Each dog breed boasts its distinct allure, but Border Collies have a special way of winning hearts globally.

Celebrated for their dedication and astounding intellect, they rank among the top favored breeds.

The name “Border Collie” pays homage to their roots and purpose.

Originating from Scotland, they flourished in the regions bordering England and Scotland. “Collie” is derived from the Scottish term for sheepdog, signifying their primary role.

One Border Collie, in particular, has caught the internet’s attention.

Last year, a Border Collie named Hendrix became an internet sensation, not for his adorable looks or tricks, but for his exceptional talent in herding cattle.

In a video that went viral, Hendrix can be seen responding to his owner’s herding commands with precision and without hesitation, showcasing his incredible skill.

The video is particularly noteworthy because of the challenge Hendrix faced.

He wasn’t herding just any group of cattle. Instead, he was dealing with an “unbroken” herd, which included bulls, calves, heifers, and pregnant heifers.

According to his owner, this group was notoriously stubborn and wouldn’t hesitate to run off, even with a sheepdog present.

Despite the challenging task, Hendrix didn’t back down.

The video shows him doing an excellent job of driving the cattle, demonstrating his determination and skill. Different dogs have their unique ways of handling their tasks.

For instance, Australian Cattle dogs, also known as “Heelers,” nip at the heels of each animal to make them follow.

Border Collies, on the other hand, use a different approach.

They are known for their “strong eye,” a technique where they stare down their cattle load.

This intense gaze, combined with their quick learning of commands, makes them exceptional herding dogs.

Herding dogs need to familiarize themselves with at least 15 commands.

For instance, “Come-bye” or “bye” instructs the dog to go to the left of the cattle or move clockwise around them.

“Walk up,” “walk on,” or “walk” means the dog should move closer to the stock.

“Get out” or “get back” tells the dog to move away from the stock, while “steady” or “take time” instructs the dog to slow down or be on alert.

Hendrix, in the video, flawlessly executes these commands.

His precision and focus are evident, even when faced with challenges. At one point in the clip, a cow tries to confront Hendrix, leading to a tense standoff.

But Hendrix remains calm, focusing on his owner’s instructions, and eventually, he successfully completes his task, earning him the well-deserved “good boy” praise.

Training a dog to be a herding dog is no easy task.

It requires firmness, patience, and a lot of practice. There will be times when the dog might get confused or try to play instead of following commands.

But with persistence and consistent training, a dog like Hendrix can master the art of herding.

Hendrix’s video, where he expertly herds a set of resistant, “untamed” cattle, showcases the dedication of both the dog and his owner.

A captivating view for enthusiasts of dogs, agriculture, or those in search of an uplifting tale.

Witness the Border Collie’s prowess in the video below!

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Source: Rock n’ Roll Stockdogs, Countryk9pets, AKC