While Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not classified as a herding breed by the American Kennel Club, many ridgebacks exhibit excellent herding instincts. It is believed that in the early history of the breed, in addition to their primary jobs of hunting and guarding, some ridgebacks may have been used for herding in Africa resulting in honing of the instinct that seems to be present in some members of the breed today. It is amazing to watch a ridgeback who has never seen a sheep enter a pen and almost immediately know how to move the sheep and group them together.

That is just what happened when Kuyu, at just 8 months of age, entered the sheep corral with Chris Ashton of Enlighten Dogs. Under Chris’s watchful eye and guidance, Kuyu almost immediately knew his job was to keep the sheep together. Kuyu who is usually a very exuberant puppy was surprisingly calm with the sheep. He never once nipped or was overly active with them. Instead, he used his body moving back and forth to keep the sheep together. It was the most remarkable thing to watch! This was one of those times it was Nature more than Nurture that was most active!

Click here to see the video of Kuyu’s herding