Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Kumke's Partlow Hustler ("Hustler")
<Pedigree: Partlow's Buster Brown x Caledonia Holly>
Owned by: Derek Kumke

Background:
Hustler is a tricolor, intact male, born December 2006 and evaluated at one year of age. Hustler lives on a large farm/ feedlot in Nebraska, and has been exposed to livestock work -- with goats, pigs, heavy sheep, and range beef cattle -- daily since he was a small pup.

Hustler is a dog that wants to be with you, and wants to work. His owner notes, "In truck, he's there; in tractor, he's there; working cattle, he's there; pasture goats, he's there. He always tries to help, never gives up. At 11 months he is confident with the most aggressive livestock. He loves people."

Hustler is a strong heading dog, and wants to be in control of his livestock.

Summary of Hustler's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- gathering dog (definite "header")
Power -- livestock are intensely aware of and respect Hustler

Stock Ethic -- tends to be fairly aggressive and rough (as are the stock he works)
Work Ethic -- stays with the job and maintains focus; will work independently as needed

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- close (head on!)
"Eye" -- medium
Bark -- barks while working
Bite -- bites sometimes; location varies with stock -- will bite heels, ear (cattle or pigs), neck (sheep)

Territoriality -- respects boundaries and stays at home
Patrol -- patrols occasionally
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- only mildly protective of owner's property
Tracking ability -- can track by scent and find prey
Predators -- drives off predators.
Attitude towards newborns -- neutral
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents, especially mice

Structure and Movement: Hustler is of average build with a long tail, easy care coat and level bite. He has smooth effortless movement and exceptional agility; he is moderately fast..

Temperament: Hustler is confident and low key in his approach to strangers. He is very devoted and affectionate with family. He is on the active side, and approaches life with an alert strength and poise; he is able to handle pressure.