Every dog breed has its unique charm, but there’s something about Border Collies that captures hearts worldwide.
Known for their hardworking nature and impressive intelligence, these dogs are among the most popular breeds.
Their name, “Border Collie,” is a nod to their origins and role.
They were bred in Scotland, thriving in the borderlands between England and Scotland. The term “collie” is a Scottish word for sheepdog, reflecting their primary function.
One Border Collie, in particular, has caught the internet’s attention.
Last year, a Border Collie named Hendrix became an internet sensation, not for his adorable looks or tricks, but for his exceptional talent in herding cattle.
In a video that went viral, Hendrix can be seen responding to his owner’s herding commands with precision and without hesitation, showcasing his incredible skill.
The video is particularly noteworthy because of the challenge Hendrix faced.
He wasn’t herding just any group of cattle. Instead, he was dealing with an “unbroken” herd, which included bulls, calves, heifers, and pregnant heifers.
According to his owner, this group was notoriously stubborn and wouldn’t hesitate to run off, even with a sheepdog present.
Despite the challenging task, Hendrix didn’t back down.
The video shows him doing an excellent job of driving the cattle, demonstrating his determination and skill. Different dogs have their unique ways of handling their tasks.
For instance, Australian Cattle dogs, also known as “Heelers,” nip at the heels of each animal to make them follow.
Border Collies, on the other hand, use a different approach.
They are known for their “strong eye,” a technique where they stare down their cattle load.
This intense gaze, combined with their quick learning of commands, makes them exceptional herding dogs.
Herding dogs need to familiarize themselves with at least 15 commands.
For instance, “Come-bye” or “bye” instructs the dog to go to the left of the cattle or move clockwise around them.
“Walk up,” “walk on,” or “walk” means the dog should move closer to the stock.
“Get out” or “get back” tells the dog to move away from the stock, while “steady” or “take time” instructs the dog to slow down or be on alert.
Hendrix, in the video, flawlessly executes these commands.
His precision and focus are evident, even when faced with challenges. At one point in the clip, a cow tries to confront Hendrix, leading to a tense standoff.
But Hendrix remains calm, focusing on his owner’s instructions, and eventually, he successfully completes his task, earning him the well-deserved “good boy” praise.
Training a dog to be a herding dog is no easy task.
It requires firmness, patience, and a lot of practice. There will be times when the dog might get confused or try to play instead of following commands.
But with persistence and consistent training, a dog like Hendrix can master the art of herding.
The video of Hendrix herding a group of stubborn, “unbroken” cattle is a testament to his and his owner’s hard work.
It’s a fascinating watch for anyone interested in dogs, farming, or just looking for a heartwarming story.
Check out the Border Collie’s skills in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
