The Way They Work
by Linda Rorem
by Linda Rorem
The way in which a dog works is made up of a combination of a great many factors. Handling livestock often involves a fluid, changing situation. The dog was expected to do what was needed according to the situation.
Herding breeds developed in different areas in response to local situations and needs. In many cases, the work required versatility. In other cases, there were particular conditions that led to some specialization. Conditions could change over time. Many tasks involve the same basics, wherever they take place. Thus, particular characteristics may appear more frequently in one breed compared to another, or may be considered to be more desirable in one breed than in another, while at the same time there can be a number characteristics in common, even if one dog tends to bark as it does its job, while another is largely silent. Two dogs can work quite differently but still be useful for the same basic task, while in other situations, one dog may have a way of going about things that is the best fit for the particular situation. What is important is that the dog do the work that is needed, in a calm, efficient way.
The manner in which a dog approaches and handles livestock is sometimes referred to as "style." This can encompass an overall way in which the dog works, or some particular aspect of its work. Many things are referred to under "style": the way the dog gathers the stock and brings it to the handler, pushes the stock away from the handler, barks, works silently, works close to the stock, works further from the stock, moves smoothly, moves brusquely or bouncily, crouches low to the ground, shows an upright stance, covers a balance point precisely or more loosely, etc. “Balance point” is a term that can have different interpretations, but here it is used to indicate the point at which the dog needs to be in relation to a group of animals or an individual animal to control the movement and direction of the animals; the “balance point” will be affected by factors such as the animals wanting to go toward something that attracts them, for instance a gate into an area where they are regularly fed. Often the reference to “style” relates to the natural tendencies shown by the dog with respect to such behaviors.
People like to categorize, and the livestock-working breeds have ended up at various times in various categories – for example, sheepdogs vis-a-vis cattledogs, or “headers” vis-a-vis “heelers,” among others. “Droving” dogs is another category used on occasion, sometimes being contrasted with “herding” dogs. Semantics enters in, with the same word having slightly different meanings to different people. Although categories usually have some basis in reality, they also should be approached with caution. Herding just isn’t that simple, as appealing as compartmentalizing might be to someone looking for simple answers. Oversimplification can proceed to the point of inaccuracy, for instance, recent assertions that herding breeds are divided into three styles called “fetching”, “driving,” and “tending” with the breeds listed neatly in their supposed categories. A bigger problem with such facile characterizations is that they can mislead beginners when it comes to considering training for their own dog. It is very helpful to learn about the original work of the breed. Different uses, situations and circumstances greatly influenced the herding dog's natural tendencies. This knowledge can give insights into behaviors frequently shown by that breed and into how to approach beginning training. It should not, however, be used to put the dog, solely because of its breed, into a narrow "breed style" box, which can lead to limitations and to frustrations of other kinds.
It would be a mistake to try to treat all stockdogs the same, lumping them all into one amorphous group, expecting them all to be trained in the same way and do the same job in the same way. Some training tasks come easier to some dogs than others, different situations or uses or training techniques can be suited better to one dog than another. Knowing that there are behaviors that may show up more often in particular breeds can help in the consideration of various training approaches to take. Being aware of particular uses of breeds can help in considering what breeds might be the likeliest source of a good candidate for a certain situation. Nonetheless, attempting to fit a dog into a pre-determined category based on a supposed “breed style” not only is erroneous, but can all too easily result in a limiting of a dog’s potential. There are similarities as well as differences both with respect to the breeds as a whole and with respect to individuals within the breeds. While one may be aware of general tendencies, one still should approach each dog as an individual.
Herding breeds developed in different areas in response to local situations and needs. In many cases, the work required versatility. In other cases, there were particular conditions that led to some specialization. Conditions could change over time. Many tasks involve the same basics, wherever they take place. Thus, particular characteristics may appear more frequently in one breed compared to another, or may be considered to be more desirable in one breed than in another, while at the same time there can be a number characteristics in common, even if one dog tends to bark as it does its job, while another is largely silent. Two dogs can work quite differently but still be useful for the same basic task, while in other situations, one dog may have a way of going about things that is the best fit for the particular situation. What is important is that the dog do the work that is needed, in a calm, efficient way.
The manner in which a dog approaches and handles livestock is sometimes referred to as "style." This can encompass an overall way in which the dog works, or some particular aspect of its work. Many things are referred to under "style": the way the dog gathers the stock and brings it to the handler, pushes the stock away from the handler, barks, works silently, works close to the stock, works further from the stock, moves smoothly, moves brusquely or bouncily, crouches low to the ground, shows an upright stance, covers a balance point precisely or more loosely, etc. “Balance point” is a term that can have different interpretations, but here it is used to indicate the point at which the dog needs to be in relation to a group of animals or an individual animal to control the movement and direction of the animals; the “balance point” will be affected by factors such as the animals wanting to go toward something that attracts them, for instance a gate into an area where they are regularly fed. Often the reference to “style” relates to the natural tendencies shown by the dog with respect to such behaviors.
People like to categorize, and the livestock-working breeds have ended up at various times in various categories – for example, sheepdogs vis-a-vis cattledogs, or “headers” vis-a-vis “heelers,” among others. “Droving” dogs is another category used on occasion, sometimes being contrasted with “herding” dogs. Semantics enters in, with the same word having slightly different meanings to different people. Although categories usually have some basis in reality, they also should be approached with caution. Herding just isn’t that simple, as appealing as compartmentalizing might be to someone looking for simple answers. Oversimplification can proceed to the point of inaccuracy, for instance, recent assertions that herding breeds are divided into three styles called “fetching”, “driving,” and “tending” with the breeds listed neatly in their supposed categories. A bigger problem with such facile characterizations is that they can mislead beginners when it comes to considering training for their own dog. It is very helpful to learn about the original work of the breed. Different uses, situations and circumstances greatly influenced the herding dog's natural tendencies. This knowledge can give insights into behaviors frequently shown by that breed and into how to approach beginning training. It should not, however, be used to put the dog, solely because of its breed, into a narrow "breed style" box, which can lead to limitations and to frustrations of other kinds.
It would be a mistake to try to treat all stockdogs the same, lumping them all into one amorphous group, expecting them all to be trained in the same way and do the same job in the same way. Some training tasks come easier to some dogs than others, different situations or uses or training techniques can be suited better to one dog than another. Knowing that there are behaviors that may show up more often in particular breeds can help in the consideration of various training approaches to take. Being aware of particular uses of breeds can help in considering what breeds might be the likeliest source of a good candidate for a certain situation. Nonetheless, attempting to fit a dog into a pre-determined category based on a supposed “breed style” not only is erroneous, but can all too easily result in a limiting of a dog’s potential. There are similarities as well as differences both with respect to the breeds as a whole and with respect to individuals within the breeds. While one may be aware of general tendencies, one still should approach each dog as an individual.
Strong-eyed/Loose-eyed
A notable difference between breeds in general is that between the “classic” strong-eyed, crouching, wide-working Border Collie (and many Kelpies), and most other breeds. "Strong eye” generally indicates a dog that uses an intent gaze as it works the stock, tending to approach in a low-to-the ground, stalking manner, often fixing attention on a small group or an individual, showing precision in reacting to the balance point of the group or an individual within the group. It is not merely intensity: although a strong-eyed dog will be intense, a loose-eyed dog can also be quite intense. Eye is, rather, a development of a self-checking tendency based on the stalking phase of the canine hunting pattern. The dog is sensitive to the flight “bubble” around the stock and will show a tendency in varying degrees to balance “vertically” (toward the stock) as well as horizontally” (from side to side). This self-checking tendency helps the dog “read” the stock in situations where slight movements can be critical. There can, however, be too much of a good thing, “sticky eye” being used to describe the dog that has such a strong tendency to pause when approaching stock that it will freeze in place rather than continuing to move when needed.
A notable difference between breeds in general is that between the “classic” strong-eyed, crouching, wide-working Border Collie (and many Kelpies), and most other breeds. "Strong eye” generally indicates a dog that uses an intent gaze as it works the stock, tending to approach in a low-to-the ground, stalking manner, often fixing attention on a small group or an individual, showing precision in reacting to the balance point of the group or an individual within the group. It is not merely intensity: although a strong-eyed dog will be intense, a loose-eyed dog can also be quite intense. Eye is, rather, a development of a self-checking tendency based on the stalking phase of the canine hunting pattern. The dog is sensitive to the flight “bubble” around the stock and will show a tendency in varying degrees to balance “vertically” (toward the stock) as well as horizontally” (from side to side). This self-checking tendency helps the dog “read” the stock in situations where slight movements can be critical. There can, however, be too much of a good thing, “sticky eye” being used to describe the dog that has such a strong tendency to pause when approaching stock that it will freeze in place rather than continuing to move when needed.
Loose-eyed dogs, on the other hand, generally work with an upright posture, often using their bodies in controlling the stock through movement, blocking, sometimes even bumping the animals, and usually showing an inclination to push right up to the stock with little apparent concern for the flight zone. The dog takes in the whole picture, glancing around from time to time while nonetheless being aware of the position of the stock. The loose-eyed dog usually has a "looser" balance, balancing more on the group as a whole than on an individual, or moving freely past a balance point and then reversing to recover it; this will be particularly noticeable on smaller groups of sheep. Often this balance will tighten up with experience, but some dogs, of course, have more of a sense of balance than others. There are dogs with little sense of balance or with a tendency to chase rather than herd that still can be used simply for pushing stock or “driving” in certain situations, but even this does not necessarily mean that the dog has solely or primarily some specific kind of instinctive “style,” i.e. “driving instinct." And while such dogs usually are more of the "loose-eyed" type, a good loose-eyed dog will have plenty of balance and genuine herding ability. Even “eye” doesn’t provide a hard-and-fast distinction. Individuals of breeds that are generally loose-eyed may show varying degrees of eye. Not all Border Collies are strong-eyed. Some dogs will use greater or lesser eye depending on the type or number of stock they are working.
Historical accounts indicate that, although "eye" has long existed in some strains of sheepdogs, up until the late 19th century most working collies (as is the case with most herding breeds) were loose-eyed dogs. This was because, although eye could be useful in practical situations, for many all-round farm situations it simply wasn't a necessity or even a particular advantage. John Holmes comments in The Farmer's Dog:
There are several other types of Collie quite distinct from the Border Collie in that they are 'loose-eyed' workers.
Most of these are native to Scotland and include the old-fashioned Scotch Collie from which the modern show
collie is descended . . . They were all easy-going, level-headed dogs, useful but not flashy workers, and quite
willing to lie about the place when there was nothing better to do. Personally I think it a great pity that this type
has been practically exterminated by the increasing popularity of "strong-eyed" dogs. For all-round farm work
they were often far more use than the classically bred [strong-eyed trials type] dog.
It was with the advent of sheepdog trials in Britain that "eye" was highlighted and given particular reward. Tony Iley writes in Sheepdogs at Work,
James Scott of Overhall, Hawick (International Champion 1908 and 1909), said that he had not seen ‘eye’ in
dogs until 1875, when he saw it in a bitch owned by John Crozier, a herd at Teviot Water, who got her from
Northumberland. Because of this is can be concluded that "eye" developed in various isolated families of dogs
in the period between 1740 and 1870. At this time it would not be widespread, and its value would not be fully
realized until the early trials began, starting with the first trial at Bala in Merioneth, Wales, in 1873. James Scott
also remarks that dogs were hard to stop in those days (1880 approx.).
The use of small groups of fairly flighty sheep was conducive to the success of a dog that was strong-eyed and wide-running, able to work at great distances from the handler with a high degree of precision and control. These characteristics were enhanced and spread by selective breeding, giving rise to the modern Border Collie. While becoming better known through their performances in ISDS trials, Border Collies are also, of course, used in a variety of practical working situations, on large groups as well as small and on all kinds of livestock both light and heavy.
The now-familiar ISDS trials, popular in Britain and the U.S. and increasingly being held in continental Europe, were designed as they were both to provide a challenging contest and because in the hilly areas of Britain the work often involved gathering sheep from distances on the hills, sheep that usually didn’t receive the close daily contact with men and dogs that they might
in other situations. The ISDS trials, however, while reflecting conditions prevalent in many parts of Britain and producing a dog very adaptable to other situations, did not represent all British and American herding practices.
In many situations sheep in Britain and America did receive daily human contact -- sheep being kept on family farms, for instance, or sheep being tended by shepherds in the West who camped out with their flocks, or sheep that were taken out daily to graze. In more recent times the latter practice has diminished considerably, but in parts of Britain, particularly in southern England, into the early 20th century sheep continued to be taken out daily to graze on unfenced fields; these sheep there were not the flighty hill breeds of the Border. In Wales, one of the noted tasks of the Welsh Sheepdog was to keep the sheep grazing where they were supposed to without benefit of fences:
The fencing of the common grounds and hills is quite recent, and the heading dogs could keep their charges in
a flock and under control in open ground. They would stop them from getting mixed up with others and, just as
importantly, they would be used to protect crops grown in open fields and even save the vegetables and flowers
in unfenced gardens from the predations of the ever hungry grazing sheep.”
"The Welsh Dog -- A Part of the Nation's Heritage,"
by Aza Pinney, Working Sheepdog News
There are several other types of Collie quite distinct from the Border Collie in that they are 'loose-eyed' workers.
Most of these are native to Scotland and include the old-fashioned Scotch Collie from which the modern show
collie is descended . . . They were all easy-going, level-headed dogs, useful but not flashy workers, and quite
willing to lie about the place when there was nothing better to do. Personally I think it a great pity that this type
has been practically exterminated by the increasing popularity of "strong-eyed" dogs. For all-round farm work
they were often far more use than the classically bred [strong-eyed trials type] dog.
It was with the advent of sheepdog trials in Britain that "eye" was highlighted and given particular reward. Tony Iley writes in Sheepdogs at Work,
James Scott of Overhall, Hawick (International Champion 1908 and 1909), said that he had not seen ‘eye’ in
dogs until 1875, when he saw it in a bitch owned by John Crozier, a herd at Teviot Water, who got her from
Northumberland. Because of this is can be concluded that "eye" developed in various isolated families of dogs
in the period between 1740 and 1870. At this time it would not be widespread, and its value would not be fully
realized until the early trials began, starting with the first trial at Bala in Merioneth, Wales, in 1873. James Scott
also remarks that dogs were hard to stop in those days (1880 approx.).
The use of small groups of fairly flighty sheep was conducive to the success of a dog that was strong-eyed and wide-running, able to work at great distances from the handler with a high degree of precision and control. These characteristics were enhanced and spread by selective breeding, giving rise to the modern Border Collie. While becoming better known through their performances in ISDS trials, Border Collies are also, of course, used in a variety of practical working situations, on large groups as well as small and on all kinds of livestock both light and heavy.
The now-familiar ISDS trials, popular in Britain and the U.S. and increasingly being held in continental Europe, were designed as they were both to provide a challenging contest and because in the hilly areas of Britain the work often involved gathering sheep from distances on the hills, sheep that usually didn’t receive the close daily contact with men and dogs that they might
in other situations. The ISDS trials, however, while reflecting conditions prevalent in many parts of Britain and producing a dog very adaptable to other situations, did not represent all British and American herding practices.
In many situations sheep in Britain and America did receive daily human contact -- sheep being kept on family farms, for instance, or sheep being tended by shepherds in the West who camped out with their flocks, or sheep that were taken out daily to graze. In more recent times the latter practice has diminished considerably, but in parts of Britain, particularly in southern England, into the early 20th century sheep continued to be taken out daily to graze on unfenced fields; these sheep there were not the flighty hill breeds of the Border. In Wales, one of the noted tasks of the Welsh Sheepdog was to keep the sheep grazing where they were supposed to without benefit of fences:
The fencing of the common grounds and hills is quite recent, and the heading dogs could keep their charges in
a flock and under control in open ground. They would stop them from getting mixed up with others and, just as
importantly, they would be used to protect crops grown in open fields and even save the vegetables and flowers
in unfenced gardens from the predations of the ever hungry grazing sheep.”
"The Welsh Dog -- A Part of the Nation's Heritage,"
by Aza Pinney, Working Sheepdog News
Sheep grazing under the supervision of a shepherd
and dogs in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 1930's. Sheep that are accustomed to dogs and people, especially when in larger groups, will be slower to react to the dog’s mere presence and the dog may often need to push them. In addition, some breeds of sheep by nature are less wary than others and more inclined to resist the dog. Goats and cattle also may require a more forceful approach. With “heavier” stock and stock in large groups, precision of movement is not as critical as in the case of smaller groups and flightier animals, and with a large group free movement may be necessary in order to cover the many individual “balance points” and the broader overall balance point of the large group. These situations remained suitable for the manner of work shown by the typical loose-eyed, close-run dog.
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Such tending of grazing flocks in unfenced areas was not unknown in the United States. It was a common practice in the wide open spaces of the American West, but also occurred in Midwestern and eastern farming areas and even in urban areas. Into the early 20th century sheep were being grazed in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Baltimore's Druid Hill Park. The Sheep Meadow in Central Park in New York City came by that name due to the sheep that were grazed there from the 1860s into the 1930s. The sheep were kept in the building that later became the Tavern on the Green Restaurant. Twice a day they were taken across West 67th Street to and from the park.
Sheep on the Sheep Meadow in Central Park, NYC
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Not all of the early trials followed the ISDS pattern, as can be seen in the accounts of a trial held in 1880 in Philadelphia or a trial held in 1892 in Belgium -- but for various reasons those other types of trials largely fell by the wayside, although some did continue, for instance the traditional trials of France and the HGH of Germany. Changes in society brought about, and continue to bring about, a diminishing of many formerly common types of stock-handling.
Nonetheless, loose-eyed, close-working dogs continued in their role as all-purpose farm or ranch dogs, including breeds closely related to the Border Collie such as the English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd and Rough Collie, as well as breeds from other areas such as the Belgian Tervuren, the Beauceron of France, etc. These dogs typically worked large numbers of stock and/or farm animals of various types that were somewhat accustomed to being handled.
Nonetheless, loose-eyed, close-working dogs continued in their role as all-purpose farm or ranch dogs, including breeds closely related to the Border Collie such as the English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd and Rough Collie, as well as breeds from other areas such as the Belgian Tervuren, the Beauceron of France, etc. These dogs typically worked large numbers of stock and/or farm animals of various types that were somewhat accustomed to being handled.
Separation from Their Working Roots
As time went on, many breeds were bred more as show, pet or protection dogs and less as herders. A recent increase in interest in the original working capabilities of dogs has brought some renewed attention to stock work in a number of breeds. For many breeds, however, there are complicating factors involved in the investigation of their working tendencies. For one, there is little detailed information going back any length of time as to specifics of training or even use. For another, terms have changed over time. For instance, today “driving” is often used to indicate the dog at the rear of the flock pushing the animals ahead of or away from the handler. But in earlier times (and in many cases today as well), “driving” meant simply moving the stock, and a reference to a dog driving a group will also mention the handler leading the way, or what today often would be termed “fetching.”
Another complication arises from the fact that most of the breeds today have long been bred for things other than handling livestock. Many still retain varying degrees of herding ability, but they did not go unaffected by the lack of breeding focused on that ability. A dog being bred primarily as a mild family pet may lack the desire and ability of its ancestors to stop a charging bull, preferring to spend a lazy day on the couch instead. A dog bred for the intensity of competitive protection work may not smoothly settle with sheep. This is not to say that there aren’t gentle, calm family dogs that can handle a tough bull or ram, or dogs with generations of police work behind them that will reveal the skills of their sheepdog ancestry when given the opportunity. The point is simply that dogs are affected by selection, and it is to be expected that other factors may be affecting the tendencies seen in some herding breed dogs today. It is important to avoid the temptation, great as it can be, to excuse lesser talent with the claim that a dog simply has a “different breed style,” just as, on the other hand, it can’t be claimed that there is only one correct way of working.
It isn’t simply an ingredient of “eye” that has made the Border Collie such a notable herder – it is the fact that while other breeds were being taken in other directions, Border Collies continued to be bred almost exclusively for a range of qualities needed in a good stockdog. Foy Evans, a Border Collie trainer, wrote in a letter that appeared in the Dec. 1961 issue of Collie Cues magazine:
I’ll never forget the first truly good dog I ever owned. He was the biggest and one of the most beautiful sable
and white AKC registered Collies who ever lived. He worked for me four years on a dairy farm. He was fantastic –
literally a genius in the dog world. His breeding potential was almost entirely wasted. He sired one litter and even
though the dam was plain and unregistered, the pups were marvelous stock dogs. He did not have the eye and
crouch of the Border Collies, which I have now, but for brains and inherent know-how, I have never seen his
equal . . . I gave up the breed because I couldn’t find a female even half-way suitable . . . Prince was used
equally well on cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry. He was most effective, efficient and quick to learn. His speed
was determined by my tone of voice as was his patience or roughness.
Here was a very capable dog. But, as Mr. Evans pointed out, his line disappeared.
As time went on, many breeds were bred more as show, pet or protection dogs and less as herders. A recent increase in interest in the original working capabilities of dogs has brought some renewed attention to stock work in a number of breeds. For many breeds, however, there are complicating factors involved in the investigation of their working tendencies. For one, there is little detailed information going back any length of time as to specifics of training or even use. For another, terms have changed over time. For instance, today “driving” is often used to indicate the dog at the rear of the flock pushing the animals ahead of or away from the handler. But in earlier times (and in many cases today as well), “driving” meant simply moving the stock, and a reference to a dog driving a group will also mention the handler leading the way, or what today often would be termed “fetching.”
Another complication arises from the fact that most of the breeds today have long been bred for things other than handling livestock. Many still retain varying degrees of herding ability, but they did not go unaffected by the lack of breeding focused on that ability. A dog being bred primarily as a mild family pet may lack the desire and ability of its ancestors to stop a charging bull, preferring to spend a lazy day on the couch instead. A dog bred for the intensity of competitive protection work may not smoothly settle with sheep. This is not to say that there aren’t gentle, calm family dogs that can handle a tough bull or ram, or dogs with generations of police work behind them that will reveal the skills of their sheepdog ancestry when given the opportunity. The point is simply that dogs are affected by selection, and it is to be expected that other factors may be affecting the tendencies seen in some herding breed dogs today. It is important to avoid the temptation, great as it can be, to excuse lesser talent with the claim that a dog simply has a “different breed style,” just as, on the other hand, it can’t be claimed that there is only one correct way of working.
It isn’t simply an ingredient of “eye” that has made the Border Collie such a notable herder – it is the fact that while other breeds were being taken in other directions, Border Collies continued to be bred almost exclusively for a range of qualities needed in a good stockdog. Foy Evans, a Border Collie trainer, wrote in a letter that appeared in the Dec. 1961 issue of Collie Cues magazine:
I’ll never forget the first truly good dog I ever owned. He was the biggest and one of the most beautiful sable
and white AKC registered Collies who ever lived. He worked for me four years on a dairy farm. He was fantastic –
literally a genius in the dog world. His breeding potential was almost entirely wasted. He sired one litter and even
though the dam was plain and unregistered, the pups were marvelous stock dogs. He did not have the eye and
crouch of the Border Collies, which I have now, but for brains and inherent know-how, I have never seen his
equal . . . I gave up the breed because I couldn’t find a female even half-way suitable . . . Prince was used
equally well on cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry. He was most effective, efficient and quick to learn. His speed
was determined by my tone of voice as was his patience or roughness.
Here was a very capable dog. But, as Mr. Evans pointed out, his line disappeared.
Differences and Similarities
Herding is the result of complex factors. The individual dog, given the opportunity, will reveal its natural tendencies, and these tendencies are also subject to being shaped by experience and training.
Historically, and at present where the opportunity exists, dogs might work with a particular type of stock or with all types of stock, according to the needs of the particular farm or ranch. Some types of work might be more prevalent in one region than another. Dogs might gather, drive, or do both as needed. They might remain all their lives on one farm, or go on the road to take stock to market. They might need to keep stock in or out of certain areas. They might serve as watchdogs for property and family, or take up the role of playmate for the children.
Many farm and ranch dogs performed a multitude of tasks – including tasks not involved with working the livestock – and in many cases there is a lack of detailed historical information as to just what work was done and how it was performed. How is it to be decided, then, which of several jobs is the "proper" one for a particular breed or which era of history is to be looked upon as the "true" one to be imitated? Not every task of a herding dog, or every individual tendency occurring in herding dogs, constitutes a distinct, specific "breed style." Even in some cases where a breed might have been used more for one job than another, it still wouldn’t necessarily be selected for that job alone.
Herding is the result of complex factors. The individual dog, given the opportunity, will reveal its natural tendencies, and these tendencies are also subject to being shaped by experience and training.
Historically, and at present where the opportunity exists, dogs might work with a particular type of stock or with all types of stock, according to the needs of the particular farm or ranch. Some types of work might be more prevalent in one region than another. Dogs might gather, drive, or do both as needed. They might remain all their lives on one farm, or go on the road to take stock to market. They might need to keep stock in or out of certain areas. They might serve as watchdogs for property and family, or take up the role of playmate for the children.
Many farm and ranch dogs performed a multitude of tasks – including tasks not involved with working the livestock – and in many cases there is a lack of detailed historical information as to just what work was done and how it was performed. How is it to be decided, then, which of several jobs is the "proper" one for a particular breed or which era of history is to be looked upon as the "true" one to be imitated? Not every task of a herding dog, or every individual tendency occurring in herding dogs, constitutes a distinct, specific "breed style." Even in some cases where a breed might have been used more for one job than another, it still wouldn’t necessarily be selected for that job alone.
The emphasis in another breed wouldn't be exactly the same. The Sheltie, for instance, was not developed with the same need to move large groups of range cattle in hot, dusty conditions. But neither is the ideal Sheltie a soft dog capable of working only the mildest animals. The working Sheltie should have strength and determination. The Sheltie was required to handle a variety of livestock -- the island sheep, which were noted for being stubborn and difficult to work, poultry, cattle and ponies -- as well as fit into a small home and be a family companion and watchdog.
As another example, the Old English Sheepdog was used both for tending flocks while they grazed and as a drover, taking animals to market. Its work with heavy lowland flocks and its drover's role favored a dog of a certain build and gait. It was not bred to cast out long distances up mountainsides. Nonetheless, it did need to be able to perform a variety of jobs, including gathering and fetching. To take only one of its uses and promote it at the expense of all else, would only limit the abilities of the breed and in fact be untrue to its history.
In Australia, a stockman might have a Kelpie that was especially good at casting out and gathering sheep, and another Kelpie that was less good at casting and gathering but excellent for pushing the sheep in the pens. Nonetheless, there would be times when the casting dog had to help push and the pushing dog had to help gather. Some breeders might concentrate on a line with a specialized set of skills, while others would breed for an all-rounder.
There naturally will be more consistency of herding behavior shown in the Border Collie, a breed selected almost exclusively as a stockdog for many generations, although even in the Border Collie there is a variety of tendencies. Whatever the breed, the standard should be good, efficient, practical work, with training based on the dog's individual natural tendencies and the tasks that need doing.
As another example, the Old English Sheepdog was used both for tending flocks while they grazed and as a drover, taking animals to market. Its work with heavy lowland flocks and its drover's role favored a dog of a certain build and gait. It was not bred to cast out long distances up mountainsides. Nonetheless, it did need to be able to perform a variety of jobs, including gathering and fetching. To take only one of its uses and promote it at the expense of all else, would only limit the abilities of the breed and in fact be untrue to its history.
In Australia, a stockman might have a Kelpie that was especially good at casting out and gathering sheep, and another Kelpie that was less good at casting and gathering but excellent for pushing the sheep in the pens. Nonetheless, there would be times when the casting dog had to help push and the pushing dog had to help gather. Some breeders might concentrate on a line with a specialized set of skills, while others would breed for an all-rounder.
There naturally will be more consistency of herding behavior shown in the Border Collie, a breed selected almost exclusively as a stockdog for many generations, although even in the Border Collie there is a variety of tendencies. Whatever the breed, the standard should be good, efficient, practical work, with training based on the dog's individual natural tendencies and the tasks that need doing.
The Old-fashioned All-around Farm Dog
As society has become more urbanized, family farms have diminished and agricultural practices have changed, many people will only see a dog working livestock at a local or televised trial. Almost forgotten are many of the jobs of the all-around farm dog. In America, many of these dogs are remembered as the “Old Shep” on grandpa’s farm. Usually with a working collie back-ground, these dogs were called variously “farm shepherds” or “farm collies” and some went into the development of modern registered breeds such as the English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd.
Generally these farm dogs were loose-eyed, upright workers, relaxed in nature but forceful when necessary. Most commonly they worked in a fairly routine situation with familiar animals, although there would also be times when routine would be broken or unfamiliar animals would need to be handled. They brought the cows in for milking and drove them back, gathered sheep from the pasture and searched for any animals that were lost or had strayed. They might go along with the farm children to watch over cattle or sheep being grazed in unfenced fields, and remain on the job while the children went off to find fun else-where! They watched gates that had been left open, drove out the pigs that invaded the orchard and put them back in their place, rounded up the chickens to put them away for the night – any number of tasks that might need doing.
As society has become more urbanized, family farms have diminished and agricultural practices have changed, many people will only see a dog working livestock at a local or televised trial. Almost forgotten are many of the jobs of the all-around farm dog. In America, many of these dogs are remembered as the “Old Shep” on grandpa’s farm. Usually with a working collie back-ground, these dogs were called variously “farm shepherds” or “farm collies” and some went into the development of modern registered breeds such as the English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd.
Generally these farm dogs were loose-eyed, upright workers, relaxed in nature but forceful when necessary. Most commonly they worked in a fairly routine situation with familiar animals, although there would also be times when routine would be broken or unfamiliar animals would need to be handled. They brought the cows in for milking and drove them back, gathered sheep from the pasture and searched for any animals that were lost or had strayed. They might go along with the farm children to watch over cattle or sheep being grazed in unfenced fields, and remain on the job while the children went off to find fun else-where! They watched gates that had been left open, drove out the pigs that invaded the orchard and put them back in their place, rounded up the chickens to put them away for the night – any number of tasks that might need doing.
The dog on the family farm not only handled farm animals of many kinds, but kept “varmints” under control, was used as a hunting dog to help supply food for the table, played with and “baby-sat” the children, served as a watch and guard dog for property, family and animals. Sometimes they were used to power a small treadmill for tasks such as running a butter churn. When herding, the dog might be called upon to handle everything from an obstreperous bull or stubborn pigs which might require a forceful manner, to young lambs and poultry which required gentle handling.
With its sense of propriety over the animals and its attachment to its family and farm, the old-fashioned farm dog was often a dual-purpose herding dog and stock guardian. In some regions, such as the mountainous areas of Europe, it was a common practice to use a large, calm-natured, but powerful dog for guarding the flocks, dogs which lived out with the animals, and a smaller, more active herding dog for herding and moving the animals. The active herding dog often cannot be left loose around the farm animals because of the intensity of its working drive, particularly developed in trials-bred or more specialized dogs. The good general-purpose farm dog, however, could be trusted loose on the farm. It would know the limits of its farm and would not only keep predators, animal and human, away from its territory, but would also distinguish between trespassing livestock and its “own” livestock. If the resident livestock strayed, without being told the reliable farm dog would return them to their proper place. Accounts of Swiss cattledogs provide a picture much like that of the American “Old Shep”:
They do not require special training in order to become something useful. They are praised above all for incorruptible
loyalty, watchfulness and attentiveness. Many develop quite special intelligence in protecting and watching, for
example in holding horses, guarding the car, knowing exact property boundaries, protection of children and women.
Driving and searching for lost cattle are more or less innate in all. The dog needs only opportunity and examples,
no special training. They usually go very well on foot and behind the wagon. They are, if not spoiled when young,
gentle with chickens and cats.
Dr. H.c. Hans Raeber, Die Schweizer Hunderassen, 1980
(quoting an earlier account of Professor Albert Heim c. 1900).
While herding is generally considered to be based on the canine prey drive, many of these old-fashioned farm dogs showed a tendency to treat the farm animals as subordinate pack members. They would control the movement of the animals, actively herding them when that was needed, keeping the animals in order as necessary, but could also be left among the animals and would not bother them so long as the animals behaved themselves and stayed in the areas where they belonged. Such dogs might even show nurturing behaviors toward very young animals. It should be kept in mind, however, that the division between “prey drive” and “pack behavior” is not a clearcut one in the stock-working dog, and the extent to which dogs will display one or the other or elements of both will vary considerably. While such dominance-based or nurturing-based behaviors were notably developed in individual old-time farm shepherds and farm collies, not all of them demonstrated these behaviors, and these behaviors can show up to greater or lesser degrees in other breeds as well.
The farm dog often received very little formal training but learned its responsibilities as it grew up, receiving its training in the form of general supervision and guidance “on the job.” Purely herding qualities can be evaluated to a certain extent through trials, but many of the characteristics notable in the all-round farm dog can only be seen in a daily, on-the-job situation, and in the case of the non-specialized family farm this context is one that has diminished considerably over the years.
With its sense of propriety over the animals and its attachment to its family and farm, the old-fashioned farm dog was often a dual-purpose herding dog and stock guardian. In some regions, such as the mountainous areas of Europe, it was a common practice to use a large, calm-natured, but powerful dog for guarding the flocks, dogs which lived out with the animals, and a smaller, more active herding dog for herding and moving the animals. The active herding dog often cannot be left loose around the farm animals because of the intensity of its working drive, particularly developed in trials-bred or more specialized dogs. The good general-purpose farm dog, however, could be trusted loose on the farm. It would know the limits of its farm and would not only keep predators, animal and human, away from its territory, but would also distinguish between trespassing livestock and its “own” livestock. If the resident livestock strayed, without being told the reliable farm dog would return them to their proper place. Accounts of Swiss cattledogs provide a picture much like that of the American “Old Shep”:
They do not require special training in order to become something useful. They are praised above all for incorruptible
loyalty, watchfulness and attentiveness. Many develop quite special intelligence in protecting and watching, for
example in holding horses, guarding the car, knowing exact property boundaries, protection of children and women.
Driving and searching for lost cattle are more or less innate in all. The dog needs only opportunity and examples,
no special training. They usually go very well on foot and behind the wagon. They are, if not spoiled when young,
gentle with chickens and cats.
Dr. H.c. Hans Raeber, Die Schweizer Hunderassen, 1980
(quoting an earlier account of Professor Albert Heim c. 1900).
While herding is generally considered to be based on the canine prey drive, many of these old-fashioned farm dogs showed a tendency to treat the farm animals as subordinate pack members. They would control the movement of the animals, actively herding them when that was needed, keeping the animals in order as necessary, but could also be left among the animals and would not bother them so long as the animals behaved themselves and stayed in the areas where they belonged. Such dogs might even show nurturing behaviors toward very young animals. It should be kept in mind, however, that the division between “prey drive” and “pack behavior” is not a clearcut one in the stock-working dog, and the extent to which dogs will display one or the other or elements of both will vary considerably. While such dominance-based or nurturing-based behaviors were notably developed in individual old-time farm shepherds and farm collies, not all of them demonstrated these behaviors, and these behaviors can show up to greater or lesser degrees in other breeds as well.
The farm dog often received very little formal training but learned its responsibilities as it grew up, receiving its training in the form of general supervision and guidance “on the job.” Purely herding qualities can be evaluated to a certain extent through trials, but many of the characteristics notable in the all-round farm dog can only be seen in a daily, on-the-job situation, and in the case of the non-specialized family farm this context is one that has diminished considerably over the years.
Cur Breeds
Old British accounts refer to the “Cur” as a type of dog related to the “Shepherd’s Dog” but generally larger, stronger, most often shorthaired, frequently bobtailed, used primarily for working cattle. Dogs of this type came with settlers to America. Over time, several breeds referred to as Curs, including the Florida Cur, Black Mouth Cur, Catahoula Leopard, and Lacy dog, were developed for the conditions prevalent particularly in the southern regions of the U.S. and over into Texas. In these areas it was common for cattle and hogs to be free-ranging. Cur dogs were used to track and locate the semi-wild cattle and hogs and help round them up. In this kind of work, typically a team of dogs is used, which upon finding the animals, circle them and bring them to bay. The dogs’ barking helps lead the horsemen to the location, and the dogs keep the animals grouped, turning back any animal that tries to leave, nipping or gripping if necessary. The gathered animals are moved to corrals by the horsemen driving them from behind, while the dogs range around the group, particularly at the front and sides, preventing escapes. One technique used by the dogs was to “tease” the animals into chasing after them, the dogs knowing to head to the corrals. An escape hatch on the far side of the corral provided an exit for the dog once the animals had followed them into the corral, with the horseman riding up behind to close the gates.
The tough conditions require a tough, intelligent dog able to use initiative. Training generally has been of the “learn on the job” type, and when working, commands tend to be few, with a high reliance on the dogs’ instinct and experience. Like other breeds of stockdogs, the Cur breeds are adaptable, and individuals can be trained to do the more common type of herding done by other loose-eyed, upright breeds. Cur dogs were traditionally general-purpose dogs, used for hunting as well as stock work. Some Cur breeds, with more hound influence, are now primarily hunting dogs, but the stock-working Curs continue to do their traditional work.
Old British accounts refer to the “Cur” as a type of dog related to the “Shepherd’s Dog” but generally larger, stronger, most often shorthaired, frequently bobtailed, used primarily for working cattle. Dogs of this type came with settlers to America. Over time, several breeds referred to as Curs, including the Florida Cur, Black Mouth Cur, Catahoula Leopard, and Lacy dog, were developed for the conditions prevalent particularly in the southern regions of the U.S. and over into Texas. In these areas it was common for cattle and hogs to be free-ranging. Cur dogs were used to track and locate the semi-wild cattle and hogs and help round them up. In this kind of work, typically a team of dogs is used, which upon finding the animals, circle them and bring them to bay. The dogs’ barking helps lead the horsemen to the location, and the dogs keep the animals grouped, turning back any animal that tries to leave, nipping or gripping if necessary. The gathered animals are moved to corrals by the horsemen driving them from behind, while the dogs range around the group, particularly at the front and sides, preventing escapes. One technique used by the dogs was to “tease” the animals into chasing after them, the dogs knowing to head to the corrals. An escape hatch on the far side of the corral provided an exit for the dog once the animals had followed them into the corral, with the horseman riding up behind to close the gates.
The tough conditions require a tough, intelligent dog able to use initiative. Training generally has been of the “learn on the job” type, and when working, commands tend to be few, with a high reliance on the dogs’ instinct and experience. Like other breeds of stockdogs, the Cur breeds are adaptable, and individuals can be trained to do the more common type of herding done by other loose-eyed, upright breeds. Cur dogs were traditionally general-purpose dogs, used for hunting as well as stock work. Some Cur breeds, with more hound influence, are now primarily hunting dogs, but the stock-working Curs continue to do their traditional work.
Droving Dogs
“Droving” is sometimes confused with “driving,” leading to the thought that a dog described in old accounts as a “droving” dog must have had particular instincts to “drive” the animals out ahead of the handler as opposed to “fetching.” However, this is not the case. "Droving" meant taking the stock some distance, down roads or lanes, usually to market. This work required flexibility. The dog had to be able to work any position relative to the stock. It had to be able to push at the rear, and go to the head to turn the group or stop breakaway attempts. While some breeds came to be associated with droving work, in fact the droving dog usually was just the common local farm dog picked up by the drover, and suitability for the work had more to do with considerations of stamina and temperament. An account of working Smooth Collies in Canada in the 1920’s provides a picture of a drover’s dog:
A drover, who went from farm to farm buying cattle, had one of these smooths. The dog brought the cattle along,
held them while the drover dickered, collected the purchased cows and drove them down the road till he caught
up to the drover again, who would go on ahead. At the end of the day the drover could go home ahead of the dog,
telling him only to bring them home, and he would always arrive with them all, steady and unhurried, no matter
how far or how late the hour.”
Katherine M. Nicks, Collie and Shetland Sheepdog Review, May 1960.
“Droving” is sometimes confused with “driving,” leading to the thought that a dog described in old accounts as a “droving” dog must have had particular instincts to “drive” the animals out ahead of the handler as opposed to “fetching.” However, this is not the case. "Droving" meant taking the stock some distance, down roads or lanes, usually to market. This work required flexibility. The dog had to be able to work any position relative to the stock. It had to be able to push at the rear, and go to the head to turn the group or stop breakaway attempts. While some breeds came to be associated with droving work, in fact the droving dog usually was just the common local farm dog picked up by the drover, and suitability for the work had more to do with considerations of stamina and temperament. An account of working Smooth Collies in Canada in the 1920’s provides a picture of a drover’s dog:
A drover, who went from farm to farm buying cattle, had one of these smooths. The dog brought the cattle along,
held them while the drover dickered, collected the purchased cows and drove them down the road till he caught
up to the drover again, who would go on ahead. At the end of the day the drover could go home ahead of the dog,
telling him only to bring them home, and he would always arrive with them all, steady and unhurried, no matter
how far or how late the hour.”
Katherine M. Nicks, Collie and Shetland Sheepdog Review, May 1960.
The Drover's Halt, Richard Ansdell, 1873
Another account of droving is related in A Lifetime with the Working Collie, Their Training and History, 1979, by Arthur Allen (1904-1996):
Illinois had open range at that time [1880s]. Because of the open and rather wild country that it was, the dogs
were more important. These dogs were large and more stern than the Border Collie of today and were used for
working all kinds of livestock. . . .
My father, even at a comparatively young age, was able to handle these dogs in such a manner that a livestock
and mule dealer asked him to go with him to take a drove of mules from Illinois through Kentucky and Tennessee
to sell to the cotton and tobacco farmers. His dogs were used to contain the mules and were also very important
as guard dogs because there were many highwaymen waiting to prey on travelers. This man carried considerable
amounts of money from the sale of his mules, so the dogs served a twofold purpose.
After entering Kentucky, the trader sold as may mules as he could for cash, and on reaching the end of the planned
route, he would turn back for Illinois with those mules he had not sold. On the way back, he visited farmers who
wanted to trade sheep for mules since they did not have the cash to buy the mule. The trader would not only trade
for sheep but he would buy more with the money he had. Then turning the sheep over to my father and his dogs
they started the long trip back to Illinois.
The sheep were moved slowly and allowed to graze and were expected to gain weight on the trip. When they
reached the Ohio river they were ferried across the river and landed at Shawneetown, Illinois. . . .
The livestock dealer that my father was working for saw the possibility of extending his business and the opportunity
of using my father and his dogs. In as much as, all farm families raised geese to supplement the family income
and buy winter clothes, there were thousands of geese for sale each fall. He would scout the country and contract
the geese, to be gathered at a later date, to be herded to Shawneetown to be sold, a distance of about 65 miles.
They used two wagons, one a campwagon and the other one loaded with corn to feed the geese and to help settle
them for the night. Traveling this great distance many of the geese would get sore feet and for this they carried a
bucket of pine tar. The lame geese would be caught and their feet dipped in the pine tar. The tar was not only a
healing agent but would pick up bits of dead grass and leaves, forming a protective coat on the goose's foot. In
short the goose would have a new pair of shoes.
By the time my father had reached manhood he had spent many nights sleeping in a campwagon or on the
ground around a campfire, and had acquired a vast knowledge of working dogs on all classes of livestock under
very adverse conditions.
About the time he married my mother the railroads were becoming popular and livestock was hauled to market
by rail. My father and a Mr. Murtrey entered into a contract with a Commission Company in Buffalo, N.Y. to buy
livestock which was gathered over surrounding counties and herded to the Springerton, Illinois stockyard to be
shipped to Buffalo, N.Y. or Cincinnati, Ohio. His method of gathering the herd was to ride a horse and lead the
way as he picked up the stock along the road leaving his dogs to bring them behind him.
There have been situations where farmers or ranchers have wanted a dog to mostly drive and so have used and trained their dogs in that way. Some dogs will take more easily than others to being encouraged or trained to stay on the same side of the animals as the handler. Nonetheless, the fact that one dog might show a stronger gathering tendency than another dog doesn't mean that the dog whose gathering tendency is less pronounced necessarily has some kind of opposite driving tendency instead. Another person with the same breed or even the same dog who moves to a new situation, will find that the dog can readily learn to do gathering work and will develop a wider range of skills.
Some behaviors can be mistakenly linked to driving. For instance, an inexperienced dog may lack confidence and be inclined to stay with the handler for "moral support." Similarly, a dog that is out of condition or only mildly interested may be content to follow. Nor should chasing be confused with driving; it is an unfortunate fact, but true, that some dogs are more talented than others. The recommendations for these dogs would be, depending on the case: to help the dog develop a feeling of confidence, or get it into shape, or help it develop its interest, or provide more guidance and training.
Illinois had open range at that time [1880s]. Because of the open and rather wild country that it was, the dogs
were more important. These dogs were large and more stern than the Border Collie of today and were used for
working all kinds of livestock. . . .
My father, even at a comparatively young age, was able to handle these dogs in such a manner that a livestock
and mule dealer asked him to go with him to take a drove of mules from Illinois through Kentucky and Tennessee
to sell to the cotton and tobacco farmers. His dogs were used to contain the mules and were also very important
as guard dogs because there were many highwaymen waiting to prey on travelers. This man carried considerable
amounts of money from the sale of his mules, so the dogs served a twofold purpose.
After entering Kentucky, the trader sold as may mules as he could for cash, and on reaching the end of the planned
route, he would turn back for Illinois with those mules he had not sold. On the way back, he visited farmers who
wanted to trade sheep for mules since they did not have the cash to buy the mule. The trader would not only trade
for sheep but he would buy more with the money he had. Then turning the sheep over to my father and his dogs
they started the long trip back to Illinois.
The sheep were moved slowly and allowed to graze and were expected to gain weight on the trip. When they
reached the Ohio river they were ferried across the river and landed at Shawneetown, Illinois. . . .
The livestock dealer that my father was working for saw the possibility of extending his business and the opportunity
of using my father and his dogs. In as much as, all farm families raised geese to supplement the family income
and buy winter clothes, there were thousands of geese for sale each fall. He would scout the country and contract
the geese, to be gathered at a later date, to be herded to Shawneetown to be sold, a distance of about 65 miles.
They used two wagons, one a campwagon and the other one loaded with corn to feed the geese and to help settle
them for the night. Traveling this great distance many of the geese would get sore feet and for this they carried a
bucket of pine tar. The lame geese would be caught and their feet dipped in the pine tar. The tar was not only a
healing agent but would pick up bits of dead grass and leaves, forming a protective coat on the goose's foot. In
short the goose would have a new pair of shoes.
By the time my father had reached manhood he had spent many nights sleeping in a campwagon or on the
ground around a campfire, and had acquired a vast knowledge of working dogs on all classes of livestock under
very adverse conditions.
About the time he married my mother the railroads were becoming popular and livestock was hauled to market
by rail. My father and a Mr. Murtrey entered into a contract with a Commission Company in Buffalo, N.Y. to buy
livestock which was gathered over surrounding counties and herded to the Springerton, Illinois stockyard to be
shipped to Buffalo, N.Y. or Cincinnati, Ohio. His method of gathering the herd was to ride a horse and lead the
way as he picked up the stock along the road leaving his dogs to bring them behind him.
There have been situations where farmers or ranchers have wanted a dog to mostly drive and so have used and trained their dogs in that way. Some dogs will take more easily than others to being encouraged or trained to stay on the same side of the animals as the handler. Nonetheless, the fact that one dog might show a stronger gathering tendency than another dog doesn't mean that the dog whose gathering tendency is less pronounced necessarily has some kind of opposite driving tendency instead. Another person with the same breed or even the same dog who moves to a new situation, will find that the dog can readily learn to do gathering work and will develop a wider range of skills.
Some behaviors can be mistakenly linked to driving. For instance, an inexperienced dog may lack confidence and be inclined to stay with the handler for "moral support." Similarly, a dog that is out of condition or only mildly interested may be content to follow. Nor should chasing be confused with driving; it is an unfortunate fact, but true, that some dogs are more talented than others. The recommendations for these dogs would be, depending on the case: to help the dog develop a feeling of confidence, or get it into shape, or help it develop its interest, or provide more guidance and training.
"Continental" Practices
In Britain, as time went on more fields were enclosed and the practice of tending flocks in unfenced grazing areas diminished considerably. Lacking the large predators that persisted in many parts of the continent, the guardian qualities of the all-round herding dog become less important, although these characteristics were preserved to a large extent in dogs of British ancestry taken to North America such as the old-fashioned farm shepherd or farm collie as indicated above.
The earlier conditions persisted longer in Europe, although today the use of fenced pastures is increasing in Europe as well. In some regions, particularly in Germany and adjacent regions of central Europe, large flocks would be kept in villages in heavily populated areas and be taken out daily to graze in marginal areas or on fallow fields. On the way to these fields, the flock would pass fields of crops on which they could not be allowed to trespass. In crop-growing regions of central France, the sheep were similarly taken out to graze, but there, the task involved close-grazing of farm fields, with the sheep being moved within large farming estates rather than residing in a village. In other areas, such as the plains of Hungary and more mountainous areas of France, Italy and Spain, sheep were likewise tended as they grazed, but in these more open and less populated areas there was little need to enforce more than general limits for the flocks and the practices there were similar to the tending practices in the American West. In some of the more mountainous areas transhumance was practiced, in Europe and in the American West alike, where sheep were taken to and from seasonal pastures on journeys that would last many days (nowadays, the transhumance is often accomplished by truck). In all areas, of course, the dogs performed herding tasks around the farmyard and were used for taking stock to market.
The trials that developed in France and Germany near the turn of the century reflect these varying conditions. Both the French and the German trials involve large groups of sheep being taken through a “cross-country” type of course that reflects common situations. There are significant differences, however. The French trials contain some major elements which do not appear in the German trials, and vice-versa.
In the French trials, the handler takes various positions around the flock, often walking at the rear. The dog also takes various positions in relation to the flock and to the handler, with the dog being actively involved with the movement of the flock. The course layout varies from place to place, but common elements are included. Tasks usually include taking the sheep from the pen, passage through various obstacles, a brief settle and graze, gathering at a distance, sorting out individual animals, stopping the flock, actually catching a sheep and holding it briefly while the dog keeps the flock well grouped around the handler, and returning the sheep to the pen. Flocks over 80 are desired for the French trials, but it is becoming difficult to provide such large flocks nowadays and the French prefer that sheep in trials not be used more than twice, so use of smaller flocks, down to 25 or so in some cases, are becoming more frequent, although larger groups are preferred when possible.
In Britain, as time went on more fields were enclosed and the practice of tending flocks in unfenced grazing areas diminished considerably. Lacking the large predators that persisted in many parts of the continent, the guardian qualities of the all-round herding dog become less important, although these characteristics were preserved to a large extent in dogs of British ancestry taken to North America such as the old-fashioned farm shepherd or farm collie as indicated above.
The earlier conditions persisted longer in Europe, although today the use of fenced pastures is increasing in Europe as well. In some regions, particularly in Germany and adjacent regions of central Europe, large flocks would be kept in villages in heavily populated areas and be taken out daily to graze in marginal areas or on fallow fields. On the way to these fields, the flock would pass fields of crops on which they could not be allowed to trespass. In crop-growing regions of central France, the sheep were similarly taken out to graze, but there, the task involved close-grazing of farm fields, with the sheep being moved within large farming estates rather than residing in a village. In other areas, such as the plains of Hungary and more mountainous areas of France, Italy and Spain, sheep were likewise tended as they grazed, but in these more open and less populated areas there was little need to enforce more than general limits for the flocks and the practices there were similar to the tending practices in the American West. In some of the more mountainous areas transhumance was practiced, in Europe and in the American West alike, where sheep were taken to and from seasonal pastures on journeys that would last many days (nowadays, the transhumance is often accomplished by truck). In all areas, of course, the dogs performed herding tasks around the farmyard and were used for taking stock to market.
The trials that developed in France and Germany near the turn of the century reflect these varying conditions. Both the French and the German trials involve large groups of sheep being taken through a “cross-country” type of course that reflects common situations. There are significant differences, however. The French trials contain some major elements which do not appear in the German trials, and vice-versa.
In the French trials, the handler takes various positions around the flock, often walking at the rear. The dog also takes various positions in relation to the flock and to the handler, with the dog being actively involved with the movement of the flock. The course layout varies from place to place, but common elements are included. Tasks usually include taking the sheep from the pen, passage through various obstacles, a brief settle and graze, gathering at a distance, sorting out individual animals, stopping the flock, actually catching a sheep and holding it briefly while the dog keeps the flock well grouped around the handler, and returning the sheep to the pen. Flocks over 80 are desired for the French trials, but it is becoming difficult to provide such large flocks nowadays and the French prefer that sheep in trials not be used more than twice, so use of smaller flocks, down to 25 or so in some cases, are becoming more frequent, although larger groups are preferred when possible.
In the German trials, which provide the title of "HGH” (“Herdengebrauchshund,” or “Herding Utility Dog”) for dogs which qualify, the handler leads the flock, and the dog (usually two are used) moves for the most part back and forth along the side of the flock to keep it contained on the road. The dog may change sides at the front of the flock, but usually is not to cross behind lest it cause the large flock to bunch up too much. Like the French trials, the sheep are taken from and returned to a pen, there are passages through or over obstacles such as a bridge, the flock is taken past a moving car, but there is no sorting, catching, nor gathering at a distance. There are two grazing situations, quite a bit longer than the brief graze of the French trials, consisting of a wide graze and a narrow graze. During the grazes, the dog is to patrol the boundaries (usually indicated by furrows) to ensure that the sheep remain inside the delineated area as they graze. If a sheep attempts to cross the boundary, the dog should demonstrate a correct grip which may be on the top of the neck, the back of the thigh, or the ribs. The size of the flock in trials in Germany numbers 200 and above (flocks in daily work often being much larger), with the same flock being used for several runs.
The type of work seen in the HGH is quite different from the ISDS trials and is closely tied to its context of a large number of strongly-flocking sheep being handled daily in a routine familiar to flock, dogs and shepherd. Because of the needs and context of typical German herding circumstances, the German large-flock dog commonly is taught to run along a furrow very early on. Working the boundaries may take up a very large part of the dog's job. While boundary work constitutes a method of tending grazing flocks, it is not the only form of tending. Tending is a much broader term and applies equally to other practices which involve grazing flocks under supervision of a shepherd and dog whether in France, Wales, the Rockies or Central Park. Dogs are territorial animals and readily learn to recognize limits. Many are the stories of "old Shep" recognizing the limits of particular areas and keeping animals within or away from the areas. A dog given basic all-round training is capable of holding stock within a grazing area. When the need arises, "British" breeds will string out a flock, work the sides, keep it on a road or path, hold it within a particular grazing area, even if these needs don't arise as often in present-day British or American herding or there aren't specific exercises for these tasks in British or American herding trials. Statements along the lines of “the continental or European style of sheep herding is called tending” or “tending is new to America” are inaccurate and misleading. A more accurate term distinguishing the HGH-type work is boundary work.” Keeping the sheep from crossing the boundary or “warding off” is the notable characteristic of German large-flock practice as described by Captain Max Von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, in his book, The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture. But some misconceptions about these practices appeared in recent years in the U.S. Around the time of the beginning of the AKC herding program an idea arose among a few of the people oriented toward that program that all dogs of breeds of continental European origin worked – or should work – like the dogs seen in the HGH. It was claimed that the dogs shouldn’t fetch or drive or even pass behind a moving flock, but were only to patrol around sheep as they grazed in a clearly delineated field, and when taking the sheep from place to place were only to move back and forth alongside the flock, changing sides only at the front, with the shepherd always leading the way. This first was described as “boundary work," but later the term “tending” was applied, with the implication being that only this type of work was “tending.” Apparently this erroneous limiting of “tending” to HGH practices came about in part because of the use of the word “tending” in the English translation of Von Stephanitz’ The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture, but Von Stephanitz himself didn’t use the word in this overly narrow way. Dogs used to manage grazing sheep, including breeds such as collies, were tending dogs and did tending work. “The tending dog in England is the so-called Scotch shepherd or collie,” he wrote. What set the German shepherd dogs apart in his account was “warding off” – patrolling the edge of the grazing area to keep the sheep from trespassing on neighboring crops, a kind of work that was of great importance in the agricultural conditions prevalent in Germany.
An important factor in this type of work is the nature and size of the flock. In the German large-flock practice (as with any large flock – and in general there will be more work along the side with a large flock), the dog can go up and down the side of the flock not only because the sheep are accustomed to the dog, but because with a flock that size, only a few of the sheep are reacting to the dog at any given moment. When a few shift over, they squeeze up against a wall of other sheep. Twenty of these same sheep, however, would have a stronger reaction to the presence of the dog. The situation is similar with regard to a requirement that the dog place itself at the pen opening or the entrance of the bridge, while the sheep follow the shepherd through. Once the flow gets going through the pen gate or over the bridge, the stream of sheep usually will keep going. Twenty or so sheep being confronted with the same situation, even if they are well-accustomed to being worked by a dog and following a shepherd, will be far less inclined to walk past a dog posted right at an entrance, particularly a strange dog. This type of work is not based any less on "prey drive” than is the case with the Border Collie, even though the sheep, accustomed through routine to the close presence of the dog, may not move away from the mere presence of the dog as will happen with sheep not so habituated. In the actively patrolling, high-drive boundary dog one sees the same kind of intensity seen in the strong-eyed Border Collie creeping up on the small flock in an ISDS trial. But the one uses its intensity in a free-moving manner, the other is focused into a stalking, pausing approach due to the characteristic of “eye”.
The type of work seen in the HGH is quite different from the ISDS trials and is closely tied to its context of a large number of strongly-flocking sheep being handled daily in a routine familiar to flock, dogs and shepherd. Because of the needs and context of typical German herding circumstances, the German large-flock dog commonly is taught to run along a furrow very early on. Working the boundaries may take up a very large part of the dog's job. While boundary work constitutes a method of tending grazing flocks, it is not the only form of tending. Tending is a much broader term and applies equally to other practices which involve grazing flocks under supervision of a shepherd and dog whether in France, Wales, the Rockies or Central Park. Dogs are territorial animals and readily learn to recognize limits. Many are the stories of "old Shep" recognizing the limits of particular areas and keeping animals within or away from the areas. A dog given basic all-round training is capable of holding stock within a grazing area. When the need arises, "British" breeds will string out a flock, work the sides, keep it on a road or path, hold it within a particular grazing area, even if these needs don't arise as often in present-day British or American herding or there aren't specific exercises for these tasks in British or American herding trials. Statements along the lines of “the continental or European style of sheep herding is called tending” or “tending is new to America” are inaccurate and misleading. A more accurate term distinguishing the HGH-type work is boundary work.” Keeping the sheep from crossing the boundary or “warding off” is the notable characteristic of German large-flock practice as described by Captain Max Von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, in his book, The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture. But some misconceptions about these practices appeared in recent years in the U.S. Around the time of the beginning of the AKC herding program an idea arose among a few of the people oriented toward that program that all dogs of breeds of continental European origin worked – or should work – like the dogs seen in the HGH. It was claimed that the dogs shouldn’t fetch or drive or even pass behind a moving flock, but were only to patrol around sheep as they grazed in a clearly delineated field, and when taking the sheep from place to place were only to move back and forth alongside the flock, changing sides only at the front, with the shepherd always leading the way. This first was described as “boundary work," but later the term “tending” was applied, with the implication being that only this type of work was “tending.” Apparently this erroneous limiting of “tending” to HGH practices came about in part because of the use of the word “tending” in the English translation of Von Stephanitz’ The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture, but Von Stephanitz himself didn’t use the word in this overly narrow way. Dogs used to manage grazing sheep, including breeds such as collies, were tending dogs and did tending work. “The tending dog in England is the so-called Scotch shepherd or collie,” he wrote. What set the German shepherd dogs apart in his account was “warding off” – patrolling the edge of the grazing area to keep the sheep from trespassing on neighboring crops, a kind of work that was of great importance in the agricultural conditions prevalent in Germany.
An important factor in this type of work is the nature and size of the flock. In the German large-flock practice (as with any large flock – and in general there will be more work along the side with a large flock), the dog can go up and down the side of the flock not only because the sheep are accustomed to the dog, but because with a flock that size, only a few of the sheep are reacting to the dog at any given moment. When a few shift over, they squeeze up against a wall of other sheep. Twenty of these same sheep, however, would have a stronger reaction to the presence of the dog. The situation is similar with regard to a requirement that the dog place itself at the pen opening or the entrance of the bridge, while the sheep follow the shepherd through. Once the flow gets going through the pen gate or over the bridge, the stream of sheep usually will keep going. Twenty or so sheep being confronted with the same situation, even if they are well-accustomed to being worked by a dog and following a shepherd, will be far less inclined to walk past a dog posted right at an entrance, particularly a strange dog. This type of work is not based any less on "prey drive” than is the case with the Border Collie, even though the sheep, accustomed through routine to the close presence of the dog, may not move away from the mere presence of the dog as will happen with sheep not so habituated. In the actively patrolling, high-drive boundary dog one sees the same kind of intensity seen in the strong-eyed Border Collie creeping up on the small flock in an ISDS trial. But the one uses its intensity in a free-moving manner, the other is focused into a stalking, pausing approach due to the characteristic of “eye”.
While the German dog doing the kind of work seen in the HGH
trials may not be used to any great extent for directly guiding the movement of the sheep in the way seen at Border Collie trials, this does not mean that other herding tendencies are not there. The dog still must have the ability to respond to the pressure points and there are other elements in common with the work of the loose-eyed, all-purpose farm and ranch dog, of whatever country. Just as “eye” in Border Collies is in addition to, not in place of, basic herding behaviors seen in a broad range of breeds, the tendency to pick up a boundary selected for in working German Shepherds in Germany is in addition to, not in place of, other basic herding behaviors. This is why the German Shepherd Dog is capable of adapting to other stock-handling practices, as many have demonstrated.
In most parts of Europe, dogs are given general training in controlling the flock. They do indeed fetch and/or drive and round up and move the stock, working at sides, front or rear as needed. The work seen in the HGH trials is not synonymous with “continental” any more than the work seen at ISDS trials is synonymous with work done throughout Britain and in the U.S. And while in Germany and some other central European regions there has been more of an emphasis on boundary patrolling or warding off sheep from adjoining fields, even there, in practical work a dog often maintains the boundary with little or no active patrolling, moving as needed to keep a sheep from trespassing but sitting or lying at other times. In Germany, too, many working dogs move the sheep by gathering/fetching/driving in the ways associated with stockdogs everywhere.
One can see, from the type of work that was done, why a typical “continental” dog would differ from a typical Border Collie, but the characteristics shown by these dogs are very similar to the other loose-eyed, upstanding breeds, whatever their national origin. And there still would be things in common even with the Border Collie. Despite some broad general differences in flock-keeping situations between parts of Britain and the continent, such as greater use of fences in Britain in recent history, there are many similarities in all-round British/American herding and all-round European herding, and the herding breeds share many characteristics. A noted French trainer, who has won the National Championship several times, with different breeds, including Beaucerons, comments of the Beauceron:
The Beauceron is a typical French dog -- it is frank, loyal, strong to work but needs a lot of authority when being
trained to sheep . . . Training a Beacueron follows the same main steps as for other working dogs 1) fetch 2)
stop (at distance) 3) sit/lie down 4) right/left. What differentiates the Beauceron from the Border Collie is that
it is (the Beauceron) a 'contact' dog -- in other words, it 'sticks' to the flock - i.e. moves back and forth down the
side of the flock or behind if it is bringing the sheep towards you . . . The Beauceron which starts working early
will instinctively bring the sheep towards you.
From this description the notable difference is, once again, between a strong-eyed, wide-run dog and a loose-eyed, close-run dog.
trials may not be used to any great extent for directly guiding the movement of the sheep in the way seen at Border Collie trials, this does not mean that other herding tendencies are not there. The dog still must have the ability to respond to the pressure points and there are other elements in common with the work of the loose-eyed, all-purpose farm and ranch dog, of whatever country. Just as “eye” in Border Collies is in addition to, not in place of, basic herding behaviors seen in a broad range of breeds, the tendency to pick up a boundary selected for in working German Shepherds in Germany is in addition to, not in place of, other basic herding behaviors. This is why the German Shepherd Dog is capable of adapting to other stock-handling practices, as many have demonstrated.
In most parts of Europe, dogs are given general training in controlling the flock. They do indeed fetch and/or drive and round up and move the stock, working at sides, front or rear as needed. The work seen in the HGH trials is not synonymous with “continental” any more than the work seen at ISDS trials is synonymous with work done throughout Britain and in the U.S. And while in Germany and some other central European regions there has been more of an emphasis on boundary patrolling or warding off sheep from adjoining fields, even there, in practical work a dog often maintains the boundary with little or no active patrolling, moving as needed to keep a sheep from trespassing but sitting or lying at other times. In Germany, too, many working dogs move the sheep by gathering/fetching/driving in the ways associated with stockdogs everywhere.
One can see, from the type of work that was done, why a typical “continental” dog would differ from a typical Border Collie, but the characteristics shown by these dogs are very similar to the other loose-eyed, upstanding breeds, whatever their national origin. And there still would be things in common even with the Border Collie. Despite some broad general differences in flock-keeping situations between parts of Britain and the continent, such as greater use of fences in Britain in recent history, there are many similarities in all-round British/American herding and all-round European herding, and the herding breeds share many characteristics. A noted French trainer, who has won the National Championship several times, with different breeds, including Beaucerons, comments of the Beauceron:
The Beauceron is a typical French dog -- it is frank, loyal, strong to work but needs a lot of authority when being
trained to sheep . . . Training a Beacueron follows the same main steps as for other working dogs 1) fetch 2)
stop (at distance) 3) sit/lie down 4) right/left. What differentiates the Beauceron from the Border Collie is that
it is (the Beauceron) a 'contact' dog -- in other words, it 'sticks' to the flock - i.e. moves back and forth down the
side of the flock or behind if it is bringing the sheep towards you . . . The Beauceron which starts working early
will instinctively bring the sheep towards you.
From this description the notable difference is, once again, between a strong-eyed, wide-run dog and a loose-eyed, close-run dog.
Considerations in Testing and Training
It may happen that a newcomer to herding with, say, a Belgian Tervuren, will observe the crouching, pausing approach of a Border Collie and assume that that is what “herding instinct” is. A typical Belgian, however, when introduced to stock, shows little of this behavior. Many become excited, moving quickly, either circling the stock repeatedly or dashing in close. The owner may be puzzled. Why is their dog so much harder to stop than the Border Collies? The owner may not realize that these active, pushy characteristics are seen in many keen dogs of the loose-eyed type and may be related to the type of work for which that breed was developed.
In observations of a number of dogs of a number of breeds, it is evident that gathering tendencies are fairly common in all breeds, even in breeds usually associated with "driving" such as Welsh Corgis and Australian Cattle Dog. A demonstration of gathering or fetching tendencies does not mean that these dogs immediately sweep around the stock in a wide arc, pausing on the opposite side and easing the sheep toward the handler -- neither do all Border Collies in their early encounters, for that matter. But most loose-eyed dogs will, generally, all other things being equal (barring such interfering factors as timidity of nature, stickiness of stock, etc.), readily show an inclination to attempt to go around the stock and try to move the animals in some semblance of grouping, picking up the idea that this grouping should involve the handler. This might be disorganized at first and some human guidance might be needed to help establish a more controlled pattern, but then, this is also the case with many Border Collies on their first exposure to stock. It isn’t uncommon in an inexperienced dog with a very strong desire to go to the head of the animals for that “stop them at the head” tendency to override other tendencies so that the dog ends up holding the animals to the fence rather than including the handler in the picture. Not all dogs will show the gathering tendency equally, of course; in some it will be stronger than in others. Some dogs will show both gathering and driving tendencies to some extent. And some, but relatively few in all breeds, will show a definite driving tendency, deliberately attempting to push the animals away from the handler while still working in relation to the handler and keeping the animals grouped, as opposed to merely following the animals or chasing them.
It is important to learn the dog's true natural tendencies and take them into consideration in early training. At higher levels, the dog should be able to do what is required by the situation. The Border Collie isn't labeled a "driving breed," but driving is an integral part of all but the novice-level trials. Border Collie handlers don't do the outrun/lift/fetch with a Border Collie, then put it aside and get another breed to do the driving. Neither should limitations be put on other herding breeds, known for their versatile abilities. Context is an important factor – the environment in which the dog is to work, the needs of the particular ranch or farm, whether more of an all-rounder or more of a specialist is required.
Actual training techniques usually are not clearly explained in the old books. Many of the techniques used today have been used in a systematic manner only in fairly recent times. In earlier times the training typically was of a learn-as-one-does type. Over time, principles of herding behavior came to be understood and techniques developed and disseminated. Many techniques were first outlined by Border Collie trainers, and practical experience with other breeds has shown that elements of these methods can be beneficial with other breeds in producing a well-rounded, well-trained dog. But adjustments will be made, particular emphases will be altered. In some cases it may be preferable to start a dog with different techniques. For instance, many German Shepherds take well to and benefit from being started with boundary work. With the foundation of training more suited to that dog, it often later can have its skills broadened into a wider range of practical work if desired. In stock work, there is no “one size fits all” universal method.
There are many methods of training, and different techniques will work best with different dogs. It is a common practice to begin with gathering and fetching. This is because for many dogs, gathering work better helps the dog develop balance and ability to independently cover the moves of the stock while at the same time working with the handler. If this gathering ability is not developed and the dog is required to work with a heavy emphasis on driving early in its training, it may later prove difficult to get the dog to go around and gather up the stock efficiently when needed. The dog will not have developed the "feel" of collecting, covering and controlling the stock and may revert to chasing, or even aggressive behavior, if the stock is at all flighty. While there are some situations where driving is all that is needed, in most cases a dog that will only drive is a limited dog. Conversely, waiting too long before incorporating driving can lead to a dog (especially a dog that is strong to go to the head), resisting being asked to move the stock quietly and in a controlled fashion away from the handler. So the point at which various elements are introduced into the training will vary with each dog. Thoroughly-grounded herding training will produce a dog that not only will be able to handle a wide range of situations, but when called upon to drive, will be able to truly drive, controlling the direction of the stock, not merely following. The adaptable, practical stockdog should be able to both gather and drive. It should be able to go out from the handler and round up the animals. This doesn’t necessarily need to take place at 400 yards -- in smaller fields, this distance could not be approached. Most breeds in most areas did not do a great deal of work at great distances from the handler. Even with this realization, however, dogs can be encouraged to do distance work within their individual capabilities. It is often impressive just what some can accomplish when given a good foundation and the opportunity to gain experience.
Attention to well-rounded training will not turn all the breeds into some kind of generic herding dog. The standard shouldn't be whether or not the dog shows eye, barks, moves wide or close, other than as these characteristics may impact on the particular stock at hand. The standard should be whether the dog accomplishes the desired task smoothly and efficiently. The breeds will retain their identifying characteristics and their flexibility. Some people will be involved with competitive trialing of one type or another. Others will be more involved in the daily work needed on a farm or ranch, whether all-purpose farm work or a particular, more specialized use. Some may find aspects of work in the country of a breed’s origin particularly interesting, while most will be concerned with their practical situation in the here-and-now. Learn about your dog, your breed and its background; learn about many aspects of handling livestock. Consider the kinds of chores you may be requiring of your dog. Approach your dog as an individual. Investigate training techniques and use those that work best for you and your dog in producing a capable, well-rounded worker.
