Are You a Dog Person or a Cat Person?
by Reggi Allder
What About the Cowboys of the Old West?
Though there may have been a cat or two for mousing around the barn, the cowboys of the Old West needed and used dogs on the ranch and along the trail. The horses, the cowboys, and the dogs were an important part of moving and managing the cattle on the long cattle drives and the ranch land.
Corgis were bred to herd cows. Welsh Corgis were cattle herding dogs, the type of herding dog referred to as "heelers". This means they would nip at the heels of the larger animals to keep them moving. They push the animals forward. Typically, they stay behind the herd and move them from there. The combination of their being short, low to the ground, and their agility allowed them to avoid the hooves of the cattle.
It has been said that Corgis have been herding since the Middle Ages, and there is some documentary evidence of them herding back in about 800AD.- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
In their native Wales, Corgis were bred to be an all-around farm dog. Their primary job was moving livestock, including sheep and chickens, but they were also used as watchdogs for their home and the herd. They are good at eradicating the farm of vermin too.
This breed did a nice job of managing the cattle. But they were not the breed of choice in the Old West. You might ask, what dog was used by the cowhands on their trail drives?
I did some research and it appears that Border Collies were used in the United States to move the herds. These are medium-sized dogs, usually
black and white but some have other varieties, including tan and red Merle with
short or long coats. Now considered the most intelligent dog of all the breeds,
the temperament is such that it responds to and wants to please their owners.
And they are quick to understand and do commands.They are an affectionate breed, and good with children. 
My Border Collie Rexy
Rather than a heeler, the Border Collies get in front of the cattle and stare down the livestock with their "strong eye". Headers, also called fetching dogs, go in front and turn and or stop the animals.
Ranchers still use these dogs.
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| Would you do what this dog asked? |
Border Collies are also companions, service dogs, and pets. These much-loved canines live in homes, farms, and ranches all over the world.
Children often become fond of any animal or a foul. In my 4th Sierra Creek Series book My Country Heart Book, the little boy can’t have a dog, but he falls for a chicken named Gertrude, a Cream Legbar. BTW, they lay blue or green eggs.
Do you have a favorite pet? Please leave a message, scroll to the bottom.
“If you love small towns, second chances, and real-to-life characters, the Sierra Creek Series is for you!” “A perfect feel-good read for the holidays.”
My Country Heart Book 4 by Reggi Allder
The two new residents in Sierra Creek are at a crossroads in their lives. For different reasons, each wants answers to direct them toward their separate futures. Lauren Walsh is in town to work with a renowned silversmith and then leave ASAP back to the city where she belongs.
Chance Williams is the new fire chief. Recovering from an injury sustained in a disastrous fire, should he remain on the job in the small town or leave the fire department and return to his Bay Area home?
A jewelry designer and a firefighter have little in common. Still, forced to live in close quarters, will sparks fly?
The engaging characters from the other Sierra Creek books return. Learn how Amy, Vanna, Sophie, and their partners are doing. Also, a mystery is an added ingredient in book 4.
https://www.amazon.com/Country-Heart-Sierra-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B0BJ5L1K2V
If you like suspense, take a look at my new release now on pre-order on Amazon. Release date Nov. 5th
Dangerous Moves book 4 in the Dangerous Series by Reggi Allder
The wrong move may be her last.
https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Moves-Book-ebook/dp/B0DJ1KJ233/
Can't wait until the 5th, order now and then read Dangerous Web Book 1 in the Dangerous Series by Reggi Allder
When the past returns to threaten Emma’s present, is the key to her safety the man offering protection? Will his secrets put her in greater danger?
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10 comments:
Hi Reggi. I have to admit, I prefer dogs. Not that I don't like kittens. They're adorable, as are puppies. Interesting post with information many of us can use. Thank you for sharing.
Have to confess, I'm a cat person, although I'd be duly horrified if one of my girls ever presented me with a rat. Nature has its ways, and all species have something to contribute. Have to say, though, the only animal I've put in one of my books ("Pat", in my Calter Creek romance series) was a dog, who ended up being pivotal. Long live dogs and cats, for all they do and all the love they give us!
Interesting article. Many of my friends have Ausies (Australian shepherds.) My cat, goats, donkeys, and ducks always vote no on getting a dog. Like the solitude of the cats. so for now I'm a cat person.
Hi Julie, thanks for your comments. Yes, puppies and kittens are so cute!
Hi LizAnn, Interesting you put a dog in your book :) So true both cats and dogs give us unconditional love.
Hi Gini, I'm not surprised your animals voted no on the dog. Lol :) Aussies are wonderful.
Great blog! Really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I am a dog person, but I appreciate cats, but my dogs always chase them away. Cheers, Jen
Hi Jen, thanks for coming by and leaving a comment! :)
I like dogs best but there are some amazing cats too and they take care of rodents and prevent disease. Ancient Egyptians, in particular, worshipped them. It's not hard to see a god like presence in them at times.
Hi Pat, thanks for coming by. Cats are so good at controlling rodents. I remember seeing statutes of cats when I studied Art History. :)
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