Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Brandywine Briar Rose
<Pedigree: in ESCR database>
Owned by: Heather Houlahan

Background:
Rosie is a sable/white intact female, born May 2007 and evaluated at 3 1/2 years of age. She has been raised on a small farm with exposure to daily chores handling goats, ducks and other poultry.

Rosie has a strong work ethic, always eager to help and determined to get the job done. She is powerful, confident, and a good team player. She does not "make work", and has an excellent "off switch" when the job is done; she occasionally comes on stronger than is necessary, so the next stage of her training will focus on developing her balance, finesse and biddability on the job.

Summary of Rosie's Working Traits:

Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed ~ moving goats is a highlight of her day!
Style -- natural driving dog
Power -- livestock are intensely aware of and respect Rosie

Stock Ethic -- typically aggressive, quick to grip when under pressure
Work Ethic -- stays with job, maintains focus

Biddability -- opinionated, ready to argue with commands she disagrees with
Approach -- naturally close, pushy -- a tendency that was likely enhanced by working in close/tight situations when she was starting out
"Eye" -- loose, upright and free-moving
Bark -- force barks
Bite -- frequently used, front & rear legs (above hock or elbow); adjusts force and does not inflict damage

Orientation -- very keen, but livestock come second to owner
Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols territory diligently
Warning -- always barks to warn of unusual situations (including dangerous crows!)
Defense of property -- defends owner's property from other animals
Defense of people -- protects owner from other animals
Tracking ability -- outstanding; operational SAR trailing dog
Predators -- drives off predators; very diligent in defense against coyotes or raccoons
Attitude towards newborns -- neutral, required some training
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents and possums

Structure and Movement:

Rosie has a light, leggy build with a long tail and correct scissors bite. Her movement is efficient but not spectacular; she is very fast with excellent agility and average jumping ability. Her coat is low maintence and light, with minimal undercoat.

Temperament:

Rosie is very outgoing, confident and friendly to the point of pushy with people -- she will demand attention. She is extremely affectionate and cuddly with her family, calm in the house but vigorous and active outdoors. She has a moderately hard disposition, capable of maintaining focus under pressure.