Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Sweet Home Farms Lucy
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Carla Green

Background:
Lucy is a black & tan female born in October 2007 and evaluated at 3 years of age. She has been raised on a diversified farm with daily exposure to beef cattle, goats, sheep (flighty), poultry, and some limited experience with pigs.

Lucy is a sweet friendly girl, always looking for ways to help; she is on the job immediately when asked, but also quits when asked to stop. She has the grit to stand down a dangerous cow or bull, and has saved her owner from a cow intent on harm. Lucy differentiates between stock needing to be worked and other animals; she will leave the chickens undisturbed but chase off migrating geese.

Lucy is developing her sheep-skills (their flighty nature is exciting for her!) and her listening skills -- she likes to think for herself, which is often useful, but there are times when she chooses to ignore directions.

Summary of Lucy's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- driving
Power -- livestock are intensely aware of and respect Lucy

Stock Ethic -- maintains control appropriately without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- stays with job until it appears to be done, at which point she may let her focus drift

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- loose - upright and free-moving
Bark -- force barks on command
Bite -- heels cattle, hits above hock on sheep & goats, adjusts force to suit situation

Orientation -- oriented towards livestock though aware of owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols territory
Warning -- always barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends owner's property
Defense of people -- diligently protects owner, particularly around dangerous stock
Tracking ability -- will track by scent and find prey
Predators -- drives off predators (limited need for this as farm employs livestock guardian dogs)
Attitude towards newborns -- shows gentle and/or protective nature
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents

Structure and Movement:

Lucy has an average build with a long tail and correct scissors bite. Her movement is efficient but not spectacular; she is very fast and agile, with average jumping ability . Her coat is low maintenance and of good quality.

Temperament:

Lucy is confident and sociable with visitors, though there are occasionally men whom she views with suspicion. She is very devoted and affectionate with family. Lucy is alert & responsive to her surroundings but she is not a "busy" dog. She is steady and resilient.