Reference Terms
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Herding dog
A herding dog or pastoral breed is a dog that either has been trained in herding or that is a member of a breed developed for herding. Dogs can herd other animals in a variety of ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals' heels. Others, notably the Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called eye to stare down the animals; they are known as headers. The Koolie has been observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges.
All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior. Commonly herded animals include cattle, sheep, and reindeer, although it is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs.
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