Cattle DogsThe livestock industry in the past as well as today would be nothing without the help of man's best friend. Sheepdogs are the best-known working dogs. These unique dogs have herding instincts and with the right training will help a farmer or rancher move his herd without any problems, as long as the dog responds to the rancher's hand signals and whistles. The best way to train a dog is to have it work together with an already experienced dog. They are sharp, alert, responsive and extremely intelligent. Numerous dogs have evolved into show dogs or pets, but there are some that are still used on farms and ranches. Sheepdogs date back to biblical times. These early dogs were used to keep livestock from straying or to protect the flock from wolves if the farmer had sheep. These dogs grew up with the herd or flock and treated these animals as if they were part of the pack. Border Collie The most notable herding dog is the Collie. These dogs date back to the 19th century, but recent research shows they were part of the Roman invasion. There are numerous names for the Collie such as Coll, Colley, Coally and Coaly. Don't confuse the working Collie with the show Collie. They are completely different dogs. These dogs were originally bred to herd and guard livestock and were first a destroyer and not a preserver. These dogs bark and snap but never bite. They can breed on their own and were once kept out with the herd for months at a time when the breeder would leave out some food, but essentially leave the dog to fend for itself. If necessary the dog also fought with wild animals. These dogs brought the herd back to the ranch during the spring months. They are gentle and fearless... middle of paper... It is surprising that these dogs are recognized as the most popular working dogs in the world. The numerous types of herding dogs are all hardworking and responsive. In present and past lifestyle, herding dogs are essential to a successful farm or ranch because they helped the farmer or rancher move the herd or flock with little to no effort on the rancher's part. Work Cited Brown, Beth. Dogs. New York: The Lion Press, 1968. Palmer, Joan. Facts about dogs. New York: Dorset Press, 1991. Poortvliet, Rein. Dogs. New York: Harrry N. Abrams, 1983. Singer, Marilyn. A dog has to do what a dog has to do. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2000. Smith, Guy N. Sporting and Working Dogs. Surrey, England: Spur Publications, 1979. The Complete Book of Dogs. New York: Howell Book House Inc., 1980. Wilcox, Charlotte. The collie. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 1999.