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orc4hire wrote:Yes, there are livestock guarding dogs, and livestock herding dogs.

And when you say 'sheepdog' pretty much anyone who isn't a dog geek is going to think of a herding dog.

Which is why I find it amusing to see see so many people bragging about how they see themselves as someone who primarily keeps the sheep in line....

You're making big assumptions about other peoples' assumptions.

I don't know anyone who calls a Collie, BC, Turveren or Aussie a "sheepdog". Mention "sheepdog" in general company, and most people will assume an Old English (protector, not herder), or generalize to "big fluffy dog".

But as to what I think your point was... I first read the "sheepdog" piece on the forums at policemag.com. It made me squirm. And yes, there are waaaaay too many police who consider it their job to ride herd on the flock. Border Collies... Black & Whites.... coincidence?

Just for the record, we have a Standard Poodle, an Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd cross, a Border Collie/terrier mix, and a Shih Tzu puppy. And a mystery terrier mix foster dog (Yorkie/Schnauzer is my best guess; she's blonde and scruffy and cute and rough-coated and begging for a home!)

I agree that the story is a bad depiction of those who are "in charge of us", or "responsible for us".

Leave us alone. The sheep are armed. :D

Kevin

orc4hire wrote: Doesn't anyone realize that the sheepdog is there to CONTROL the sheep, not protect them?

Depends on the "sheepdog".

A Border Collie or other shepherd is used to control and move the sheep. But a Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, Komondor, Akbash, or any of the "big hairy sorta sheep-colored" sheepdogs are there to live with and defend the sheep. They are raised with the sheep, not with other dogs or people. As far as they know, they are a sheep. They blend in with the flock, but they're taller and can see over the sheep in all directions. And they have a pathological hatred of wolves and other predators, along with the size, strength, and ferocity to eliminate such threats.

I married a dog geek. I've picked up a thing or two. :D

Kevin