THE SHEEP DOG.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 29 January 1927, Page 16

THE SHEEP DOG.

IS THERE A REAL BREED?

Is there a real breed of sheep -dog ? As a matter of fact authorities aver that it is absolutely impossible to come to a conclusion on the original breed of the sheep dog. It is probably better to accept the fact that man, from time immemorial, has availed himself of the dog in association with the handling of live -stock. Through all those ages training, selection and environment have combined to develop the highest sagacity in the sheep dog as we know him to-day. Now, it will be realised that there cannot fail to be many practically distinct types or breeds of clogs, all sheep workers. In every country where the sheep are known there are their clogs. In everyplace there developed a type and. to evolve that type or to increase its value in any desired direction the crossing of breeds and types has been inconceivable in its extent and in its results. As examples we- have the border collie, the Beardie, the smoothhaired, the -shaggy English sheep clog, the pied or blue wall-eyes dog, the lightly-built, active, smooth-haired kelpie, that is practically an -Australian development, and in Asia there are large, strong dogs that are both workers as we know it, and the guardians of the hock from predatory* animals. These dogs are trained to gather and guide the flocks, as well to light- wild beasts. It is assured that the border collie, the old English sheep dog and the kelpie will form distinct breeds. The sagacity and the instincts have been developed by selection and training through the -ages, and the origin is that of the dog itself.