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Sheepdogs, My Faithful Friends by Eric Halsell


Sue R
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I was staying with Julie Poudrier one chilly January, and found this book on the nightstand. I didn't get as much sleep as I should have as I picked it up and found it just fascinating. When I got home, I ordered a copy for myself.

 

When it comes to the UK sheepdog world, Eric Halsall has an encyclopediac knowledge of handlers, dogs, bloodlines, trials, histories, home farms and stock. He writes in detail in an enjoyable style and, in doing so, really gives a terrific insight into the world of the working sheepdog (and handler) in the UK.

 

The book is divided into chapters that cover different aspects of the work, different areas of the country, and different periods in the history of the working sheepdog. At times, the recounting of dogs and bloodlines can be a bit overwhelming and tedious, but I found reading between the lines to understand a bit more about the whole culture involved in shepherding, sheepdog trialing, and breeding for the working dog, to be the most beneficial approach for me in those sections.

 

It is obvious from his writing that handling and training, breeding, and general shepherding and trialing, are more art than science. Those who do one or more aspects of these things well, seem to do them very well, rather instinctively either due to upbringing and/or long study.

 

I did find it interesting that a number of really good dogs that were mentioned to have gone blind in the prime of life, about ages 6-7, in the earlier decades of the twentieth century. I am sure that was due to the eye diseases that we can now readily diagnose in pups and/or by DNA analysis. The working life of a number of good dogs was cut short by the eye diseases that were not recognizable until they actually affected the dogs' sight and, of course, by the time the diseases manifested themselves, the dogs had often already been used for breeding.

 

Eric Halsall is an avid participant in the working sheepdog world and his fondness for it shows through. I am not sure I remember him being negative about anything but unkind and inconsiderate handlers, a few of whom he mentions (not by name) with disdain when they don't treat their dogs kindly and fairly.

 

I would heartily recommend this book and thank Julie very much for exposing me to it (as well as for her hospitality).

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It is a very good book, I read it several years ago, and with winter approaching, it may be a good time to dig it out and read it again. Definitly worth reading more than once. Darci

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Very nice review. My copy got so worn I was glad when someone gave me a less used one! I loved the way he organized it topically, and by region, though I believe the regional differences are less significant than they once were. From an historical standpoint though it was beautifully done. If you want to find a particular piece of information in this book, like tracing the doings of an individual dog, I highly recommend using the index!

 

Earlier in this century, diets were deficient in antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, which protect the eye (retina) from stress and overheating damage. It mimicked the early symptoms of PRA, a genetic disorder, but was not itself a heritable condition.

 

When the use of fortified dog food became more widespread, these cases almost disappeared. They no longer think PRA is, or ever was, a serious issue in Border Collies.

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I didn't realize that, Becca. Thanks! I assumed it was all due to non-detection of heritable eye disease.

 

One thing I do particularly enjoy about the book is that, in addition to physical descriptions of the individual dogs, he writes about their personalities as well.

 

The absolute love and admiration he has for the working-bred dog shines through continuously. His occasional negative comments about what breeding for the show bench does to ruin dogs are succinctly and eloquently written.

 

I don't believe that this is a book that would appeal to the casual bystander (other than maybe the introductory lyrical chapters) but is a wealth of information for such as yourself, Becca, that are very interested in bloodlines along with the history and culture surrounding the working sheepdog.

 

I enjoy reading about both dogs, handlers, and places that I only generally know through reputation, and a few handlers that I've had the privilege of meeting. It's a peek into their world...

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  • 2 weeks later...

I received my copy of this book today, i ordered the second addition. I am really looking forward to having a good read. I probably won't understand much but it is my first book on anything to do with sheepdogs.

 

Rebecca recommended it as having some history of Holly's trialing ancestors. I have also found it is going to be useful for Zac's ancestry too.

 

I ordered it from sheepdogshop.co.uk and got a bargain it should have been £17.99 but had £10.00 off. So £7.99 that is all i paid and that included postage.

 

It may take me a while to read but if it doesn't take too long i will let you all know what i thought - as a total newbie that is.

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  • 2 months later...

I just finished reading this book, I really enjoyed the history and the trials stories, I also enjoyed the pedigrees and it helped me trace back my "emmas" pedigree to 21 generations on her moms side, Tom

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