Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Red Bank Shooter (Shooter)
<Link to Pedigree>
Owned by: Erin Hischke

Background:
Shooter is an intact, black and white male, born 2001, evaluated in 2007 (age 5). He lives on his owner's dairy farm in Wisconsin in a household including 3 young children.

Shooter'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 Shooter has been tested on a wide range of types. Shooter's best quality is his exceptional intelligence; he is capable of making independent judgments and has the initiative and confidence to work through situations on his own. Shooter at times lacks biddability: while he is always working as part of a team with his owner, he occasionally believes he should be the leader.

Summary of Shooter's Working Traits:
Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed (sometimes needs reminding not to show off for ladies!)
Style -- natural driving dog
Power -- very powerful; livestock are aware of and respect Shooter at all times

Stock Ethic -- generally maintains control without causing undue stress (unless showing off :-)
Work Ethic -- good focus, stays with job

Biddability -- may argue about guidance or control; prefers to do jobs "his" way
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- loose: upright, free-moving
Bark -- varies depending on setting; will bark to move stock in tight situations (chutes, trailer, barn)
Bite -- will bite both front and back end as needed; tends to bite above heel

Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- only intermitent; more active when he was younger
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations -- or, just figures out how to fix it himself, if problem is                   escaped livestock
Defense of property -- staunchly defends his owner's property
Tracking ability -- will track by scent and find prey
Predators -- will drive off predators but less vigilant than in his youth (lets the other dogs deal with it!)
Attitude towards newborns -- neutral, indifferent in behavior
Pest control -- not particularly interested in hunting rodents

Structure and Movement: Shooter has a powerful, stocky build; he is not particularly agile but has smooth, effortless movement. He is moderately fast and has average jumping ability. Shooter has a long tail, correct scissors bite and a very heavy coat (great in snow, benefits from clipping in summer).

Temperament: Shooter is very confident and friendly with strangers; he has a big bark (which can be intimidating) but is happy to snuggle once they get inside the door. Shooter is somewhat of a "one man" dog -- extremely watchful and devoted to his owner, less attentive to others. He is an affectionate dog, very calm and steady, happy to relax and do nothing when not working. He is unflappable.