Definition

Noun: - A breed of dog used for herding and guarding sheep: A shepherd dog is a type of dog, typically with a long coat, that is bred and trained to control the movement of sheep and protect them.

Usage

• The term "shepherd dog" specifically refers to the dog's function and breed type. It is used to categorize dogs based on their traditional working role with sheep.
• It is a compound noun where "shepherd" describes the dog's purpose.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a more general sense to describe the inherent qualities of such dogs, even when they are not actively working.
  • Even as a pet, his border collie still had the intense focus of a shepherd dog.

Variants and Related Words

• Sheepdog: A more common synonym for a dog that herds sheep.
• Herding dog: A broader category that includes dogs bred to herd various types of livestock, not just sheep.
• Pastoral dog: A less common, more formal term for dogs associated with herding livestock.

Synonyms

• Sheepdog
• Herder (when referring to the dog's role)

Notes

• "Shepherd dog" is a specific type of working dog. It is not typically used in idioms or as a phrasal verb.
• While "German Shepherd" is a specific breed name, the general term "shepherd dog" refers to the function, not necessarily that specific breed.

Noun

1. any of various usually long-haired breeds of dog reared to herd and guard sheep