Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Newton's Buddy

Owned by: Dwight Newton

Background:
Buddy is an intact black & tan male, born June 2004 and evaluated at 7 years of age. He has been working beef cattle daily since about 10 months of age.

Buddy's best quality is his grit. His owner had a Brangus bull get out; the bull was threatening to charge so Buddy was called to help out -- with Buddy's assistance, "the bull gave it up real quick and went right to the gate."

Buddy could, at times, mind a little better than he does... his listening has improved with age, however. Buddy likes to work and is with his owner from daylight to dark.

Summary of Buddy's Working Traits:

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

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

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- adjusts as necessary -- works wide when driving; works close in with a horse or if his owner encourages him to

"Eye" -- medium, fairly intense concentration but upright and free-moving
Bark -- force barks (generally quiet but will bark to move stubborn stock)
Bite -- bites heels as needed; will bite hard if egged on, but adjusts forces as needed

Orientation -- livestock come second to his owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- occasionally patrols the acre around the house & barnyard
Warning --always barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- does not defend property
Defense of people -- fairly neutral
Tracking ability -- not tested; will track owner
Predators -- will always attempt to drive off predators; runs/ trees raccoons
Attitude towards newborns -- neutral in behavior
Pest control -- will kill rodents if he sees them

Structure and Movement:

Buddy weighs about 65 lobs, and has an average build with a long tail and a correct scissors bite. His movement is smooth and effortless; he is very agile. His coat is of good quality, requiring little grooming though he occasionally develops mats.

Temperament:

Buddy is confident, friendly, and mild mannered towards strangers. He is very watchful and affectionate with family. Buddy is calm and steady, with a moderately soft disposition -- he is the the "low ranking" male among his owner's 3 male dogs; with people he is quite soft as well.