Feature eye” or a“ loose eye.” For simplicity, I’ ll break these categories into the two most common breeds you will see: Aussies and Border Collies. These dogs do not— and should not— work the same way.
Border Collies possess a remarkable“ tight eye,” which signifies an intense level of focus. They use their stare as much as, if not more than, their body to move and hold stock. They often maintain a precise balance, navigating around the stock carefully, and typically( though not always) operate at a greater distance from both the stock and the handler.
Imagine picturesque Scottish fields filled with sheep, while a savy black-and-white dog stealthily maneuvers around the edges of a sizable flock, responding to the shepherd’ s command. Border Collies rarely nip or“ grip” stock.
Aussies, on the other hand, have a much“ looser eye,” meaning they work more upright, using their body and physical power. They do a lot of wearing— moving from side to side across the flock— and will grip heads or heels if needed to get the job done. They also generally work closer to both the stock and the handler. I say“ generally” because within each breed, there are numerous stylistic variations.
Imagine a dog gathering and penning a group of heavy, stubborn heifers. This task may prove more challenging for the intense-eyed, distance-working and cautious Border Collie, whereas a loose-eyed, assertive and close-working Australian Shepherd typically navigates the stubborn-minded ladies with ease. What might be a quick job for an Aussie can turn into a test of patience for a Border Collie.
Conversely, very light sheep— which are flighty and fast— must be handled with caution and finesse, a more delicate approach. These are strong Border Collie traits. Nothing beats a Border Collie on very light sheep.
Border Collies have been selectively bred to think on a grand scale— imagine those expansive Scottish fields. They instinctively observe and manage livestock from considerable distances. In contrast, Australian Shepherds often need to be trained to identify stock that is far away. Both types of“ eye” are equally useful and purposeful, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Aussies on Modern Cattle Operations: A Versatile Dog of Many Purposes
In today’ s economy, with the cost and liability of hired help— and the difficulty of finding ranch hands— a good stock dog can be a wonderful investment. Whether on a small farm with a few head of cattle or a large commercial ranch, a capable dog provides invaluable help and companionship.
Aussies excel at moving large flocks and herds, pen and stockyard work and flushing stubborn stock from heavy brush that a person on foot or horseback cannot penetrate. They can move a flock of delicate waterfowl just as readily as they can take on a stubborn heifer head-on.
On worming and tagging days, the work is long and demanding— sorting animals and administering medications and tags. The Aussie becomes the cattleman’ s right hand, helping bring stock in from the fields, pull individuals from the herd, push them through a squeeze, load trailers or return animals to holding pens.
They are initiative-takers, intelligent and fiercely protective of their owners. More than one farmer owes their life to the
Photos courtesy of Sharon Rives
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