Farmer Records Mesmerizing Footage Of His Sheep Being Herded By Border Collies

Jul 28, 2020 by apost team

A farmer in New Zealand captured an amazing video of hundreds of sheep being herded across the grasslands. The incredible drone footage shows the sheep being guided by several Border Collies and two farmers. It is a sight to behold; to watch hundreds of animals move like the finely tuned team they are to their new pasture grounds.

Drone cameras are here to change the world, or at least record it. In this case, a drone has enabled us to have a mesmerizing new perspective of sheep as they move like a swarm of insects. The aerial view is spectacular, especially when the animals switch from a uniform flock to an oddly pink swarm.

The tiny black Border Collies are seen guiding them through a narrow passage calmly and consistently. It is easy to spot some sheep being left behind or wandering off but quickly steered back in the right direction. You can spot one tiny lamb eagerly trying to catch up with the rest of the flock.

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You may be wondering how dogs can guide and protect the sheep without scaring them. This specific herding dog is a breed that is known as the Border Collie that was first bred in the border country between Scotland and England. It is most preferred for herding thanks to its intelligence, working drive, unlimited energy, stamina, and an intense stare that they use to control their flock. Their energy makes it very difficult to have them as pets.

Even more interesting, the dogs employ more than one style for herding. In both styles, they must exercise control to allow the sheep to move calmly and avoid scaring or chasing them. Drovers are herding dogs that intentionally drive sheep away from their master as seen in the video. They do this through movement, intimidating stares, and loud, aggressive barks.

The other style involves the herding dogs keeping the flocks between themselves and the herders. They move the sheep slowly towards the herders using subtle movements and piercing gazes. Both styles have proved to be effective when moving small and large flock.

Did you know sheep have a field of view that is about 300 degrees, which allows them to see behind themselves without having to turn their heads? This makes it easier for herding dogs to control them in such a harmonious movement without much distraction.

The animals move from one paddock into the other, starting as a large group and coming closer together as they pass through the tiny passage. On getting to the other side, they disperse in the most random yet graceful and controlled manner ever. Even the way they move in, out, and around a specific area where the dogs enclose them is mind-blowing. From this angle, the animals look like they are moving along definite lines, yet that is not the case. The field is large, green and open; without the diligent leadership of the dogs, the sheep would be scattered everywhere.

If this were an art piece, it would be a masterpiece. All thanks to the relationship among the sheep, the Border Collies, and their owners. There is quite nothing like watching a skilled herding dog guide your sheep and drive them where you want them to go. It is better than trying to chase them or lure them with the grain.

What did you think of this footage? Did it impress you to see the herding dogs at work? If you have a friend who would enjoy this, be sure to let them in on this. Spread the joy with everyone; they will thank you.