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A Tribute to the German Shepherd Dog Editor's note: This is the fifth installment of our year-long series featuring the versatility of the German Shepherd dog. Special thanks are extended to the author, Anita Rabidou-Milligan, who conceived and executed these articles. January February March April by Anita Rabidou-Milligan
Although the German Shepherd Dog was bred to be a sheepdog, Max von Stephanitz correctly predicted that
the ways of agricultural living and herding would be replaced by industrialization. To protect the breed he loved, he
embarked on a mission to promote the versatility of the German Shepherd Dog. Today, no other breed can compare.
From herding to police work, from guide work to family companion, the German Shepherd Dog is the TOTAL dog.
MAY
CH Kaleef's American Cowboy OFA The Ultimate Herding Dog, aka "Tattoo"
Breeder: James and Sheree Moses & J and J Olivier
Sire:
"Dallas" DOB: 11/13/2001 Nothing is particularly unusual about a German Shepherd Dog herding. After all, the breed was created to do so by Max von Stephanitz. But how about herding zebras? Meet Tattoo, aka CH Kaleef's American Cowboy OFA. Owners Suzanna and Jose Iglesias got Tattoo when he was 4.5 months old from breeders James and Sheree Moses. Jose is a horse trainer, working with race horses, jumpers, dressage, and three-day event horses. When Tattoo set foot on the horse ranch, the pair said they knew they had just received some unexpected ranch help. Tattoo immediately began to observe how the ranch was run, and then to lend a helping paw. He never showed any hesitance around the horses or zebras. He was always respectful of his self-appointed charges, knowing that his “herd” consisted of noble creatures deserving of his respect. In return, the horses respect him. As Tattoo matured, he was allowed to lead the zebra stallions from their stalls everyday. He would take the lead rope in his mouth and bring them to wherever Jose designated. But one day, Tattoo showed his talent at doing more than leading a zebra on a lead: Jose had a zebra on the track with one of the race horses and the zebra broke loose. Tattoo immediately went after the loose zebra, gained control and brought him back to Jose.
The day came when Suzanna and Jose decided that Tattoo was ready to be turned loose on the 20 acres alone with the
herd of zebras. Suzanna said it was beautiful to see a magnificent German Shepherd Dog running alongside equally
magnificent zebras.
Tattoo may make the task of herding horses and zebras seem simple, but zebras and horses could kill with one powerful kick. Zebras can also reach speeds of up to 50 mph. Since his arrival six years ago, Tattoo has raised many baby zebras. They can be turned out to pasture, even a pasture without fences, without fear that they will flee the property – at least while the tireless American Cowboy is on the job. Suzanna and Jose said Tattoo has exceeded every expectation they had for a German Shepherd, and they extend their thanks to his breeders for sharing such a beautiful, intelligent and hard-working shepherd. This month is dedicated to Tattoo and all the other German Shepherd Dogs who are working on the range . . . although we doubt there are any others working with zebras. Anita Rabidou-Milligan is a contributing writer for The German Shepherd by Design. She can be reached at anitaar@juno.com.
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