Group 1 is made up of Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, with the exception of Swiss Cattle Dogs, which are included in Group 2. The dogs in Group 1 do not all have common physical characteristics - some are very different - but they all have similarities in terms of their ancestral use and therefore, in terms of aptitudes. Let's take a look at these herding dogs.

First section of Group 1: Sheepdogs
These are dog breeds that have been used for a long time for their abilities. These dogs guarded flocks of goats and sheep, i.e. flocks of sheep.
- German Shepherd,
- Australian Shepherd Dog,
- Saarloos wolfhound,
- Czechoslovakian wolfhound,
- Dutch shepherd,
- Dutch Shappendoes,
- Serra de Aires sheepdog,
- Slovakian Chouvatch,
- Bearded Collie,
- Border Collie,
- Long-haired Collie,
- Romanian Carpathian Sheepdog,
- Romanian Mioritza Sheepdog,
- Polish Podhalese or Tatra Sheepdog,
- Nizinny or Shetland Sheepdog,
- Majorca Sheepdog,
- Welsh corgi Pembroke,
- Welsh corgi Cardigan,
- Southern Russian Shepherd,
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog,
- Briard,
- Beauceron,
- Picardy shepherd,
- Pyrenean Shepherd,
- Pyrenean Shepherd with short face,
- Australian Kelpie,
- Swiss white shepherd,
- Croatian Shepherd Dog,
- Bergamasco Shepherd,
- Maremma and Abruzzo Shepherd,
- Bobtail,
- Belgian Shepherd Dog :
- Tervuren,
- Groenendael,
- Malinois,
- Laekenois.
- Schipperke,
- Catalan sheepdog,
- Puli,
- Mudi,
- Pumi,
- Kuvasz,
- Komondor,
Second section of Group 1: Cattle dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Cattle dogs are herdsmen of cattle (cows, oxen). The dog breeds in this second section are:
- Bouvier des Ardennes,
- Australian Cattle Dog,
- Australian short-tailed cattle dog,
- Bouvier des Flandres.
Main characteristics of Group 1 dogs
These dogs are known for their flexible character. They are very easy to raise and to train. Voluntary, courageous, dynamic, reactive, they are hard working dogs. With a great intelligence, they quickly understand what their master expects from them, and they are very enthusiastic in their service. They memorize a large number of words and understand the orders given to them so well that they execute them without difficulty. But they also have an extraordinary capacity for anticipation and have all the skills to work independently. It is for all these reasons that they have this great aptitude to guard flocks.
Which handler for Group 1 dogs?
Group 1 dogs have an impressive need to stay active, to be physically active but also to be intellectually challenged. They are therefore not suitable for sedentary people who do not interact with their animal through outings and play, but also who do not take the time to educate their companion. In fact, without proper training, and if they do not make themselves useful, these dogs can develop behavioral problems as adults and become dominant. Finally, the owner of a Group 1 dog must be able to spend time with his or her pet, as the dog hates solitude.
If you wish to bring a Group 1 dog into your home, whether it is a Group 1 or Group 2 dog, you can have it trained by a professional and it is highly recommended for owners who are not fully capable of doing so.