Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Parmely's Boots
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Owned by: JoLynne Parmely

Background:
Boots is a sable/white female, born October 1996, evaluated March 2007 (age 10). Her owners are livestock contractors for rodeos, and Boots has worked her entire life on their farm, helping manage their cows, horses, and roping calves.

Boots is calm, attentive dog, and an excellent mother -- happiest when there are babies on the ground to take care of. She is very patient with tedious jobs (watching gates) and helpful in moving stock, though she is not particularly quick or adept at gathering.

Summary of Boots' Working Traits:
Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- natural driving dog
Power -- moderate; livestock generally respect Boots

Stock Ethic -- maintains control appropriately without causing undue stress in stock
Work Ethic -- good focus, sticks with job

Biddability -- very responsive to guidance, control
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- medium; fairly intense concentration, but upright and free-moving
Bark -- force barks as needed to move stubborn stock
Bite -- bites when needed, adjusting to suit situation (will hit heels, above hock, or nose)

Primary orientation -- more focused on owner than on livestock
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols regularly
Warning -- always barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends owner's property
Defense of people -- alert, always ready to "watch your back" around livestock
Tracking ability -- not particularly "nose" oriented
Predators -- drives off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- very nurturing and protective
Pest control -- not particularly interested in pest control

Structure and Movement: Boots has a fairly broad build. Her movement is efficient but not spectacular. She has moderate speed, but limited jumping ability. She has a natural bobtail (6 - 8") and a thick, abundant coat.

Temperament: Boots is confident and friendly with strangers, and a devoted, affectionate companion with family. She has a very calm, steady disposition. She is sensitive and moderately soft in nature.