Bertha" is born in our second litter. From the very first day she was a clone of her sire, both in type and in the way she acts. As she has matured we can see more and more of her dam Nelly in her too.  She will stay here with us to become our new training and trialing-buddy when Toxsy will retire in 2-3 years. Working her, aswell as seeing  our other "pups" work will hopefully help us make good breeding decisions in the future. Even though we belive in our puppy buyers and highly respect their opinions and experiences, it can never exclude the value of personal experience from working the dogs ourselves.

Bertha is a dog with high speed but who also more an more knows how to shift between on and off. She eagerly helps her aunt Windy to maintain control over the place and the rest of the dogs, and being the youngest she still doesn't hesitate to hold her ground when she thinks it is needed. Open minded and outgoing she loves to visit our local dog club to meet other dogs and people. Her main interest in life is food closely followed by working with us.  She has started her tracking training and so far has solved all the exercises in a positive way. At the age of 6 month she met sheep the first time and was very proud when she managed to move them around. That time on leash- for the safety of the sheep and her handler (Lena).

 In August 2001 Bertha follwed her sire Mickey to a herding camp and was allowed to work the sheep on her own for the first time. Just as her litter sister Iza, Bertha showed that she has to live up to in her pedigree, and hardheaded ewes and escapers had no luck that day. Even though just turning 6½ month Bertha showed in a powerful way were she wanted the sheep to stay, in the group and gathered around the handler.

In June 2001 Bertha attended her first (unofficial) breed show and was judged by an english breeder judge (Mrs Angela Challenger, Lyveden Australian Shepherds) with the following critique and result: