BETTA
Pedigree and health: Koiranet
Breed: border collie
DNA: CEA-free, will be tested for TNS-, CL-, and IGS.
In Co-Owner's words: We worked long and hard with Johanna trying to find a working border collie-bitch, with some different genetic background. I had noticed Shadwell-dogs
a few years back and followed their dogs for sale. In the beginning of 2015 we were in touch with Megs Jenkins and Kennel Shadwell, because one certain bitch had caught our eyes. We had some thorough conversations with Megs
and finally she decided to sell this bitch to us. So in April 2015 our search had come to its end and I finally was able to back my bags and travel to UK to pick up Betta aka Shadwell Brook.
Betta is a well trained sheepdog with all the basic commands and directions. We still have to train driving though before we can head to trials.
Betta is as her breeder explained: "A very kind and gentle bitch.. Very natural, always in the right place doing the right thing.
She's fairly low ranking so easy to handle and control. She is lovely.. I never have any disagreements with her. She's a lovely worker, polite but on stubborn sheep you can ask her
and she'll get stuck in so she's capable but naturally polite and gentle on stock."
Betta is very motivated on working. She is quick to learn and enthusiastic. When she came to Finland she had never seen treats or toys and couldn't quite grasp the idea of them, but within only a few training sessions both, treats and toys, were suitable rewards for her.
While doing clicker-training she thinks, tries and having accidently tried the wanted action once, she tries it again soon and then she has already learned the new thing.
We've began training agility and obedience a little. Betta has so far not shown eye in her hobbies nor when herding. While herding she moves the sheep with her body movements rather than staring.
Betta has also shown great stamina, she can endure vast repetition and still keep her speed and thoughts in order.
Betta is sound and easygoing. She is not over-active. Betta is very obedient, but I find that is because she has been trained with a very firm hand. Not because she is too soft or over-humble.
She is "sound-proof" and doesn't care about gunshots etc. We live nearby a shooting range and that has no effect on Betta. Breeder of Betta told us that these lines has shown no sound sensitivity and all of them seem to be very stable character wise.
There is a little bit of sharpness in Betta, which means she is quick to react but she is not bad tempered. Betta is very able to perform in any situation. For an adult dog who's never been well-socialized, she's never lost her ability to perform in any new situtation here in Finland.
While living with us Betta has turned into a very cheerfuld and playful dog, who sleeps when there is nothing to do and is always ready to work. She gets along well with other dogs.
And even though she might not be friends with every dog she is not a fighter at all.
Betta is very silent. She doesn't make sounds while working nor while left to wait. Although she is starting to like agility enough to have something to say when someone else from the pack is doing agility.
Betta is very drawn to cuddles and love. She loves to lie in your arms to be hugged and cherised. With gentle kisses and a bit less gentle slaps of her paw she wants to show you how much she cares.
She is such a sweet and adorable girl in so many ways!
When I picked her up, her breeder told me that her dogs are always very well-behaved when Betta is around. And also that Betta is a very submissive dog towards others. Based on what I know now I would agree with the first and disagree with the latter.
Betta is absolutely a bitch who wants to keep a pack in order. She can be quite effective when she finds someone is misbehaving in the pack. Our pack of three males has been well kept in peace by this young lady! But even though firm Betta is also very playful and gentle with the boys.
Instead I have never seen Betta behaving submissive towards another dog. So, I would say she has some dominance in her.
I really like Betta's body build. She has an elastic, well balanced body, with nothing exaggerated. She has a beautiful straight back, good angles front and back and a very good bite. Her coat is quite short but thick, and her ears and eyes are very lively.
If you ask me, Betta has one very big bad habit! Tip #1: Her old nickname in UK: Water Baby. Tip #2: is in the photo below. Betta llllloves water, doesn't matter if there is only a little of it and if it is dirty water. It is not uncommon that we are showering this beautiful girl often!
