I just have to tell you about my experience yesterday . I took Ellie one of my beardies for a herding test to a shepherdess in Yorkshire to see if the breed still has any herding instincts.
As soon as Jacky took her from me  into the field with the sheep she focused on the sheep working with Jacky moving the sheep around the field it was like second nature to her and a wonderful sight to see she scored 4 out of five for each category we were delighted, have lots of pics if anyone would like to see them PM me and I will email them to you.

Roni

That would be Jackie Goulder, Roni,  Liz's friend ? I know Liz has tested some of hers with Jackie's sheep. LOL I wouldn't dare let Rjj see sheep close up as he would become obsessed with working & he would need to work everyday ;-)

thought you might know her Dyane.
will send a couple of pics.

Well it is just up the road !

Ellie looks like she was born to it & also enjoying herself !

Great stuff and very interesting!

What an interesting thing to do.  Would love to see the pics.

Louise

Well done.

I have seen a video of supposed herding test with my breed, the dogs passed but to me it looked more like sheep worrying (without grabbing) than herding.

Ours is a hunting breed for large game so the technique used would be like cutting out by a sheepdog and keeping it in place, but with the Elkhound it is keeping the animal at bay whilst barking for the hunter.  If the Elk breaks away the dog follows silent until it can get ti to stand again when it circles and barks to keep it in place.

Think this technique would probably be too much for Sheep, though I am told that the breed can make excellent cattle and horse dogs using their hunting instinct.

Might work in Australia on semi wild cattle.

Beardies were cattle and sheep drovers who  worked alone .

The different techniques used by different breed for different stock and terrain is fascinating.  As of course herding is a modified hunting instinct.