I always heard that the rudder helped them running on the backs of livestock in a corral. Better for balance. They seem to put that tail to good use for sure, but all my dogs have been house pets.
And every heeler person that I have know thought reds were more intense. And blues more mellow, as you mentioned.
My old blue female was the most possessive, protective dog I've ever owned. She was a big baby who let both boys as babies use her as a pillow daily, but would hammer anyone who came in her yard, or worse house. .At a rodeo one day she busted out the escape window in the living quarters on the bed, jumped out the window and bit my buddy who "snuck" behind my trailer to take a wizz. After the first 2 or 3 bites, she must have realized who he was and walked over and lay down under the chair I was sitting in under said buddy's awning. We were both 10-12 beers in at that point and just laughed. He tried like hell to kick her away before he got bit, but no luck. From that day on, he could walk in my house or trailer and she wouldn't even look at him.
Need to start looking for a new one, too many folks breeding "soft" ones here in Pennsylvania, would like to get a good working stock bred one.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, used up, worn out, bottle of Jim Beam in one hand and a .45 in the other, loudly proclaiming WOW-- What a Ride!"
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
What a great picture. Frame-worthy. What a good lookin' dog you have there, huntsman. Enjoyed how fast he came running to your whistle. Who's a good boy?
Our female at six months seems to be hanging at 35#, very lean with the classic big shoulders and thick thighs. Well out of proportion. My wife wants another next year, a red, which is what she was after to start but just could not land one. Maybe Ruby will hit 40? Sitting with her in a hotel room in Roswell heading north.