Working Sheepdog Photo

Photographer’s Note

Originated from the Borders County, south of Scotland, the BORDER COLLIE is the most used dog for conducting sheep. Dr Stanley Coren ranks this breed amongst the most intelligent ones. In many countries, the confirmation of Border Collies as corresponding to the breed standard is not only based on the physical characteristic, but also on a good ability to work on cattle. This picture shows a short-haired B.C. black/white, called Roy (to Philippe Heintz). Always remaining at the same distance from the flock, he conducts them just by following the orders given by the shepherd. Here the dog is asked to push. Orders can be given by voice or by whistle.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, don't hesitate to contact me.

Glint has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

michellamy (364) 2004-03-08 17:03

Bien vu!
Sharpeness is very good. I like your picture and the dark wood area is great.

richtersl (3544) 2004-03-08 17:15

That's a very typical Border Collie posture! I don't have sheep here where I live, but mine loves to escort Canada Geese out of our yard.

This is a wonderful action shot of a working Border Collie. You captured "the eye" very well in this photo.

jiherka (4463) 2004-03-08 17:49

Ces chin de bergers sont extraordinaires. Ils vous rassemblent ces moutons en un rien de temps, et savent les garder. La photo ilustre très bien cette situation.
Très bien vu Jean Michel. Bravo.

quegardens (1469) 2004-03-08 20:56

A very good depiction of the Bordie Collie in action with his eyes riveted on the sheep...he has an instinctive way of almost knowing where the sheep will go before they even move in that direction.His superior intelligence and lightning reflexes allows him to be master of the situation.
I have owned two border collies over the years Jean Michel and was always amazed by their natural ability and desire to work...in fact they are such dedicated workers that they would work until they dropped from exhaustion if you didn't give them a break.
Thanks for the memories of such a wonderful dog:-)

Didi (35680) 2004-03-09 2:57

Le chien et l'un des moutons sont sur un point fort de l'image. La photo a été prise au bon moment, elle démontre l'action du chien qui fait son travail.
Très bonne composition.

The dog and one of the sheep are on a strong point of the image. The photo one was taken at the good time, it shows the action of the dog who does his work. Very good composition.

snuggleaphagus (4138) 2004-03-09 3:04

Intense look on the dogs face, he has a job to do and does it well. I like how you isolated the dog but still maintained be sheep there and so clear. These sheep look much cleaner than I the sheep I've seen in the rural parts of California.

avigur_11 (21271) 2004-03-09 3:40

The dog looks quite concentrated in his work, nad looks a bit tired. I like the wayt you show only a part of the sheep herd. A very good shot, Jean Michel.

orme (6746) 2004-03-09 8:07

Great shot, Jean Michel. Good angle. I like the way you have captured most of the animals with their heads down and the dog with its tongue out. Nice soft colours. Well seen.

jhm (81659) 2004-03-10 7:30

Beautiful dogs this Border Collie Jean Michel. Sharpeness is very good. I like your picture and the dark wood area is great.

steeve (1491) 2004-03-10 22:56

Nice capture. It's nice to see the dog at work. To bad for the sheep cut in a half which hides the others faces. Well done Jean Michel

Intruder (3073) 2004-03-18 20:08

another great shot by you Jean, look the expression of the dog and the sheeps, just couldn't get better that this, excellent work

Glint (2997) 2007-01-03 3:50

hello Jean,
I really like this composition.It shows the collie in its typical pose. So much concentration. I enjoyed your note. Although I don't have a Border collie I do have a collie cross. (Border collie x greyhound). She has a merle coat from her father the coliie. She is very intelligent. Instead of rounding up sheep she prefers to chase rabbits! I have a picture of her on treklens.
regards
Bev