Herding breeds have a long history of working alongside humans to manage livestock, guiding sheep, cattle, and other animals with precision and control. But how do you determine if a modern-day dog still carries those natural instincts? This is where the herding instinct test comes in.
A herding instinct test is designed to evaluate a dog’s natural ability to herd livestock, allowing owners, breeders, and trainers to see whether their dog possesses the inherent traits needed for herding work. Whether you’re considering herding as a sport, a professional skill, or just a fun way to engage your dog, understanding the test and its background can help you appreciate the significance of herding in canine history.
The Origins of Herding and Instinct Testing
Herding has been an essential skill for dogs for thousands of years. Farmers and shepherds relied on dogs to control and protect their flocks, breeding only those with the best instincts to continue the tradition.
Over time, this selective breeding led to the highly skilled herding breeds we know today, such as:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- German Shepherds
- Corgis
- Belgian Malinois
- Old English Sheepdogs
As modern farming practices evolved, fewer dogs were needed for herding work, leading to a decline in real-world herding opportunities. However, organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) recognized the importance of preserving these natural instincts. They developed herding instinct tests as a way to evaluate and celebrate the working abilities of herding breeds, even if they were no longer used for farm work.
Today, herding instinct tests serve as both a heritage evaluation tool and an entry point into herding sports, offering dogs and their owners a way to engage in an activity rooted in history.
What is a Herding Instinct Test?
A herding instinct test is an evaluative event where a dog is introduced to livestock in a controlled setting to determine if they have natural herding abilities. Unlike formal herding trials, which require training and skill, the instinct test is purely about identifying natural tendencies.
The test is typically conducted in a fenced livestock pen, and trained evaluators observe the dog’s behavior when presented with animals such as:
- Sheep
- Ducks
- Cattle (less common in beginner tests)
During the test, evaluators look for key herding behaviors, including:
- Engagement: Does the dog show interest in the livestock?
- Circling or Gathering: Does the dog attempt to move around the animals rather than charging straight at them?
- Control: Does the dog adjust its approach, or does it get overly excited and reckless?
- Responsiveness: Does the dog listen to the handler or evaluator’s guidance?
A dog that passes the test demonstrates an instinctive ability to move and manage livestock in a way that resembles traditional herding behavior. Dogs that fail may lack the interest, confidence, or control needed for effective herding. However, some dogs simply need additional exposure before their instincts become more apparent.
Herding Instinct Test vs. Herding Trials
It’s important to understand the distinction between an herding instinct test and a formal herding trial.
A herding instinct test is only the first step for those interested in the sport of herding. Dogs that pass the instinct test can continue training and eventually compete in AKC Herding Trials or AHBA Herding Events.
The Role of the Evaluator
Experienced herding trainers or AKC-approved evaluators oversee the test. Their role is to:
- Introduce the Dog to Livestock – This helps determine the dog’s natural reaction to the animals.
- Assess Herding Instincts – They observe how the dog moves, reacts, and controls the livestock.
- Provide Guidance to the Handler – Some handlers are new to herding, so the evaluator may offer tips on how to encourage the dog’s instincts.
- Determine Pass or Fail Status – If a dog demonstrates herding potential, they will receive a Herding Instinct Certificate (HIC) from the testing organization.
Since herding instinct tests are not competitions, there are no rankings or placements—only a determination of whether the dog exhibits instinctive herding behaviors.
Who Can Take a Herding Instinct Test?
Herding instinct tests are designed primarily for AKC-registered herding breeds, but they are also open to mixed-breed dogs and even some non-herding breeds. These tests provide a great opportunity for dog owners to assess whether their canine companion has the natural ability to move and control livestock, regardless of formal training.
Herding Breeds and Their Natural Abilities
The test is especially beneficial for herding breeds, which have been selectively bred for generations to work with livestock. These breeds often have an innate understanding of how to gather, guide, and control a flock, even without prior exposure to herding work. Some of the most common herding breeds that excel in these tests include:
- Border Collies – Known for their intense focus, quick reflexes, and signature “eye,” Border Collies are among the top herding dogs in competitive and real-world settings.
- Australian Shepherds – With high intelligence and boundless energy, Aussies have a strong instinct to control movement, making them excellent candidates for herding.
- Shetland Sheepdogs – Originally bred for herding small livestock, Shelties often show excellent movement and control in herding instinct tests.
- German Shepherds – Bred initially for herding before becoming famous as police and military dogs, GSDs can still showcase strong tending instincts.
- Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgis – Despite their short stature, Corgis are powerful and effective herding dogs known for their ability to drive livestock forward.
- Belgian Malinois & Belgian Sheepdogs – Known for their sharp intelligence and work ethic, these dogs can display strong herding skills when tested.
- Old English Sheepdogs – Traditionally used for driving cattle and sheep, they often show good instinctive movement in these tests.
Each of these breeds has unique herding styles—some, like Border Collies, work by gathering and guiding, while others, like Corgis, are “heelers,” moving livestock forward by nipping at their heels. The instinct test allows evaluators to see these behaviors in action.
Can Non-Herding Breeds Participate?
While herding instinct tests are primarily geared toward herding breeds, some non-herding breeds may also be allowed to participate, depending on the organization hosting the test.
Dogs with high intelligence, strong prey drive, or a natural inclination to control movement may display herding-like tendencies, even if they weren’t originally bred for it. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and even some Terriers have been known to show interest in livestock when given the opportunity.
That being said, not all dogs will instinctively herd, and that’s completely normal. Some breeds are more driven by retrieving, guarding, or companionship rather than movement control. If a non-herding breed participates in a herding instinct test, they might simply show curiosity toward the animals rather than attempting to manage them.
Common Reactions to a Herding Instinct Test
Not every dog will react the same way when introduced to livestock for the first time. Some will immediately take charge, while others may hesitate or become overly excited. Below are a few common responses seen during a herding instinct test:
- Natural Herding Ability – Some dogs immediately recognize their role, circling the flock and moving them with precision. They tend to maintain control and show confidence without excessive excitement.
- Over-Excitement or Chasing – Some dogs become too excited and may attempt to chase rather than guide the livestock. While enthusiasm is good, uncontrolled energy can result in disorganized movement.
- Nervous or Hesitant – Some dogs are unsure what to do and may hesitate or simply observe the livestock without engaging. These dogs may need more exposure to build confidence.
- Disinterest – Some dogs show little to no reaction, which often indicates a lack of herding drive. While this doesn’t mean the dog lacks intelligence, it suggests that herding may not be their natural skill.
Each of these reactions provides valuable insight into a dog’s natural instincts. Even if a dog doesn’t show strong herding ability on their first test, some can improve with additional exposure and structured training.
Mixed-Breed Dogs in Herding Instinct Tests
Mixed-breed dogs are fully eligible to participate in herding instinct tests, particularly under the AKC Canine Partners Program. This program allows mixed breeds to register with the AKC and compete in a variety of dog sports, including herding.
For mixed-breed owners, a herding instinct test can be a great way to discover unknown talents in their dog. Since some mixed breeds may have herding ancestry, their natural abilities can become evident in the test, even if their physical appearance doesn’t immediately suggest it.
Who Should Consider a Herding Instinct Test?
A herding instinct test is a great opportunity for:
- Owners of herding breeds who want to see if their dog has working potential.
- Dog sport enthusiasts looking for new activities to try with their dogs.
- Breeders who want to evaluate the natural working ability of their breeding lines.
- Owners of mixed breeds who suspect their dog has herding ancestry and want to explore their skills.
- Handlers considering competitive herding trials who need to assess their dog’s instinct before formal training.
Regardless of the outcome, a herding instinct test is a fun and educational experience for both dogs and their handlers. Even if a dog doesn’t pass, the experience of seeing livestock up close and engaging in a new environment can be an exciting and enriching opportunity.
What Happens If My Dog Passes Herding Instinct Test?
If your dog passes the herding instinct test, you may receive a Herding Instinct Certificate (HIC). While this isn’t a competitive title, it serves as proof that your dog has demonstrated instinctive herding ability.
For owners interested in continuing with herding, the next step is to begin formal training. Many training centers offer herding classes where dogs can refine their skills and work toward advanced herding titles like:
- AKC Herding Tested (HT) – The next step after instinct testing, requiring basic control of livestock.
- AKC Pre-Trial Tested (PT) – More structured herding skills, including off-leash control.
- Herding Started, Intermediate, and Advanced Titles (HS, HI, HX) – Formal trial levels testing complex herding skills.
What If My Dog Doesn’t Pass?
A failing score in a herding instinct test doesn’t mean your dog isn’t intelligent or capable—it simply means they lack natural herding instincts or need more exposure.
Possible reasons for a failing score include:
- Lack of interest in livestock
- Overexcitement leading to uncontrolled chasing
- Fearfulness or hesitation around animals
- Difficulty responding to evaluator guidance
Some dogs improve with additional exposure, while others may be better suited for different activities like agility, scent work, or obedience training.
Why Herding Instinct Tests Matter
The herding instinct test serves as both a celebration of history and a practical evaluation tool. It allows us to preserve the natural working abilities of herding breeds while giving dog owners insight into their canine’s instincts.
For those looking to engage in herding sports, an instinct test is the first step toward competitive herding titles and real-world farm work. Even for casual dog owners, watching their dog interact with livestock can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.
If you have a herding breed and are curious about their working abilities, a herding instinct test is a fantastic way to explore their natural talents while connecting with a tradition that has shaped these incredible dogs for centuries.
