Sheriff

Sheriff has been exactly the kind of "farm dog" I hoped he would be. Gentle with all the animals, he has even won over the mama goats, who are extremely wary of dogs. They even stand for him to clean them up after kid-birth - a disgusting but funny sight.

He and Lady, our rough collie, take turns minding the goats and patrolling the pasture, although they also enjoy frisking together. It's funny to watch them play hide and seek in the morning while they are waiting for the goats to go to pasture. I didn't know dogs did that!

Sheriff is very attentive to us and to the animals. He gets along with all the animals: we have chickens, goats, cats and ducks. He also knows who doesn't belong, though, assisting the cats in mousing, and barking away the coyotes. He's not supposed to get into the pasture next door, but if he is led astray by Lady he is fine with the horses as well.

He's wonderful with the children, playing nicely with them. He has a sweet temperament and also burr removal and tick removal with good grace.