Working Trait Evaluation

Dog's name: Shepherd's Way Mace
< Link to Pedigree>
Owned by: Kris Hazelbaker

Background:
Mace is an intact, sable and white male, born 2005, evaluated in 2007 (age 1 1/2). He is on the large side for English Shepherds (65 lbs). He lives and works on his owner's ranch in Idaho.

Mace's livestock experience has been gained through daily exposure to free range poultry; seasonal work with sheep (daily during spring/ summer), and intermitent work with range cattle in both open pastures and corrals. The cattle Mace has worked are not frequently handled and are not particularly "dog broke". Mace has also attended a few weekend herding clinics with professional trainers.

Mace is an enthusiastic dog, both in work and play, and loves to learn. He picks things up very quickly and is always ready for the next challenge.

Summary of Mace's Working Traits:
Keenness/ Drive -- works readily when needed
Style -- varies: prefers to gather sheep and drive cattle
Power -- Mace can turn "on" his power and make himself BIG, and switch it "off" to relax stock

Stock Ethic -- maintains control without causing undue stress
Work Ethic -- stays with job, maintains focus; LOVES to work stock!

Biddability -- very responsive dog, although when working particularly stubborn cattle he tends to work                   more independently and take charge
Approach -- close
"Eye" -- medium: moderately intense, but generally upright and free-moving
Bark -- force barks if needed
Bite -- natural heeler, will also bite nose, but bites only when necessary

Territoriality -- generally respects boundaries, stays at home
Patrol -- patrols occasionally, when there seems to be something to investigate
Warning -- generally barks to warn of unusual situations
Tracking ability -- usually travels with his nose down!
Predators -- will drive off predators encroaching on his territory
Attitude towards newborns -- unable to assess
Pest control -- hunts rodents

Structure and Movement: Mace is very fast (clocked at almost 25 mph with the 4-wheeler) and agile, with average jumping ability and a moderate build. He moves efficiently and has very good hips (PennHIP rating above 90th%) . Mace has a long tail, scissors bite and his coat is of good quality, requiring little maintenance -- though it is fairly abundant (perhaps due to Idaho winters!).

Temperament: Mace is generally confident and interested in new people, though he can be somewhat wary of strange men on initial greeting. He is very devoted and affectionate with his family.. He is calm but somewhat busy (at 18 months), easy to correct and willing to please..