Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Red Bank Whistlin' Dixie
<Link to Pedigree>
Owned by: the Gehl family

Background:
Dixie is a sable and white female, born 2005, evaluated in 2007 (age 2). She lives on her owner's dairy farm in Wisconsin in a household including 3 children.

Dixie's livestock experience has been gained through regular work with the cattle on the Gehl's farm. She is a wonderful dairy dog who always seems to be at the ready when she is needed. She trained herself to bring in the cattle and help get the cows into their stalls.

Dixie is an incredibly intelligent busy body who seeks to control everything on the farm. She is keenly aware of all that goes on and demands to be in the thick of it. She is highly intelligent and quite athletic. She excels at reading people and knows just how to help.

Summary of Dixie's Working Traits:
Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- natural gathering dog
Power -- livestock generally respect Dixie

Stock Ethic -- maintains control without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- good focus, stays with job

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance and direction from owner
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- loose: upright, free-moving
Bark -- often barks, sustained barking on occasion
Bite -- soft bite, seldom used (prefers either heel or above hock), somewhat reluctant to bite

Orientation -- primarily oriented towards owner (over livestock)
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols infrequently
Warning --generally barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- not particularly protective of owner's property
Defense of people -- average, not especially vigilant
Tracking ability -- unremarkable (not particularly scent-oriented)
Predators -- unable to evaluate (no predators)
Attitude towards newborns -- neutral
Pest control -- not interested in hunting rodents, etc.

Structure and Movement: Dixie has a moderate build and long tail. Her movement is smooth and effortless, and she has a gravity-defying leap. She has a correct scissors bite and her coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance.

Temperament: Dixie is moderately watchful and very affectionate with her family. Although fairly calm in temperament, she likes to be busy and has quick reflexes. She is very friendly and outgoing with visitors.