The herding group consists of dogs used to gather and/or drive livestock.  Each breed has its own way of getting the stock to move.  Most breeds in this group are highly intelligent and active.  As a whole, they have been bred to work very well with their own people and may need extra socialization to be comfortable around strangers.  Here are some of the more common herding breeds:

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Shepherd

Belgian Malinois

Border Collie

Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Collie

German Shepherd Dog

Shetland Sheepdog

Uses of the Breed

Each of these breeds have their own tendencies to consider.  The original purpose and what they are used for now will play a role in the temperament of the dog you are getting.  For example, German shepherds were originally bred to be a living fence for the sheep.  They would keep them together by moving around them with an extended trot.  In more recent years, they have been used for, detection, protection, and police dogs.  Belgian Malinois are very similar in current use as a German shepherd, but there tend to be fewer of them able to adjust to an active pet lifestyle.  They take a very experienced handler, significant exercise and a job.  

Australian cattle dogs and corgis move the stock by biting.  Often, they use their mouths to explore things and during play.  It is important to teach them to have a soft mouth and provide an outlet for the energy if you do not intend to use them for herding.  

Shetland Sheepdogs would often employ barking while herding to get resistant stock to move.  Although they are small enough for an apartment, they may be too loud.  

Border collies are known for what is called a ‘hard eye.’  They use their intense stare and body posture to move the livestock.  They are very intelligent and will find things to do if not given some kind of thinking task every day.  Most owners will not enjoy the things a dog devises to do on its own.  

Collies and Australian shepherds generally use body posture and movement to move stock.  Some will have a hard eye and others will be less intense.  Some lines that have been used with cattle will be more likely to use their mouths.  Even dogs who have not been used for working for generations will retain some of these breed personalities and qualities.

Health Considerations

In addition to temperament, there are health and grooming considerations for each breed.  There is a gene mutation common in many collie-like breeds (border collies, collies, Shetland sheep dogs, etc) called MDR1 that can cause drug sensitivities.  This is something that can be important to know.  Dogs who live on farms with this mutation and come in contact with livestock dewormer are most at risk.  If a dog has two copies of this gene, they can even have reactions to some normal dog medications.  Thankfully there are easy ways to test for this abnormality.  

Many large breed dogs including German shepherds, collies and Malinois can have problems with hip and/or elbow dysplasia.  These problems can cause crippling pain even at a young age if severe.  Risk for developing these conditions can be decreased by getting a puppy from parents who have been OFA tested and have a good or excellent score.

Corgis and other long backed dogs can have back problems that will be worse if the pet is overweight.  Preventing running around corners on slick surfaces is also important to prevent injury.

It is important to research what conditions are common in your breed of choice.  A good breeder should be screening for these conditions and not breed dogs that would pass on genetics that could cause problems.  Most breeds in this group generally shed significantly.  Some have thick under coats and need regular brushing to prevent matting.  Make sure you consider the time it will take to maintain a healthy coat if you choose to care for it yourself or the cost if you choose to have someone else do it for you.