulux dog', is one of the UK's most iconic breeds, but they are sadly rarely seen in our streets and parks these days with the breed currently on The Kennel Club's 'At Watch' list of breeds," says the team.

"Little is known about the breed's true origins but they are thought to have worked around cattle – meaning their title as a sheepdog isn't entirely accurate."

7) Shetland Sheepdog

1) Icelandic Sheepdog, 3) German Shepherd, 4) Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, 5) Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 6) Old English Sheepdog, 7) Shetland Sheepdog

And finally, the Shetland Sheepdog is another shepherd dog to know about.

"Easily recognised by their beautiful and rich coat, Shetland Sheepdogs are strong, active and intelligent sheepdogs originating from the Shetland Islands," says The Kennel Club.

"Shetland Sheepdogs are active dogs that excel in many canine activities including agility and obedience but also can be a calm companion for less active owners, providing they are prepared to regularly groom that long rich coat."

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