As for me, Sugar is simply very special. I've been
around many different dogs, from curs to Whippets, to Anatolian Shepherds.
Many have been intelligent, willing to please, and fairly easy to train to
do simple tricks. Sugar seems to be the brightest I've ever come
across. When I displease her, she will not allow me to sit next to her,
and will move away if I approach her. If I haven't been giving her enough
attention, she cuddles up to someone else, if I am watching. If I
leave the farm truck door open, she jumps in and will not get out until we
take a ride.
She is not very interested in performing parlor tricks, but is eager to
help with the cattle. She has had no training, and yet, is an asset when
it comes to moving cattle around. She walks with me and sweeps back and
forth in front of me, but behind the cattle. When I start making noises to
move the cattle, she becomes aggressive, nipping at their heels and
barking, while pushing them in the direction I want them to go. She
understands we move them from one pasture to another; from one lot to
another; in and out of the barns; and, in and out of trailers. She's seen
us do it, and knows what needs to be done. She knows enough to stand in a
gate opening or in the middle of an alley to keep cattle from passing her.
It has taken some time to train her to stay behind the cattle. An OEB, by
nature, wants to work the head of the animal, which is nice for cutting
animals, but often counter-productive when trying to move groups from one
place to another. She readily understood that "back here" meant I wanted
her closer to me and behind the cattle,
but it wasn't so easy to bring her around to where she wanted what I
wanted.
It is my belief you will not get the most out of an OEB unless you spend a
lot of time culturing the relationship. Sugar is not inclined to perform
for food or affection. If she is convinced you really care for her, she
will be your constant companion and try to help you whenever she can. She
is my protector. When in groups of cattle, she usually watches my backside
(not that she needs to. My cattle are pretty docile). Yearlings are still
pretty curious and will try to approach (often from behind), and that does
not happen when Sugar is around.
Sugar sleeps at the foot of our bed. When in the house, she is in the room
I am in, generally about 10' away. In the morning, or anytime we meet
after an absence, a greeting ritual is in order. She wiggles all over,
wants her head scratched a little, then a good scratching right above her
tail.
She is interested in strangers and friendly towards them. She will touch
them, but doesn't really allow most to touch her. She often will stay just
an inch or two out of hand's reach. You clearly have to earn her trust and
respect. You are the one with something to prove, not her.
She's good with other dogs. She has never been aggressive upon meeting,
and will often be submissive, with one exception. Food or toys belonging
to her, are hers. She gives ample warning, but is deadly serious. This is
the one situation that needs careful watching. One of the animals will get
hurt, if you allow the situation to escalate. An OEB is absolutely
fearless and feels little or no pain. They do not give up. Don't ever let
them fight.
As to why OEBs and not English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, or Mastiffs?
It is much like raising cattle. I raise purebred Angus because the breed
has a lot going for them: great carcass traits, great mothering ability,
best taste, moderate size and food intake, and so on. I sell bulls to
commercial cattlemen who put the angus bulls on different kinds of cows to
promote hybrid vigor in the calf crop. The OEB in its current form is a
hybrid cross of four breeds, and as such has eliminated problems inherent
in foundation breeds.
They are healthier. For instance, they don't have the breathing or
structural problems of the English bulldog. They are heavily muscled,
athletic dogs. As a result, it is almost impossible to take them out in
public without people stopping you to ask about the dog. They are
eye-catching, impressive animals, and yet they have a great disposition;
make excellent guard dogs; and, excellent family dogs. They have natural
livestock working ability. Everything you could ask for.
I sent pictures in another message, but will describe what is going on
here. Pic 1 - Sugar and I out checking cows for calves. 3-we've starting
moving calves down to the working alley. One has turned on Sugar and she
is evading her. 4and5-Sugar moving the cattle into the alleyway. 6-dodging
an aggravated heifer. 7,8,9,10,11-Sugar holds the heifers at the top of
the alleyway. 12-moving the heifers back to their pen. 13-left the truck
door open...looks like Sugar has decided it is time to take a ride (you
can see her head laying on the back of the seat looking at and waiting on
me.
We want to share what are the best dogs in the world with people who will
appreciate them. They need to continue to be relatively expensive to help
ensure owners have the means to properly care for them, and yet they
really need to be a part of the family. They are not "kennel dogs".
Gary Edwards
Click on any picture to make it larger!
Pic 1 - Sugar and I out checking cows for calves. 3-We've
starting moving calves down to the working alley. One has turned on Sugar
and she is evading her. 4 and 5-Sugar moving the cattle into the alleyway.
6-dodging an aggravated heifer. 7,8,9,10,11-Sugar holds the heifers at the
top of the alleyway. 12-moving the heifers back to their pen. 13-left the
truck door open...looks like Sugar has decided it is time to take a ride
(you can see her head laying on the back of the seat looking at and
waiting on me.
