WORKING
Where working dogs show and show dogs work.
Over fifty-five continuous years of working cattle with Australian Cattle Dogs, breeding and improving red and blue Australian Cattle Dogs through genetic testing. They have stood the test of time. Our dogs are big headed, heavy boned, natural stock dogs working decade after decade that are show quality. Our dogs are aggressive when working cattle on our ranch in rural N.E. Oklahoma. They work both ends of the cattle and have a lot of heart, never quitting until the job is done. All the cattle must be penned before it's a completed task.
Our first love is Australian Cattle Dogs that work cattle and do it with style. We work cow calf pairs, many of which are Brahman cross. The dogs have to move like a cat, bite like an alligator, think like a dingo, and take a blow like a prize fighter.
GUS
Buzzards Top Notch Drover
I guess the best way to start to tell about Buzzards Top Notch Drover "Gus" is with a little history first. I have owned and worked cattle dogs for 21 years now. I contacted Jim in 2013, after the devastating loss of my male whom had worked with me for 13yrs. Anyone that has felt that kind of loss can relate. After numerous inquiries, Buzzards Australian Cattle Dogs were mentioned every time I would ask who's breeding for size, strength, and hard working natural ability. I needed a dog that was going to work, and wasn't going to settle for less. Jim sent me Gus at around 9 weeks old, and my first impression when I put my hands on him was "This is a solid pup".
Within an hour of getting him off the plane, I put him in a goat pen with me and he showed all the instincts off a good working dog to be, and he was only a pup. Gus is 4 now and has fulfilled all my expectations. He has finished out at 20in tall 60lbs. He'll work small to large stock, herd, drive, load livestock, and help in the sorting pens.
I was recently tasked with the chore to catch a black angus bull that was wild. He was a modest 1700lbs. I didn't have access to a pen that would hold him, so had to catch and load him on open ground. After fighting him on 2 ropes for 3 hours, finally got a third rope on him. In the process of getting him tied off to a 10in pole anchored in the pasture, he broke the pole off at the ground and caught me on open ground. Now you can imagine my reaction, no where to go, he's got me. Gus was taught from a pup, if the tailgate is open you get in and out as you please. He stayed in the pick up observing the entire ordeal, as I told him to stay put. Now I was occupied by this bull running me down, hitting me and rolling me, but what I do know is the minute he was on me, Gus was on him, and I mean with force. If it hadn't been for Gus's quick reaction, and my partners help, I may not be here to tell this. I dusted my self off, got my bearing's, and asked Gus to return to the truck. We got the bull tied off to a oak tree and backed the trailer up to him, 3 ropes pulling in the trailer, 2 men behind him, he still wouldn't load. I asked Gus to return out of the truck, and within seconds of his presence we loaded the bull. Now I truly believe a smaller dog, no matter how big the heart would not have been that intimidating. Size does matter. Let's face it "You can't expect a mouse to move an elephant", you have to match size and strength with size and strength. With that being told I can take him in a sorting pen of newborn calves, and he tones it down to just a nose bump to move them around. He is truly a well bred dog, and I look forward to continuing his bloodlines. Now I don't want anyone reading this to think he is some kind of "Super Dog", but he was bred to be "Great" and in my mind, and experiences with him. He is, and a Champion in his heart.
- David
If your riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure its still there.
-Jim Buzzard
"Tubs" and Papa Jim working cattle.
The Buzzard tradition isn't just limited to our dogs, it's a family tradition as well. Jim's daughter, Theresa, has been assisting Jim for years now, and grandson's Cody and Colston are coming on fast in their footsteps.
Cody Couch and "Tess" at the ACDCA Specialty with Ann Wittee
Watch out - Cody Couch 14 yrs. old and Tess 7 months stirring up the dust in the Herding arena. Congratulation Cody for putting his first leg on Tess at 9 months old at the Australian Cattle Dog Specialty under Judge Ann Wittee.
AUSTRALIA
In 2004, I was honored to be invited to Victoria by the Victorian Herding Association to judge their herding trials and help with their new herding program. I was also honored to be invited to Queensland to help them with their new herding program as well. Theresa and I, along with two close friends, made the days long trip to enjoy the hospitality “Down Under”. My trips to Australia were wonderful learning experiences. From visiting the dingo farms, seeing their influence in the breed first-hand, to attending the Royal shows which showcased today’s Australian Cattle Dog breed, while visiting in their mother country, was an experience that can never be duplicated or replaced. The “Aussie's” are truly great!
