Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Red Bank Blonde Haired Angel (Blondie)
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Owned by: Erin Hischke

Background:
Blondie is a sable and white female, born 2004, evaluated in 2007 (age 2). She lives on her owner's dairy farm in Wisconsin in a household including 3 young children.

Blondie's livestock experience has been gained through daily work with the cattle, sheep, and poultry on the Hischke's farm. The livestock range in temperament from extremely placid and stubborn to flighty and erratic, so Blondie has been tested on a wide range of types. Blondie's best quality is her complete devotion to her owner; she is a true English Shadow, always watchful and close at hand. She is a quick and stylish herding dog, so her assistance is much appreciated!

Blondie is sweet tempered with her family but can lack confidence with unfamiliar people.

Summary of Blondie's Working Traits:
Keenness/ Drive -- very keen, works readily when needed and sometimes needs reminding to call off
Style -- natural gathering dog
Power -- lacks power to move heavy/ stubborn stock

Stock Ethic -- maintains control without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- good focus, stays with job (eg, kept working despite laceration requiring stitches)

Biddability -- very responsive to guidance and direction from owner
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- loose: upright, free-moving
Bark -- quiet while working
Bite -- often bites both heel and nose of cattle; does not bite while working other types of stock

Territoriality -- moderate; occasionally drawn away when patrolling
Patrol -- patrols territory regularly
Warning --barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- does not attach importance to owner's property (not protective of it)
Tracking ability -- unremarkable (not particularly scent-oriented)
Predators -- drives off predators encroaching on her territory
Attitude towards newborns -- no opportunity to assess yet (waiting for lambs in spring!)
Pest control -- hunts rodents

Structure and Movement: Blondie has a moderate build and efficient though not spectacular movement. Her athletic abilities are average with adequate speed, agility and jumping ability to accomplish the work at hand. She has a natural bobtail (3"), correct scissors bite and her coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance.

Temperament: Blondie is very watchful and affectionate with her family and has a mild, quiet manner around the house. She tends to be fearful of strangers and is aloof on first meeting. Blondie has quick reflexes and readily accepts correction.