Page 53 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

WORKING DOGS

Border Collie FOREVER FAITHFUL

The town of Benton, Montana, is perhaps
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
best known for a dog that kept a six-year vigil
20–21in 26–44lb Over 10 years Variety of for his shepherd owner. The shepherd became
(50–53cm) (12–20kg) colors
sick and died after coming to the town hospital
for treatment in 1936. The dog saw his coffin
loaded on to a train
This superintelligent dog needs an experienced owner and from that
and plenty of physical and mental activity point the
dog—named Old
Shep by station
The Border Collie’s reputation as the Primarily a working dog, the Border Collie
staff—met each
quintessential sheepdog reaches far beyond was not officially recognized as a breed by incoming train,
the English-Scottish border where it the Kennel Club in the UK until 1976. looking for
originated. Almost all Border Collies are Tireless energy, a low boredom threshold, his master. His
descended from a dog named Old Hemp, and an independent spirit mean that the devotion became
famous. In 1942
born in Northumbria (northern England) in Border Collie needs plenty of physical and
Old Shep was
1894. Old Hemp was such a good sheepdog mental challenges every day if kept as a pet.
killed by a train.
that many other farmers wanted pups sired Many take part in dog agility competitions. He was buried
by him; he had more than 200 offspring. These competitions, which started in the on the bluff
When herding sheep a Border Collie UK in 1978, require owners to train and overlooking the
works quickly and silently, responding direct their dogs to pass through a course station, where a
memorial to him
immediately to voice, whistle, or hand of obstacles. Border Collies excel in this
was erected.
commands from the shepherd. The dogs activity as, just like when herding sheep,
are used to round up sheep, to move them they rapidly follow their owner’s commands. BRONZE STATUE OF
OLD SHEP IN FORT
from pasture to pasture or pen, and to There are two varieties of coat: moderately BENTON, MONTANA
isolate individual animals, if necessary. long and smooth.

Distinct stop
Low-set tail Muscular, Black
reaches hock athletic body and white

Ears set
well apart

MODERATELY
LONG COAT

Feathering
on forelegs

51