Herding Dog of the Year 1997

Treu, High Scoring Dog in the first HGH Trial in North America...


I am honored that my German Shepherd Dog, Treu, was named the Herding Dog of the Year 1997.

The name "Treu" is German and means "Faithful." So far he has deserved this name. It has been a real pleasure working with him.

Treu was born on March 30, 1996. His mother, Cora, a sable bitch from East Germany, was bred by Shepherd Rudolf Hirch, a very successful sheep breeder and exhibitor, who bred herding German Shepherds for almost 40 years. Cora and her litter mate, Sina, have been my companions and "employees" for more than ten years. Unfortunately, I recently had Cora put to sleep. Sina is enjoying her retirement. Therefore, Treu took their place in handling my flock of approximately 200 sheep. (continued below photo)



Treu's father, Alf von Fafnerhaus, goes back to Manfred Heyne's kennel "von der Stammherde Ramholz." Manfred was also a very successful sheep breeder and exhibitor, who bred herding German Shepherd Dogs for several decades.

You see, two interesting herding lines came together here. Treu has an extremely strong herding instinct. Tending sheep is all he desires. When he does not have enough work to do he can be really annoying. He is certainly not a pet.

Although he is not fully trained yet and was still rather young (about 18 months old -- ed. note), he scored quite high in our first American HGH herding competition in October 1997. He received 91 points and the grade "Excellent," the highest grade available. I was very pleased and proud of him. I hope that I have in front of me seven or eight more years of working with him. However, I have to admit that according to Shepherd Manfred Voigt from Germany, who judged our HGH herding competition, Treu has two faults: he has floppy ears and he belongs to me. Well, I guess we both can live with that.




Judge's Critque of Treu's Performance

During the exit from the pen the youngster of this competition jumps very nicely into the pen, is placed correctly, is called out too early. During the traffic exercise, he makes plenty of room for the car but disturbs the flock once. During the placement (at the wide graze), he is placed easily, goes towards the handler. On his way back to the border he does not go straight. In the narrow graze, Treu shows a nice changeover, works both sides attentively. On the narrow path the flock is partly off line and the dog should cover the whole length of the flock more. At the bridge he is placed on time and correctly, stands until he is called and goes over the bridge without command. The grip is slightly inconsistent. Treu's obedience and diligence are remarkable. He lacks a little independence and is supported by the handler. During the re-pen he is placed on time and correctly and stands steady. Ulf's herding technique and livestock and dog handling are very good. Treu receives an "Excellent" with 91 points.

The next HGH Event is scheduled for October 17,18, 1998.Judge Manfred Voigt will give a seminar following the trial. Questions, comments, sponsorships and advertising submissions should be directed to Ulf Kintzel, (973-875-7427. Contributions should be made out to "HGH" and mailed to Ulf Kintzel, 24 Dalrymple Road, Branchville, NJ 07826. Any amount will be acknowledged in the trial catalog.

There will soon be a videotape of the first HGH event -- which took place in 1997. Please check this page for availability. Or contact Ulf at the number above.

If you are interested in training your dog to tend sheep, contact Ulf at the number above.

Email me (Ann Garner) for further information.

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