Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Caledonia Danny Boy
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Rose Marie Belforti

Background:
Danny is a black/white, intact male born in February 2008 and evaluated at 2 years of age. He has been raised on a farm with daily exposure to Dexter cattle (dual purpose, dairy and beef). He accompanies his owner for milking chores twice per day, moving the cattle along to their designated places. The microdairy set-up on the farm means that only one cow and calf come in at a time, so cows need to move in and out continuously to get through the work -- Danny's help in keeping rotation moving is invaluable.

Danny is a highly biddable dog; he will stop on a dime when called, even if he is going full speed. He is soft, gentle and very adoring in the house, but he is Boss with the cows in the pasture. He has learned how to be with the cows in very small spaces such as the milking parlor, and the cattle accept his presence. He is devoted to his owner and friendly with one and all.

Danny enjoys "clearing the way" for his owner -- including chasing birds out of the yard when Rose comes outside; he views it as part of his job, though technically this is not in the job description!

Summary of Danny's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- balanced, will gather and drive without obvious preference
Power -- livestock are intensely aware of and respect Danny, but they also trust him and will relax in
        his presence

Stock Ethic -- maintains control appropriately without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- stays with the job, maintains focus... Danny lives to please and will not quit his owner!

Biddability -- "most biddable dog I have ever met and I did not train this -- he came this way!"
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- loose (upright and free-moving)
Bark -- generally works silently (esp. calves) but force barks to get cows out of milk parlor if necessary
Bite -- soft mouth, bites only as needed (front or rear) which is seldom

Orientation -- livestock come second to his owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols occasionally but not excessively
Warning -- always barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends owner's property, though he is not mean to strangers
Defense of people -- diligently protects his owner
Tracking ability -- will track by scent and find prey
Predators -- drives off predators
Attitude towards newborns -- shows gentle and/or protective nature
Pest control -- hunts rodents on occasion, though Danny's packmates (2 farmcollies) have this job covered!

Structure and Movement:

Danny has an average build with a long tail and normal bite. His movement is efficient; he is moderately fast with average agility and jumping ability . His coat is low maintence and of good quality -- silky and soft.

Temperament:

Danny is very confident and friendly with visitors. He is devoted to his owner 110%, and extremely affectionate. He has a calm, steady disposition, quiet in the house and gentle with pups. He is soft towards his owner but firm with cows!


Danny checking out some calves