Cowhand versus Cow Dog

by Managing Editor Stevie Ipsen

Next to a reliable horse, a good cow dog is arguably the most essential companion a cattle owner or ranch hand can have, especially when it comes to the vast terrain found out here in the far west. While a second cowhand might be preferable to some, folks who have experienced ranch life with a brave and loyal cow dog know they can be more helpful, more agile, more tough, more affectionate and cheaper to feed than another cowboy horseback.

Just like the horse a rancher rides and the cattle he or she markets, genetic merit is paramount to the potential a cow dog might possess. Labradors hunt birds, terriers chase rodents and the working cow dogs come in a variety of breeds that are very specific to their task at hand. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Kelpies, McNabs and Heelers –and composite crosses of these breeds – are among some of the more common breeds of cow dogs. These are the breeds you are most likely to find at the place known for exhibiting and marketing the best cow dogs in the U.S. – the Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale.

For longtime Red Bluff dog consignors Kirk and Paige Winebarger of Prineville, Ore., Border Collies are their breed of choice because of temperament and reliability.

“I think all of the cow dog breeds have a lot of merit in different areas but some can be more aggressive — both with livestock and humans. Some are great at one task but maybe not as good at another. For us, we love the all-around ability of Border Collies, " Paige Winebarger explained, "They are smart as can be. But they are also aggressive when necessary and never back down from a challenge. Border Collies are loyal, almost to a fault,"

Just like horses bred for a specific discipline, Winebarger says that each trainer is able to hone in on specifics genetics and breed for a dog that is tailored to their own training methods.

"Kirk and I feel like we have finally found the perfect cross for us. A cross that trains easy and meets the needs we have here on our own working ranch. We can't keep them all so selling them at a place like Red Bluff where you know there will buyers is a great opportunity."

Though the working dogs available in Red Bluff are among some of the best in the country, it’s not just where buyers go to find the best working stock dogs. It’s also where owners and trainers take their best dogs to measure their own skill and ability as trainers and handlers. Red Bluff is synonymous with excellence for folks across the west who are even vaguely familiar with the ranching industry. There you can find one of the biggest bull sales and a highly reputable gelding exhibition and sale. But Red Bluff has also become easily one of the most respected working cattle dog events and sales anywhere.

Longtime cow dog trainer, horsewoman and Red Bluff exhibitor Robyn Brown of Broken Circle Cattle Dogs in Indian Valley, Idaho, says Red Bluff has always been one of her favorites places to see how her dogs stack up to the rest. She and her husband Rocky Brown train dogs for themselves and outsides clients and Robyn has traveled the world teaching others her craft.

“When in their element, doing what they have been bred and trained to do, these ranch dogs are amazing to watch as they round up the herd or get a few strays back where they belong,” says Brown. "Though a dog of top caliber might have a high price tag, it can often replace another horse and another cowboy, which in the long run could very well be a better deal financially.”

The dogs sold in Red Bluff each come with a different sized motor, different commands and can be different ages with broad ranges of experience. The expectations set by the Red Bluff Dog Sale Committee is that the dogs should be capable of performing tasks similar to what they would find in an average cattle operation. Their mantra is that a good stock dog is one that can accomplish whatever job it is required to do efficiently and effectively. From running down a fast pen of calves and turning them back to getting cattle through a gate, into a corral and onto a stock trailer, the dogs entered in this best in the west event are expected to do it all and compete inside and outside.

“Sometimes the competition doesn’t go as well as it would have at home due to a variety of factors — weather, crowd size, cattle draw or what have you,” explains Winebarger, who has entered or attended the event dozens of times. “In the end, the broad range of expectations and the challenge of finishing the weeklong competition strong can really show you what you are made of as a trainer and how versatile your dog is."

Winebarger says if she had any advice for buyers looking for a dog in this year's outstanding line up it would be to ask questions of the buyers before bidding and be ready to put in the work to become the kind of handler a specific dog needs.

"We love these animals and we want to see them go on to succeed at their new homes. Consignors are usually more than willing to help buyers know what to expect of their new partner. But the buyers need to do all they can to set that dog up for success after they get them home."

The three-pronged bull, horse and dog event, coupled by a large trade show and western art exhibit is an attraction any western enthusiast can appreciate. According to event manager B.J. Macfarlane, this year’s trade show is expected to be among the biggest in the 83-year event's history, so if you haven’t yet been to the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale, there is no better time to start a new family tradition.

The event runs from Jan. 24-28 and is held at the Tehama District Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. For a complete schedule of events visit www.redbluffbullsale.com or turn to page 50.

9 a.m. Sifting & Grading of all Range Ready Calving-Ease and Range Ready Bulls, Don Smith Pavilion

9 a.m. Sifting & Grading of all Halter Calving-Ease and Halter Bulls, Don Smith Pavilion 12 p.m. Trade Showopens - closes at 7 p.m. 1 p.m. Working Stock Dogs - All dogs work outside 5:30 p.m. Buyer & Consignor Dinner, presented by Hayden Outdoors, Tyler Jelly Building $20/person 7-10 p.m. Casino Night in Tyler Jelly Building

9 a.m. Geldings shown at halter, in age order, youngest to oldest. Pauline Davis Pavilion Geldings dry, trail and cattle Work 9 a.m. Trade Show opens - closes at 7 p.m. 11 a.m. Western Video Market Internet Feeder/Female Sale, presented by Boehringer Ingelheim, Don Smith Pavilion 12 p.m. Geldings - Work Under Saddle, Dry, Trail and Cattle Works, Pauline Davis Pavilion 3 p.m. Geldings - Calf Branding, presented by Skinner Livestock Transportation, Pauline Davis Pavilion 5-6:15 p.m. "Stockmanship for the Cowboy" Curt Pate Clinic, sponsored by Purina, Pauline Davis Pavilion 6:30 p.m. Geldings - Conformation Horse Selected

Followed by working cows dogs, presented by Merck, Pauline Davis Pavilion

8 a.m. Geldings - Cutting, Snaffle Bit/Hackamore, Stock Horse and Team Roping contests followed by selection of the Craig Owens Ideal Ranch Horse, Pauline Davis Pavilion 9 a.m. Trade Show opens. Closes at 9 p.m.

1 p.m. Final working of stock dogs outside, presented by Merck 3:30 p.m. Sale of stock dogs, presented by Loyall, Don Smith Pavilion 5:30 p.m. Doors open for Gelding Sale, Pauline Davis Pavilion 5:30 p.m. Vic Woolery’s Famous Tri-Tip BBQ before & during the gelding sale. $10/person. Pauline Davis Pavilion 6 p.m. Youth Activities Fund Raffle, Pauline Davis Pavilion 7 p.m. Sale of Quarter Horses and Paint Geldings, presented by Rolling Hills Casino. Pauline Davis Pavilion

9 a.m. Trade Show opens - Closes at 7 p.m.

9:30 a.m. Sale of all bulls, presented by Zoetis, Don Smith Pavilion 7 p.m. Red Bluff Bucking Battle, Party & Dance immediately following.

Pre-Sale General Admission: $30/person, $35 at the door;

Arena Floor Seating Pre-Sale $40/person, $45 at the door;

V.I.P. Premier Seating, Reception, Appetizers: Pre-Sale $80, $85 at the door. for more information, visit www.redbluffbullsale.com