Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Barnard's Tucker
<from the Peck line, out of Millie by Miles>
Owned by: Diane Barnard

Background:
Tucker is a black and tan, intact male, born January 2003 and evaluated at age five. He lives on a small farm in Michigan and helps manage the livestock there, including goats, pigs, poultry and sheep. The sheep Tucker has worked are primarily wool breeds and tend to be confrontational.

Tucker is an observant partner and guardian for his owner. She notes, "he knows young and more fragile animals from older ones and adjusts his pressure. I feel completely safe from rams or hogs when Tucker is with me." He is strong minded and assertive, and will sometimes argue about how to approach things with his owner; he is often right! Tucker believes in his own authority, so attention is needed to ensure he does not pre-emptively discipline animals that have given him trouble in the past.

Summary of Tucker's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- natural gathering dog
Power -- Tucker commands attention and respect

Stock Ethic -- very assertive, sometimes rough, in establishing control; the nature of the stock Tucker
          works is such that this strong approach is often necessary
Work Ethic -- stays with the job and maintains focus

Biddability -- generally very tractable, but independent enough that if he sees a problem he wants to
            address it; he may resist redirection in that situation
Approach -- naturally works close
"Eye" -- medium (fairly intense concentration, but upright and free-moving)
Bark -- will force bark if necessary
Bite -- will bite as needed, with a hard bite, with a preference for going to the head (neck, ear)

Orientation -- focuses on livestock but responsive to owner
Territoriality -- fenced property, so respect for boundaries difficult to assess
Patrol -- occasionally patrols territory
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- protective of owner's property
Defense of people -- diligent in protecting owner
Tracking ability -- mild, not particularly scent-oriented
Predators -- no real opportunity to assess
Attitude towards newborns -- demonstrates interest, gentle approach
Pest control -- only mildly interested in pest control

Structure and Movement: Tucker has an average build with a long tail and correct scissors bite. His movement is efficient, with moderate speed and jumping ability, and excellent agility. His coat is of good quality, requiring minimal grooming.

Temperament: Tucker is confident with people, interested but not effusive with visitors. He is very devoted with family and maintains a watchful, stoic presence. His disposition is calm and moderately soft.