SigMT

SiG MT 41 Border Collie One of the oldest stockdog breeds, the Border Collie can serve many different roles, like search-and-rescue, security, family pet and herding. "ey are a versatile breed," says Steve, who uses his 10 Border Collies to manage cale on the Frenchman Valley Ranch. "ey are very quick, fast learners and have good herding instincts." Steve started raising Border Collies aer purchasing Odi, a finished trial dog, from a National Western Stock Show Trial and Auction in Denver. "ey are amazing," he says. "ey save me miles on a horse and can go places where a four-wheeler can't. I can calve 800 head of cale by myself with these dogs. We can trail 1,200 head 30 miles in the winter using two people and five dogs." Steve uses hand and voice commands when using and training his border collies, and is learning to use whistle commands with Odi. "Each dog has its own personality," he says. "Some are very so-hearted, so you have to be careful with your tone of voice when you give them commands. If you speak or discipline too harshly, you can break their hearts." Steve says he likes the Border Collie's soer nature, as it helps keep cows and calves calmer when sorting, gathering and trailing. "I don't need a lot of bite in my dogs," he says. "My dogs will wait while a cow picks up her calf and gets to moving instead of geing in their faces. I don't need an aggressive dog all the time." Dogs Names: Odi and Beff Dog Breed: Border Collie Owned by: Steve Streit Where: Saco, Montana About the Breed Role on the Ranch: Herding Country of Origin: Anglo-Scoish Border, United Kingdom Temperament: Intelligent, Energetic Potential Health Concerns: Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly Average Weight: 26-44 lbs Life Expectancy: 10-15 years Beff checks back for orders when going to gather cattle on the Frenchman Valley Ranch near Saco. Beff, Steve's new female Border Collie, looks forward as Odi, his prized male, looks on behind him. Photo: Sara Young Photo: Sara Young

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