The Farmer's Dogs
Raymond Lee Farm, Hawkinsville, Ga.
'We owe a great debt to farmer's dogs, for their centuries of service, whether protecting lambs, getting stock to markets or finding straying stock on freezing, windswept hillsides. (If) Not for them, the indulgence of sport to amuse their masters but the serious business of working daily in any conditions to fulfill a role neither man more machine can match. Despite this unique service to man, most breeds of farm dogs are now lost to us: we seem to prefer exoctic breeds with less worthy origins - and shame on us for that.
Breeds were shaped by farmer's needs. Farmer's prized their dogs for their functional ability and only bred good worker to good worker, thus concentrating instinctive skills. The purely cosmetic appeal of a dog, so valued nowadays, was superflous to the hard-working farmer. Farm dogs are the unglamorous, unsung hereos of the canine world. We have every reason to be thankful for their support and loyalty to us and to do what we can to ensure a good future for them.' David Hancock
Breeds were shaped by farmer's needs. Farmer's prized their dogs for their functional ability and only bred good worker to good worker, thus concentrating instinctive skills. The purely cosmetic appeal of a dog, so valued nowadays, was superflous to the hard-working farmer. Farm dogs are the unglamorous, unsung hereos of the canine world. We have every reason to be thankful for their support and loyalty to us and to do what we can to ensure a good future for them.' David Hancock