Hawkins Working Australian Shepherds

Boone is a great partner and an indispensable part of our family. Boone has a lot of drive, and is loyal to a fault. Everyone who meets Boone loves him. He is protective without being aggressive, with a good mind. For us balance is important and Boone has the ability to transition from work to an afternoon of playing ball with the kids without hesitation. He is irreplaceable on and off the farm. Working description: Boone is a trustworthy, confident, loose eyed dog that hits both head and heel. He grips low on the heel but has moved up a little bit over the last few years on sheep. He has a strong grip when threatened and will turn most stock when needed. He has a good sense of balance and pressure and will give stock the appropriate amount of space and time to transition when being worked. He will work from and off balance and understands why. He drives, but longer cross drives take a lot of engagement to keep correct. In the open field, he has a clean workable outrun. He squares off nicely, stays out but will slice a little on the back side on longer runs (if you let him). He will move back out if asked. He will gather blind and unassisted at a distance, but consistent clean outruns do seem to fall apart after 150-200 yards. Although Boone isn't a fast worker, he has a natural stock awareness and tends to be where he needs to be. I would consider Boone a 90% dog on taking commands. Fortunately, most of the other 10% is when I am telling him something wrong to do.