Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Million's Blacksheep Trailer
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Owned by: Lesley Million

Background:
Trailer is an intact male, born in 2007 and evaluated at 16 months of age. He has daily exposure to horses and poultry on his owner's farm; he has worked with heavy sheep 4 or 5 times in clinic settings and is occasionally called on to help handle the neighbor's cattle (when they escape).

Trailer has a happy, willing personality, very biddable and eager to please. He loves to work and takes direction well. He takes his job of running off predators very seriously, but considers all human visitors to be friends.

Summary of Trailer's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- natural driving dog but will gather when asked
Power -- commands respect

Stock Ethic -- maintains control appropriately ~~ gentle though sometimes pushy with poultry
Work Ethic -- stays focused when on the job

Biddability -- very responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- close but learning to adjust as needed
"Eye" -- medium
Bark -- will force bark if necessary
Bite -- seldom uses bite, but will grip heels/ hock/ tail/ nose if needed

Orientation -- primary focus is on owner rather than livestock
Territoriality -- respects boundaries and stays at home
Patrol -- regularly patrols territory
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- protects owner's property from other animals (not sure about people yet!)
Defense of people -- again, protects owner around other animals
Tracking ability -- will track by scent
Predators -- diligent in driving off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- loving and gentle with babies
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents, oppossum

Structure and Movement: Trailer has a light, leggy build (at 16 months) with a long tail and correct scissors bite. His movement is smooth and effortless, with exceptional agility, jumping ability and speed. He has PennHIP scores of 0.52/ 0.52. His coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance.

Temperament: Trailer has a mild demeanor and is confident and sociable with visitors. He is very watchful and affectionate with family, wanting to be with them all the time. He is steady and calm, and moderately hard in disposition -- not easily discouraged.