Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Jarratt's Dallas
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Vivian Kay Delk-Keziah

Background:
Dallas is a sable and white, intact male, born in 2000 and evaluated at 9 years of age. Dallas was raised in rural North Carolina; circumstances did not provide him a lot of opportunity to develop his natural talent until moving to his current situation at 8 years of age. Since moving to the farm where he currently lives, Dallas has blossomed. He is a smart, brainy, dog, with that special "something" that catches your notice.

Growing up in relative seclusion meant that Dallas has had to learn to cope with a great many new things over the past year. While initially fearful, he has progressed to the point where he is able to calmly greet and mingle off leash with crowds of people and other dogs that visit his owner's farm for events.

Summary of Dallas' Working Traits:

Dallas' lack of experience and opportunity to develop his working ability during the first 7 years of his life is reflected in his attitude towards stock. He is very intelligent, sensitive to pressure and willing to obey; he needs to develop his confidence and learn to trust his owner, things that will come in time. With those things in place, he appears to have the instinctive and temperamental traits to be an exceptional dog.

Keenness/ Drive -- watchful and willing, but a bit wary due to inexperience
Style -- balanced
Power -- currently lacks confidence to control stubborn stock

Stock Ethic -- uses appropriate force, but sometimes fails take charge of stock
Work Ethic -- pressure sensitive, careful, somewhat distractible

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance and control
Approach -- wide; reads and rates livestock well
"Eye" -- loose (upright, free-moving)
Bark -- works silently
Bite -- unable to evaluate (not needed for livestock worked)

Orientation -- livestock come second to his owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries and stays at home
Patrol -- patrols constantly
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends his owner's property
Defense of people -- diligently protects his owner, watches her back
Tracking ability -- will track by scent and find prey
Predators -- drives off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- unable to assess
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents

Structure and Movement: Dallas has a broad, stocky build with a short natural bobtail and correct scissors bite. His movement is efficient, with excellent speed and agility and average jumping ability. His coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance

Temperament: Dallas can be reserved and somewhat wary of strangers but is devoted, watchful and affectionate with family. He tends to be active and busy. He is alert, quick to react, and moderately soft in disposition towards people.