Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Cimarron Pearl Hart ("Penny")

Owned by: Michelle Collins

Background:
Penny is an intact female, born in 2006 and evaluated at 2 years of age. She has daily exposure to horses, poultry and (heavy) sheep, and helps with daily chores. She has not shown an interest in working livestock away from home (in herding clinics) but is quite intense about working at home.

Her best quality is her thinking ability; she gets herself into the right place at the right time. She is still developing self-control (likes to swing on tails occasionally) and is slow to accept new people.

Summary of Penny's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- gathering
Power -- livestock are intensely aware of, and respect, Penny

Stock Ethic -- generally maintains control appropriately
Work Ethic -- stays with job, maintains focus; will work independently when needed

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- close, but adjusts as needed
"Eye" -- strong (intense stare, lowered posture, measured approach)
Bark --force barks
Bite -- used frequently, (bites heel, tail, nose, ear), adjusts as needed

Orientation -- livestock generally come second to focus on owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries and stays at home
Patrol -- diligent in patrolling territory
Warning -- always barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- defends owner's property
Defense of people -- diligent in protecting owner
Tracking ability -- will track by scent
Predators -- drives off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- gentle
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents

Structure and Movement: Penny has an average build, with a long tail, level bite, and low maintenance coat. Her movement is smooth and effortless, with excellent speed and agility, and exceptional jumping ability.

Temperament: Penny can be slow to accept new people, at times holding back and showing concern but not aggression. She is generally watchful and stoic with family. Her energy level is quite high; her disposition is somewhat anxious and reactive, though she is able to handle pressure.