What set the Australian Shepherd apart from other herding breeds commonly found in the farm and ranch country?
The Aussie was hardy with endurance and stamina to go the distance. They were sensible and dependable. They were chosen because they could get the job done. They could think for themselves. Up on the Gore Range Ranch, known as the IK Bar, which is now where the Vail Ski Resort operates is where my father’s uncle ranched (base elevation at 8,120). In the early springtime, the cattle loved to graze on the lush meadows. The meadow grass was to become hay for winter feed, so they would have to push the cattle up the steep mountains (now ski runs) with the vertical rise 3,450 feet in elevation to the summit at 11,570 feet in elevation to take advantage of the high mountain grasses. If they didn’t do this before ten o’clock in the morning when it got hot, the cattle would balk and become next to impossible to move. At that time, Daddy was working Rover, a black ‘bob tail,’ as they were referred to, and two of Emmett Nottingham’s Border Collies. They were excellent dogs, but when push came to
