Conner22 Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 I do have a question: I don't do herding, I do agility, and I definitely dont breed. But how does one validate a working parent when they have no knowlege of working dogs? I can be told by a breeder that this pup is out of an open trial dog only to turn out much different. Or I can be told the parents work on the farm bringing in dairy cattle. I dont know what it means AT ALL. However, I believe in supporting the breeder that works on improving the breed. I also do not want to mention the breeder's names or dogs names on here, as there can be flaming that occurs. Trials in my area start at 5+ hrs away. So are their tricks/methods of telling if the breeder is being honest about a working dogs ability? While i'd love to TRY herding, right now in my life its not feasible, and I adore this breed way to much to skip on to another. I dont see why I cant give a pet home to a pup from a litter that just isn't cast as herding potential. And I do know about rescues, but I am very interested in ways of validating someones claim of a working dam/sire! I am new to the boards- so I've not yet got the hang of researching the info on here. Links are more than welcome. Shaneen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Billadeau Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 The USBCHA has a points lists (sheep and cattle); dogs that have placed in the top 20% of USBCHA sanctioned trials. If a dog can place (top 20%) a couple of times in different open trials you can be reasonably assured the dog can work stock more than just gathering the stock from the field or working in a pen. For farm dogs someone who knows what they are looking at will need to see the dog work. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stockdogranch Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 For farm dogs someone who knows what they are looking at will need to see the dog work. Or know (of) the farmer/rancher and his/her reputation as regards working dogs... A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Billadeau Posted October 2, 2009 Report Share Posted October 2, 2009 Or know (of) the farmer/rancher and his/her reputation as regards working dogs...A Agreed (depending upon the scale used to measure the reputation). For example, the USBCHA scale is significantly higher than the AKC scale. A reputation using dogs to manage range ewes on federal lands will be significantly different than a reputation for using working dogs to manage sheep on an eastern farm selling 4H lambs. How will a novice know if the reputation is deserved? How will the novice know what scale was used to measure the reputation? Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.