FARM & RANCH DOGS
BORDER COLLIES

Because their early work was to gather sheep from the hills, Border Collies are, by nature, gatherers rather than drovers or tenders. They can, nevertheless, be taught to drive stock away from the shepherd and even to keep their charges within certain boundaries. They are also sensitive to commands from their handlers and can distinguish slight variations in the many whistles they understand, responding appropriately to each tone.

The Border Collie was born in the British Isles and grew to maturity in the border country of England and Scotland. There are several theories surrounding the derivation of the "Collie" portion of his name, but no doubt as to his purpose in life. Some historians claim that "colley" derives from a Gaelic word meaning something useful, some say it comes from "coalie," a word meaning black, and a third source trace the meaning from the name of a breed of Scottish sheep. But few would disagree that the Border Collie is the finest sheepherding dog, a marvelous competition dog, and a suitable if somewhat hyperactive pet for lively households.

The British Isles are home to about three dozen breeds of sheep. These animals had to be brought in from the fields periodically for shearing or driving to market or moved from one field to another as the seasons changed. Several breeds -- Smooth and Rough-coated Collies, Bearded Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs -- developed to do these tasks, but none is as fanatically dedicated as the Border.

           

            Border Collies at Work                          Australian Sheepdog &Springer Spaniel



Shetland Sheep Dogs

AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS
Heelers, Red Heelers, Blue Heelers, Queensland Heelers, and Australian Cattle Dogs are all the same breed of dog. Australian Cattle Dog is the "official" (AKC) breed name. Cattle Dogs are very active, robust, agile, herding dogs. They can be very good with children because they are naturally protective and not at all fragile. But because they are herding dogs (and herd by nipping and biting) they can be frightening to children unused to active, assertive dogs. Heelers can become very excited by running children and may try to "herd" them by nipping at hands and heels. Like all dogs, Heelers need to be supervised with children and the children need to be taught that the dog is a feeling creature that cannot be abused.

            

Cattle Drive and working dogs on a  Montana Ranch

 

Shangi Koi Mai Ling
Peke Avenue
Lt - The Schipperke
The Pomeranian Hotel
Bach Choy Pekingese