The dog for the stockman and how to choose him

Sheep dogs have been invaluable to stock farmers for many decades and even centuries. However, the dog must be able to work. This article explored the characteristics that a farmer should consider when choosing a sheep dog.

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When selecting a dog, two things stand pre-eminent. One is intelligence; the other is constitution. So, how do we judge a dog for intelligence? First, of course, the dog has to fill the eye. That general term is employed, which means such a lot, and yet, when analysed, might mean next to nothing. There has to be about such a dog that indefinable something that bespeaks alertness of mind as well as of body; and it must have the appearance of being a dog with a mind of his own. There are no rules to govern that judgement. It ‘fills the eye’ and that is all there is to it.