Luke

Hill Sts Blue Luke

<Click on any picture to view full size image>

Herding

Prior to breeding, we took the time to get to know Luke. I observed him working both sheep and cattle, and spent time watching him around strange dogs, cats and kids. He is bonded to his owners without being obsessive. He is alert, confident and biddable.

He is a calm, confident worker, preferring to head. He does not grip much, but he does click his teeth behind the heels, to get them moving. He kept one eye on Myrna at all times, but readily worked for anyone who asked him.

We took him to non-broke sheep. When I entered the pen, they bulldozed the fences, and bounced off. I was about to call off the test when Luke entered the pen and the sheep calmed down and moved nicely. It was awesome. He was calm and relaxed, and after an initial panic, the sheep calmed down, and were amenable to doing as he asked. I wish I had taken pictures on sheep.

Myrna and Oscar had sold their cattle just before Jaz and I got to Colorado, so Myrna was scrambling to find replacements for us to watch Luke work. It was calving time and not many were willing to let a strange dog rile up the mamas. Thankfully, Myrna was able to find some and Luke was impressive. After he had shown us his stuff, he came right up to me, and I swear he said, "Was that good enough for ya, Lady?"

My own dogs talk to me all the time, so I answered him before I realized Myrna, Charlie and Wendy might think I was a nut. I told him I was impressed with his heading, but I needed to see some heeling. He trotted right back into the pen and exclusively heeled.

After that, we took the above photos. Big Thanks to Charlie for handling Luke while I snapped the photos. I was quite pleased with Luke's demeanor and responsiveness to the handlers. It was the first time he met Charlie, but he worked like they had always been a team. Luke actually worked for and with anyone who came into the pen. He was equally at home on sheep and cattle. He was serious and confident at all times.

Conformation

Luke

Hill Sts Blue Luke

Bred By <to be filled in>

Owned by Myrna and Oscar Terry, Whitewater, Colorado

OFA-G, Elbows-Normal, BAER-Normal, PRCD-B carrier

click here for pedigree link at Cattledog.com ~ thanks to Kathy Buetow for the database.

http://www.cattledog.com/cgi-bin/geneal.cgi?op=tree&index=20426&gens=4&db=health.dbw

In addition to being a fine working dog, Luke was calm and confident in all situations. While I was visiting, Myrna and I took the dogs to the groomer, and got rave temperament reviews. Luke was gently around kids, cats, puppies and other dogs.

When we took him to herd sheep, the owner let her 4 Aussies loose without warning. They swarmed Luke, poking and pushing him. He stood his ground without escalating. I could not have asked for a better temperament test.

He was a dream dog in town, on the farm, and on show grounds. Luke is just a happy fun dog. He remains alert and protective, but is amenable to handling and meeting strangers. He is willing to work or show for anyone, but is very attuned to Myrna. He is interested in food, but works for the joy of working. He is a quick study, and learned several obedience moves quickly. He is attentive and focused.

On our first meeting, I went over him with a fine tooth comb, and counted all his teeth. Several times. Myrna's vet had told her, Luke was missing only one tooth, so we had to check several times. He was amazingly cooperative, considering how I was manhandling him, and looking way in the back of his mouth for the molars. He is missing 5 premolars. Overall, his teeth are his worst feature. They are also worn. I suspect it is a strong genetic fault as several of his half brothers are also missing several premolars.

Luckily, Jaz has all her teeth, and they are bright white and strong. We are hoping for her teeth and Luke's feet.

Luke is a tad long, and a hair high in the rear because he is ever so slightly straight in the front. His ears are a bit tippy. They are thick and correctly shaped and placed, but the edges have a bit too much expression. IOW, they frill and fold. This may be a lack of depth in the cup. Most of the time his ears are upright and firm, but they can tip, wiggle, and wave.

Luke has lovely eyes, correctly shaped and placed and a nice dark color. His head could use a tad more fill under the eye, but is very nice. He has a lovely rear, a good coat, gorgeous tan points and a great red undercoat. His ribs and loins are nicely shaped, and he has great muscle tone. He has nice straight hocks, lovely feet, a fantastic tail, and personality PLUS.

He was a gentleman when courting Jaz. He was always respectful of me, but I also knew if I crossed Myrna, that would change in a heart beat. Luke defines biddablity, but he also has that cattle dog loyalty and the intelligence to know when to break the rules. He made no move to bite anyone, but I just knew he would not hesitate if the need arose. At all times, he was calm, confident and watchful. He paid attention without being obsessive. He was aware and watchful of everyone and everything.

Contents copyright Aunt Ellen's Farm

Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Mark L. Cooper