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HomeHeroesTiny But Mighty: Chihuahua Sheepdog Becomes Unlikely Star

Tiny But Mighty: Chihuahua Sheepdog Becomes Unlikely Star

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When you hear the term “sheepdog,” most people picture an Old English sheepdog or another herding breed. A Chihuahua sheepdog is probably the last dog to come to mind.

Chihuahuas are often underestimated due to their small size, but they possess a remarkable amount of courage and personality. This article aims to shed light on the unique capabilities of Chihuahua sheepdogs, particularly focusing on Obi-Wan, a standout among his peers.

a small white and brown dog standing on a dirt road
Obi-Wan the Chihuahua is ready to herd sheep in France. Photo by Damaris Barbe, IG @dampatenlair

Chihuahuas might not be bred for herding, but a tiny little dog named Obi-Wan is defying breed norms in France. Despite being shorter than a sheep’s legs, Obi-Wan quickly became an expert at herding sheep alongside his canine siblings, showcasing the unique ability of the Chihuahua sheepdog.

@dampatenlair

♬ La petite maison dans la prairie – Gilles Pellegrini

Becoming an Unlikely Chihuahua Sheepdog

Damaris Barbe, Obi-Wan’s human, initially moved to metropolitan France to be a social worker, but in 2019, she decided to step away from that path to look after sheep instead. She had two large dogs to herd the sheep, a Belgian shepherd named Maverick and an Australian kelpie named Pilgrim. When she decided to get a third canine, she had her heart set on a small dog.

“I was working in Montpellier. I had two dogs and I wanted a third one to keep the sheep but not a big one. I thought: ‘Why not a Chihuahua?’” said Barbe.

Barbe brought Obi-Wan home with the intention of training him as a herding dog. She always believed Chihuahuas were brave with good character, even though people often treat them as a toy.

Sure enough, Obi-Wan quickly embraced the life of a herding dog. He runs after the sheep at full force, not letting himself be intimidated by their size. At first, Barbe worried that he might get kicked by the sheep, but Maverick and Pilgrim always look out for their little brother.

Obi-Wan, the little Chihuahua sheepdog.
Obi-Wan lies in a bed of wild flowers, ready for his command. Photo by Damaris Barbe, IG @dampatenlair

A Sudden Burst of Social Media Fame for the Chihuahua Sheepdog

Obi-Wan’s big personality and impressive herding skills led him to TikTok fame. Videos of him confidently herding large groups of sheep went viral, leaving viewers from all over the world impressed by him.

Sometimes, people don’t take Obi-Wan seriously. Sheep breeders assume he’s just a companion and laugh when they hear he’s a working dog. Yet, when they see him in action, it’s hard to deny that he’s an important part of the team.

“He is so confident that the other animals are afraid of him,” Barbe said.

While Obi-Wan’s techniques aren’t as precise as the other herding dogs, he has mastered the basics. He understands herding commands, such as “right,” left,” “stop,” and “go get them.” He’s best at pushing the sheep away but sometimes needs help getting them to return. The little dog is always eager to learn and determined to do his best.

a dog standing in a field of sheep
Did I do it right, mom? Obi-Wan the Chihuahua herding sheep in France. Photo by Damaris Barbe, IG @dampatenlair

Don’t Let Appearances Deceive You

When people see a Chihuahua, they usually picture them as a small lap dog or purse dog, but dogs are so much more than their looks. Obi-Wan might seem delicate, but he’s a strong, intelligent dog that can take on jobs that the average canine couldn’t handle.

Obi-Wan’s journey proves that dogs are unique and shouldn’t be defined by stereotypes. With lots of training and trust, dogs can go above and beyond as they learn new skills. Even the tiniest Chihuahuas can take on big roles, just like Obi-Wan has.

Ready to read more heroic stories about Chihuahuas? Subscribe to The Chi Society, for exclusive benefits only true Chihuahua lovers will understand (and appreciate).

Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing. She specializes in animal content and has a strong passion for rescue dogs. She has a small dog of her own named Mabel, and she has fostered over 20 dogs of a variety of breeds, including some adorable Chihuahua mixes.
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