SHEEP-DOG NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 33

SHEEP-DOG NOTES.

By Terbob.

Black and White" forwards a letter showing diagiams which, I am sorry to sav, ; could not be reproduced. If the writer will favour me wibh similar information in a ; form which will be independent of draw--1 ings, I will be glad to uso it, as I have no doubt it will be very interesting to readers. i In a report of the commissioners of the Dominion of Canada, dated November ; 1 last, is an article on sheep dogs and ; aog laws in Britain, from which 1 take the following;— " The successful handling of large flocks of sheep under any condition is considered impracticable without the assistance pf well-trained sheep dogs. Although this opinion applies more or less to shecpfarming in any and every part of the country, we believe we are correct in saying that shepherding hill sheep under native conditons is quite impossible without them. I he dog exclusively used in Scotland, and also in the greater part of England and' Ireland is the collie. When we eay a collie this particular type of dog must on no account bo confused with the handsome but useless animal kept as a pet or for showring purposes. " Thero are two types—the rough and the smooth-haired,—and much diversity of opinion prevails as to the merits of each, so that we naturally como to the conclusion that the question of preference was not unlike other fanciers ill connection with husbandry. In some of the English counties bordering Wales, they have similar dogs to what we W in- Scotland, but they are smaller and much lighter, and' supposed to be a cross with the Welsh collie, which, although similar to the Scotch dog, is rougher and lighter in build. " In tho South and Midland Counties the ' bob-tail,' or old' English sheep dog, is still us::d, but not so extensively as in former years. " In the Romney Marsh and also in flat, moorland districts, a cross between the old English dbg and the Scotch collie is quite commonly seen. Apart from his value as a 6heep dog, the long-haired collie is much favoured by cattlemen all over the United Kingdom. His training for their work, however, must be very different from that required for one amongst sheep, for a really good sheep dog is seldom a good cattle dog, and vice versa " Whenever two dbgs are kept on a large mixed farm and specially trained for their work —one for sheep and the other for cattle, —one is never put to do the work of the other. The cattle dog is generally trained to work by the word of command; whereas the sheep dog is directed chiefly by signs, and after some experience follows in a great measure his own initiative, intelligence, and instinct. The characteristic movements of these d'ogs differ considerably. Tho cattlo dog keeps his eye on his master in readiness for the next order, whereas the sheep dog on receiving instructions moves gently and ever stealthily, keeping his eye constantly on the sheep as if anticipating they need requiring a little urging. No sooner does one rebellious sheep make the slightest move in tho wrong direction than the dog checks him, aDparently knowing the kind of move he was going to make even before he did it. 1 " It is impossible to adequately describe tho value of such dogs, muoh less their intelligent work as we saw them doing it. It must be understood that they were at actual everyday work, and not performing the circus-like feats sometimes presented at sheep-dog trials, as frequently reported' in agricultural journals." I A somewhat novel series of trials, the first of their kind, was held at Lierre, Bel- • gium, on February 4. It was not a com- \ petition, but an examination of the tracking qualities of sheep dogs over cold trails. , organised by the National Society for im- : proving Bflgian sheep dogs, so as to ascertain officially those- doge which possets (he necessary soont. tf mperamenit, and train- • ing to justify their use, in case of need, by the authorities. Diplomas were to be given, and the holders of such were to pledge themselves to put the respective dogs at the disposal of the judicial authorities as and when required. The trail was to bo at least an hour old, the dogs must follow it for at least half an hour, and must finally select from a group of four persons who it was who made the trail. Only three dogs were presented, but all the spectators were amazed with the splendid work done by them One thing was certain/- the trail' was cold ! The ground had been covered with snow for several • days, and was icy and hard as steel i 1 through frost, whilst a biting wind wa3 blowing. TAIERI COLLIE DOG TRIAL. The Taieri Collie Club commenced its fourth annual trials in Mr Oharters's paddock on the Ist inst. Tho severe nature of tho weather interfered greatly with the attendance and with the entries and the quality of the work shown, a bitterly cold wind prevailing throughout the day and heavy rain storms sweeping aoross the plain at frequent intervals. Great credit j is due to the officials, the judge, and the j competitors themselves for the plucky way in which they "stuck to their guns," and the fact that the Maiden, for which there were 22 entries, was decided before 3 ■ o'clock and a number of the entrants for the " All-comerv> " disposed of before night shows clearly that no time was unnecessarily last. Tho number of spectators before lunch was not large, but several turned up afterwards. A largo marquee had been erected on the ground, as in previous years, j but only about half the usual number sat ' down to dinner. Under the circumstances | this was extremely creditable, and the club I is to be congratulated on the enthusiasm with which its work is viewed. Tho follow- , ing is the result of the Maiden: F. M'Crae's Sam, 24 points, £4 1 A. Scott's Wag, 22 points, £3 2 F. M'Crae's Guile, 21 points, £2 3 A. Scott's Dick, 19 points, and A. Scott's Bob, 19 points (equal), £1 each 4 The Judge (Mr W. M. Wilson, Hawkdun Station) remarked that the sheep were good for trial purposes, but rather wild for " Maiden" dogs. The heavy weather was extremely detrimental to a good showing, but on the whole the quality of the work compared favourably with that shown by j most "Maiden" dogs. The winner displayed good form and had a thorough com- ! mand all through, and the same thing ap- J plied to the second. The other placed dogs ! j were also good, and most of the rest very j fair. i » A. great amount of credit is due to the 1

secretary (Mr C. D. Tod), and also to the various officials, for the way in which things were managed under such trying circumstances as had to be contended with. Mr J. Matheson acted as starter and timekeeper, and Mr T. It. Anderson as judge's clerk and assistant timekeeper.. Second Dat—Thubsdat. The annual trials of the Taieri Colli© Club were continued on the 2nd. The weather was a rrcafc improvement on that of the previous day, though the wind was strong and rather cold. The quality of the work shown was much higher, and there was also an increase in the number of the spectators, several ladies being present during the afternoon. The All-comers was continued, and occupied the whole of the morning and rho early part of the afternoon. There were in all 23 entries, and a special prize," offered by Messrs Dowdall and M'Lennan, for competition among the first six dogs in this event, was decided immediately after, being won by R. Houliston's Rock. The work of all six doge was of a particularly hitcph standard, and many of the others made a fine showing. In the Huntaway and Slew there was a large element of luck, as the country was entirely unsuitable for the purpose. There were eight entrants, and' two of the dogs lost the sheep without getting them through the first marks, while all failed at the third. The most critical part of the business was immediately after the passing of the first pegs, where there was a blind culvert, and here the sheep stuck up nearly every dog, making the working a matter of mere guess. The following are the results of yesterday's j udging: ALL-COMERS'. J. and R. Pollock's Tip, 26 points (£8) I R. Houliston's Rook, 25 points (£5) ... 2 J. and R. Pollock's Bob, 24 points (£3) 3 J. and R. Pollock's Chance. 22 points (£1) 4 F. M'Crae's Sam and R. Houliston's Glen (equal), 20 points 5 Messrs Dowdall and M'Lennan's Cup resulted as follows: —Rock, 25 and 28, total 53; Bob, 24 and 27, total 51; Tip, 26 and 23, total 49; Chance, 22 and 24, total 46; Sam, 20 and 25, total 45; Glen, 20 and 24. total 44. HUNTAWAY AND SLEW. ' G. Ross's Dick, 29 points (£2) 1 J. and R Pollock's Clvde, 25 points (£1 | 10s) 2 1 J. and R. Pollock's Scott, 23 points (£1) 5 Third Day—Friday. The Taieri Collie Club continued its annual trials in Mr Charter's paddock on Friday. The beautiful weather had a pronounced' effect on the quality of the work done, and the spectators greatly enjoyed themselves. The Consolation, for which there were some 23 entries, occupied the whole of the morning, and Mr Gibson's special prize of £5 5s for the best of the first thre dogs in the Maiden. All-comers, and Consolation events was run off immediately afterwards. Mr R. Houliston's Rock, as winner of Messrs Dowdall and M'Lennan's * special prize was debarred from this event, so that there were eight entries, the last trial being finished at a few minutes after 3 o'olock. The Local was started* about 4 o'clock, and should bo finished early this morning. Speaking of the day's work, the judge said that it was easily the best so far. Tho leading dogs in tho Consolation were closely matched, and it was very difficult to deoido between them. Tho work, taken as a whole, was splendid, and extremely creditable to the owners of the dbgs. Tho following are the results: — CONSOLATION. R. Houliston's Glen, 29 points, £3, L Time, smin 20sec. R. Houliston's Clyde, 27 points, £2, 2 Time, Bmin 30sec. J. Stewart's Cross, 26 points. £l, 3. Time, Bmin. R. Houliston's Glen won the Gibson prize with a total of 73 points. In connection with the Triah, a smoke concert was held last night in the Oddfellows* Hall, Mosgiel. There was a good attendance, and the function proved thoroughly enjoyable. Mr F. J. Wright (president) occupied the place of honour, and several pleasing speeohes were made, notably one by Mr A. Scott in reply to the toast of " The Visitors," to which Messrs Houdiston and M'Crae also responded. The president proposed the toast of "The Judge," and Mr Wilson replied briefly, but stated that in view of the fact of the triaLs not vet being completed he would refrain from fwymg anything in connection with them. S.-veral musical items were rendered, Mr J. Allan presiding at the piano, and the proceedings were enlivened with a number of good stones, aneccDotes, and recitations. ~.'.' t , The trials were concluded in beautiful weather on Saturday morning. The Local, which was commenced on Friday, was continued at 8 o'clock, the total number of cmtries being 15. The work was again of good qualitv, some of the leading dogs making an " excellent showing, while the general average was very fair. Only one boy turned up for the Youths' Competition. which was consequently abandoned, the lad giving the dog a run and receiving 10s. The following is the result in the Local: — H. Brown's Kelp, 25 points (£4) 1 A. Grant's Wag, 22 points (£3) 2 H. Brown's Don, 21 points (£2) 3 J. Williamson's Doon, 20 points (£1) ... 4 Besides those already published, special prizes were won as follow: M r \V. R. Gawn's prize for owner scoring most points with two dogs in maiden class and one in the Huntaway: A. Scctt. Mr J. Imrie's prize for best team of three dogs, including one huntaway. points to be counted in All-comers and Huntaway events: J. and R. Pollock. Messrs D. Gibson and J. Smeaton's prize for local dog scoring most points throughout the meeting: A. Scott. Mr F. J. Wright's prize fa pup) for:most points in classes I and II: F. M'Crae. Mr P. Key's prize for best yarding dog in Local event: H. Brown. Mr R. Robinson's prize for dog yarding sheep in the shortest time: J. and R. Pollock. STRATHTAIERI COLLIE CLUB. The sixth annual trial of- the StrathTaieri Collie Club took place on Mr J. Turnbull's ground on April 24 and 25. The wea/tlier was cold and showery, with the result that tho meeting was not as pleasant as it might have been. Tho following are the resu'te: — Maiden. —J. Stewart's Hemp 1 R. Mathesou's Gyp 2, J. Stewart's Bob 3, J. Turnbull, jun.'s, Glen 4. There were 14 entries Short Pull—W. Shaw's Don J, R. J.

Thompson's Nell 2, F. M'Rae's Sam 3, J. Stewart's Crass 4. Sixteen entries. Long Pull.-J. Williamsons Bob 1, VV. Shaw's Nell 2, J. Stewarts Bob 6. J. Williamson's Doon 4. Fifteen entries. Hontaway and Slew.-J Stewarts Bob 1 T Fraser's Clyde 2, D. Matheson s Scott 3! J. Turnbull's Glen 4. . Eight entries, J Stewart also won the" club s special wrize of £2 2s for youngest competitor, also the special prize of £3 3s for the dog scoring most points, and is also tho holder ot 5 the club's silver cup for one year for owning the best team of three dogs in the three open events. It is highly creditable to J. Stewart, because he is under 22 years ot On the evening of the second day s trial a dance was held in the large local bail. when about 50 couples took the floor and a most enjoyable time was spent until the early hours of the morning. /The catering was in the hands of Mr J. C Kroon, of Dl ffp!!cial feature of the Whole trial and dance was the splendid way in which.every member worked harmoniouay togetcer.