Dogs are an important part of ranching. And raising livestock. Here at the ranch we only have 3 dogs, but each has an important job.
This is Brutus. Brutus is a Blue Heeler stock dog. He's had his share of black eyes, sore jaws, and missing teeth from being kicked by cows. But Brutus has definitely earned his keep. At 14 years old (that's 98 in dog years!), he still REALLY wants to tag along when moving cattle, working calves, walking out to check the sheep or just a jaunt into town in the truck, although it's getting harder with old age creeping up on him. 
Brutus is considered a big dog breed. Not quite as tall as a German Shepard, but larger than the more common smaller Blue Heeler breeds. Notice the missing canines.
This is Lurch. He's one of our Great Pyranees sheep dogs. He was just 12 weeks old in this photo.
And, like Lurch on The Munsters, he's always eager to greet you!
This is Lurch in the early winter of 2009. Growing up a bit, he is! 
And still eager to greet you! 
But your really want to watch out for that nose! Often times there are huge drips of drool hanging around, too. You gotta be careful!
Just the other day, Lurch came for a visit. Generally, Lurch and Holly, our 4-year-old Great Pyranees, stay out in the pastures with the sheep protecting them and warding off predators. We go out to find them twice a day to check the sheep which are now lambing and feed the dogs.
On this day, Brutus met Lurch. Remember, Brutus is a big dog. Lurch is an elephant. Brutus is usually pretty defensive when it comes to meeting new dogs, but I think he realizes what the combination of his old age and the size of Lurch mean when they're added together.
Friendly enough banter.
Brutus is letting Lurch sniff around without too many defenses rising up. Although he wanted to get defensive! After all, this was HIS turf and Lurch was visiting.
Then, Lurch was ready to head back up the hill to his flock of sheep. Enough visiting for one day.
Eager little ball of fluff.
Thanks for sharing Lurch. He looks like a sweetie! I'll bet he and Holly have their work cut out for them this time of year with the lambing going on. I've thought about getting a Great Pyrenees to guard the goats, but for now the fencing is dog/coyote proof and I have 2 Ausies guarding outside the goat yards. If I were running the goats out in the fields ... I would definitely want a dog like Lurch on duty!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda--it's amazing that the dogs automatically know their jobs. No training required. If we could only find milk hands like that...! But they eat a lot. Each dog goes through 4 pounds of BARF a day. (Bones And Raw Foods) Big appetites!
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