Working Trait Evaluation

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

Background:

Amarillo is a black/tan, intact female, born November 2007 and evaluated at age two. She has had a fair amount of exposure to livestock in her two years, both sheep in herding clinics and cattle, poultry and goats on a ranch.

Amarillo is alert, intelligent and very tuned in to her owner. She wants to please and tries very hard to do so; she is honest and direct in her efforts. Amarillo loves to hunt, and her jobs include keeping geese off the pond and eliminating snakes from her territory. She loves the water. Amarillo has the potential to be a strong-willed, tough dog; she has grown up with two older female English Shepherds in the home, including her mother, and their presence has helped to keep her ambitions in check.

Summary of Amarillo's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- driving
Power -- livestock are intensely aware of and respect Amarillo at all times

Stock Ethic -- can be rough at times but also capable of maintaining control appropriately
Work Ethic -- stays with the job, maintains focus

Biddability -- very responsive to guidance & control
Approach -- prefers to work in close but will widen out as needed
"Eye" -- generally free-moving but very intense in focus
Bark -- force barks
Bite -- fits the original English Shepherd standard as far as "free use of teeth" to move livestock; tends to have a hard grip, mostly at the rear (heel, above hock, tail)

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 your back"
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: Amarillo has an average build with a long tail, correct scissors bite, and her coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance. Her movement is smooth and effortless. She is very fast and agile, with average jumping ability.

Temperament: Amarillo is friendly and confident with visitors, sociable and mild in greeting. She is very devoted and affectionate with family, and is a steady, calm companion who takes correction readily. She likes to be busy