When we learned John would be managing Briarmoore, we agreed it might be handy to have a canine helper for the farm. But really, who needs an excuse to get a puppy?! John had been hearing good things about Blue Heelers, so we looked into the breed ourselves. Also known as an Australian Heeler or Australian Cattle dog, the Blue Heeler is a loyal, hardworking, herding breed. They are intelligent and love to work. We found a local couple with a Blue Heeler momma and Red Heeler sire and immediately fell in love with the puppies. The kids were not difficult to convince and we soon found ourselves toting home a puppy. A good shepherd needs a good name and “Moses” seemed just about perfect.
While he is an outside dog, occasionally I’ll let him in he’ll find his way in and end up on the sofa all curled up.
He knows just when to smile for the camera.
It is true that Heelers (and other working/herding dogs) behave best when they have a job to do. He gets into mischief and behaves like a toddler (he is only two) when left to his own devices. While we intended to utilize his herding instincts with the cattle, Moses has proven to be quite an asset with the broiler chickens. Every morning when we move the chicken tractors, his job is to keep the chickens toward the front of the tractor so we do not run over them. (also note the graze lines left from the chickens–pretty impressive)
Do you have a hard working farm dog? Feel free to share a picture
