Keyloh joined our family as my first aussie with the hopes to bring our ducks out of the pond in the evening and compete in stockdog competitions. I chose her because of her independent nature as a puppy. I now know, she is way too much dog for a novice handler and am glad we have both survived her formative years. We have gotten to travel around some and train with many experienced stockdog trainers, handlers and enthusiasts. Once the "old-timers" feel comforatble enough to speak frankly, they tell me things would be better if I calmed down and my handling improved. This is usually followed with what a great dog she is and how lucky I am to have her. We have been invited to work on several cattle ranches to really evaluate her full potential and I hope to get the chance to do that.

With my limited knowledge, I believe the ultimate working stockdog would be able to handle cow/calf pairs. Strong enough to move recalcitrant individuals, but calm and fair in the treatment of the stock so the cows do not feel their calves are in danger. The ability to do that can only be assessed through exposure and training. Keyloh would have the heart to do the work, but she would need a lot more training to have the capability as her tendency, coupled with my training mistakes, is to get in close and cause a ruckus if not kept under control. She most always gets the job done, but usually the stock is moving faster than necessary and not always in the most direct manner which is not ideal.

Keyloh is environmentally sound, open with people she knows, easy to live with and travels well. Her drive, natural instinct, work ethic and endurance are very high. Keyloh prefers to go to head on stock but when kept behind will hit a heel to move things along or make a hole to get through.

She is registered with ASCA and AKC. She was born with a full length tail which was docked. She has full and correct dentition. Her parentage has been verified through the ASCA DNA program. She is DNA tested clear for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, Collie Eye Anomaly, Cone Degeneration, Degenerative Myelopathy, Hereditary Cataracts (HSF4), Hyperuricosuria, Multi-Drug Resistance and progressive rod-cone degeneration mutation of Progressive Retinal Atrophy. She has OFA good hips and normal elbows. In 2017, she passed OFA clearances for eyes and thyroid.

We have enjoyed the new challenges as well as the stockdog trials and will continue with her training to broaden my experiences and prolong the "fun".