A cowherd is a person whose job is to watch over and care for a herd of cattle. In many parts of the world, cowherds spend their days making sure cows stay together, find good grass to eat, and don't wander into danger. They guide the cattle to water, protect them from predators, and bring them back home at day's end.

The work requires patience and attention. A cowherd needs to know the land, understand animal behavior, and notice when something's wrong: a cow limping, a calf separated from its mother, or storm clouds gathering. In some places, cowherds walk alongside their cattle; in others, they ride horses or motorcycles to cover more ground.

Different cultures have their own traditions of cowherding. In the American West, cowherds are called cowboys. In Switzerland, cowherds take cattle up mountain slopes in summer to graze on high meadows. In parts of Africa and India, cowherding is an ancient profession passed down through generations.