Smithfields have a distinct herding style, using eye, bark and bite to work stock. They may growl, floss and appear more agressive in style than what you may see with a typical Border Collie that relies more on eye and posturing.
Cattle are extremely difficult to work because they tend to scatter rather than flock together like sheep or fowl. Working cattle is also risky for dogs as kicks and even goring are possibilites.
In this photo, the Smithfield has been clipped. Because coats mat and collect pasture debris, some Smithfield guardians clip coats down.
Pictured here is Cricket, a Smithfield from Australia. She is a champion agility trial dog.
The athleticism, biddability and speed of the Smithfield make them ideal dogs for agility, flyball, obedience, rally, canine freestyle, and frisbee. Ski joring, dock dogs, lure couse and tracking are also possible sports to do with the breed.
