Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Maple Grove Farm's Montanna
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Vivian Kay Delk-Keziah

Background:
Montanna is a tricolor, spayed, female English Shepherd. She was raised in rural North Carolina with daily exposure to horses; she has done some herding in clinics as well, (primarily with sheep), and is has worked beef cattle on several occasions.

Montanna is an honest, responsive, intelligent dog. Her owner writes, "she listens to me, looks in my eye and reads my face, does as I ask or tell her; she is my dog, waits for me, I have never used food etc to get her to do what I want, she lives and wants to please me." Montanna is also a fearless hunting dog, killing snakes and treeing squirrels, raccoons and oppossums that invade her territory. Her hunting instincts mean that poultry and cats also need to stay clear of Montanna!

Summary of Montanna's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- driving
Power -- livestock generally respect dog

Stock Ethic -- maintains control without causing undue stress in livestock
Work Ethic -- stays with the job and maintains focus; will work independently when necessary

Biddability -- very responsive to guidance & control
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- loose-eyed, works with upright posture and free moving style
Bark -- works silently
Bite -- somewhat reluctant to bite, when she does it is with a firm grip and generally above the hock

Orientation -- livestock come second to her owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries and stays at home
Patrol -- patrols constantly
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends her owner's property
Defense of people -- diligently protects her 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: Montanna has a broad, stocky build (and a tendency to gain weight -- she is an easy keeper). Her movement is efficient, with average speed and jumping ability and excellent agility. Her coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance. She has a long tail and a correct scissors bite.

Temperament: Montanna has a mild demeanor and a confident, friendly attitude towards visitors. She is devoted and affectionate with family members, with a calm, steady temperament and soft disposition. She is moderately active, and enjoys having a job.