[GalomyOak]

Recently, the question was asked to American club members - is our breed better served by being in the Working Group or the Herding Group of the AKC?

Currently, just like the FCI, we are in the Herding Group. AKC groups it's dogs differently however. Our groups are:
Sporting
Hound
Herding
Working
Terrier
Toy
Non-Sporting

The working group is made up of dogs that do different kinds of work, and includes Komondors, Kuvasz, Portuguese Water Dogs, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, Akitas, Boxers, Rottweilers, Etc. It's AKC definition is:

"Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained."

The herding group (which became seperate from the working group in 1983) is very similar to the FCI Sheepdog/Cattle Dog group in makeup, and has this AKC definition:

"The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises."

It is generally understood that the CSV was never bred for herding/moving animals, though it's ancestor, the GSD, was. The CSV was bred for work, however. I am curious what the thoughts are from the international community?