Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Timber Ridge Holden's Hattie
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Vivian Kay Delk-Keziah & Rebecca Wingler

Background:
Hattie is a sable and white, intact female English Shepherd, born in May 2007 and evaluated at 2 1/2 years of age. She lives in rural North Carolina and has worked with livestock both on her owner's small farm and in herding clinics. Her herding experiences are with ducks and sheep (various breeds and temperaments). Hattie came to her current owner at two years of age; prior that time, her opportunities to work were limited so her experience does not match her age.

Hattie is sweet-tempered, intelligent and obedient, qualities that she appears to pass on to her puppies. She readily accepts leadership from her owner and naturally follows along at her heels. Hattie is still maturing mentally, and can at times be silly or insecure; she is steadying up with experience, however. She is not an eager hunting companion when guns are involved. She would however like to chase things that move, so learning which things to chase (squirrels, raccoons...) and which to leave alone (cars) has been one of her early lessons.

Summary of Hattie's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- Hattie's mild nature is reflected in a low key attitude towards livestock
Style -- no preference (for gathering vs driving) apparent
Power -- lacks power to move stubborn or challenging livestock

Stock Ethic -- sometimes fails to take responsibility for controlling livestock
Work Ethic -- Hattie's soft temperament means that she is easily discouraged, particularly if she is confused about expectations or working in an unfamiliar situation. Experience and a regular routine would likely improve her work ethic -- Hattie's puppies show a strong interest in work at a young age.

Biddability -- somewhat responsive to guidance & control
Approach -- wide
"Eye" -- loose-eyed, works with upright posture and free moving style
Bark -- works silently
Bite -- unable to evaluate

Orientation -- livestock come second to her owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries and stays at home
Patrol -- patrols constantly
Warning -- generally barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends her owner's property
Defense of people -- fairly laidback (the other dogs in the family have this job covered!)
Tracking ability -- will track by scent and find prey
Predators -- drives off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- neutral
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents

Structure and Movement: Hattie has an average build with a long tail, correct scissors bite, and a good quality coat that requires little maintenance. Her movement is smooth and effortless; she is very fast and exceptionally agile.

Temperament: Hattie presents a friendly, mild attitude towards visitors; she is sociable but can be somewhat tentative in approach. She is very devoted and affectionate with family members. She is soft in temperament, generally calm but somewhat reactive to loud noises and fast movement. Hattie likes to be busy.