Grouping Instinct
When evaluating dogs for a possible litter, one of our primary selection criteria is a good sense of group. Meaning, can the dog gather all the stock together, keep them together and move them as a group instinctually. If a dog has a natural tendency to leave individuals behind or let them drop off and fall behind as the group is moving, the dog has a flawed sense of group. Once a dog begins formal training, sense of group can be "built" to some extent by managing and shaping the dog's movement around the stock. Dogs lacking a sense of group can be managed quite well by a skilled handler, especially in a confined situation where it can be assisted and/or corrected.However, a dog with a strong natural sense of group is an invaluable partner to any rancher who needs to rely on the dog to get it's job done without a lot of mechanical assistance. We believe grouping and gathering ability is the fundamental key to a successful working dog.
Trainability
Working instinct is also impacted heavily by environment (training, exposure, experience). Dogs that cannot rebound from correction, loud/boisterous handlers, a trauma from working stock, etc. are not much use as a functional ranch dog. We refer to dogs that handle these situations and keep on working as "resilient". A dog that will stick with the task is as important as a talented dog.
Structure and Health
Structure, breed type and overall quality of movement are also extremely important...form follows function...no hoof, no horse. We strongly consider good working structure; maintaining breed type, and clean movement that will allow the dog to do it's job.
Genetic health is also a primary concern. Hips and eyes are cleared prior to breeding. Knowing the family history of our dogs and what is in the background both vertically and horizontally on the pedigree is also key in our decision making.
Ultimately, we look at the total dog and heavily consider if it's contribution to the gene pool is a positive one.
Power, Grip and Eye
We strongly value a dog that can move cattle and is equally strong on heads and heels. A dog that will hit strong enough the first time to move a challenging animal and then release the pressure to allow the animal to make the appropriate choice is our goal. We prefer dogs that naturally grip the nose, poll and low on the heels and work both ends equally well.
We prefer a dog that exhibits power with the stock and rarely needs to use grip. This type of dog is more efficient in the work we do. We don't fault a dog for barking as long as it is effective and used sparingly. A dog that uses "Aussie" eye is also helpful as that dog is more able to find balance and hold it, making it easier to work singles and perform jobs that require a dog walk in steady on its stock and hold a line.
Temperament
Maintaining true Aussie temperament is very important to us. We do not believe in producing the shell without the filling. Working dogs can be intense; they are active; they are intelligent. Working bred dogs are not great dogs for every home or every wannabe Aussie owner. They require knowledgeable, smart, accepting, patient owners who understand the nature of a working dog. As puppies, and even young adults, they may chew, bite, bark, dig, jump, chase cats...the list is endless. They can be protective of their home and family. They can be wonderful, intelligent, pleasing companions in the right hands but they require some commitment from their owners to shape them into model "citizens".
Melinda and Mike May * Fredericksburg, Texas * (830) 997-0598 * E-mail
It all begins with a dream for the future,
and it all happens with what you do today. ~Unknown