Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Maple Grove Farm's Savannah
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Diane M. Sossoman

Background:
Savannah is a sable & white female born in May 2009 and evaluated at 17 months of age. She lives in the country with daily exposure to her owner's sheep. She also has attended herding clinics where she worked both sheep and ducks.

Savannah is very sweet-natured and loyal to her family; she is also exceptionally smart. She is cautious when making first acquaintances, but warms up quickly.

Summary of Savannah's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- gathering
Power -- stubborn stock challenged Savannah at age one, but she is gaining power with maturity

Stock Ethic -- maintains control appropriately without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- stays with job, maintains focus well for her age

Biddability -- very responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- moderately wide
"Eye" -- loose-eyed - upright and free-moving
Bark -- force barks with stubborn stock
Bite -- soft bite, seldom used, but directed at heels when needed

Orientation -- livestock come second to owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols territory
Warning -- very alert, always barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- will defend owner's property
Defense of people -- watchful, protects owner
Tracking ability -- interest and ability in tracking
Predators -- drives off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- shows gentle and/or nurturing behavior
Pest control -- occasionally hunts rodents

Structure and Movement:

Savannah has an average build with a long tail and correct scissors bite. Her movement is smooth and effortless; she is very fast with excellent agility and average jumping ability . Her coat is low maintenance and of good quality.

Temperament:

Savannah is very devoted and affectionate with family, and has a fairly soft disposition. She has a calm, steady temperament but has a good deal of energy. She is reserved with people outside her family; somewhat aloof but not threatening towards strangers.