Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Partlow's Buster Brown (Buster)
<IESR(1) registration - Link to Pedigree>
Owned by: Jim & Darlene Partlow

Background:
Buster is an intact, black, tan and white male, born 1997, evaluated in 2007 (age 9). He lives and works on his owner's farm in Iowa.

Buster's livestock experience has been gained through daily work with the beef cattle on the Partlow's farm; because of the frequent handling, these cattle are fairly dog-broke.

Buster is a really well mannered dog and an ever present support on the farm, always there when he's needed. He adapts to the needs of the job, and is able to work cattle in tight lots or wide open spaces. He enjoys working, and occasionally will decide to extend a job by spinning the last calf back out a gate so he can put it back in again... but that's about the only "fault" his owners find in his work.

Summary of Buster's Working Traits:
Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- natural driving dog
Power -- powerful; livestock are aware of and respect Buster at all times

Stock Ethic -- maintains control without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- good focus, stays with job; able to work independently as needed

Biddability -- very responsive dog, good "team player"
Approach -- naturally close, but will widen out as needed for the stock
"Eye" -- loose: upright, free-moving
Bark -- force barks if needed
Bite -- natural heeler, will also bite nose, but bites only when necessary

Territoriality -- respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols as needed, when there seems to be something to investigate
Warning -- barks to warn of unusual situations
Defense of property -- staunchly defends his owner's property
Tracking ability -- will track by scent and find prey
Predators -- will drive off predators encroaching on his territory
Attitude towards newborns -- gentle and protective with young
Pest control -- routinely hunts rodents

Structure and Movement: Buster is an exceptional athlete -- very fast, agile, excellent jumping ability -- with a moderate build. He has smooth effortless movement and was rated as having "excellent" hips at 8 years of age. Buster has a long tail, level bite and his coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance.

Temperament: Buster is cautious and somewhat aloof with strangers, preferring to watch rather than welcome. He is very devoted and affectionate with his family; where they are, he is. He is calm and steady, always ready to work, and willing to accept leadership.