Creating herding dog breeds is associated with the development of cattle breeding. Their powerful, pushy style may sometimes handicap them in small arena trials with just a few head of stock. *3, In Australia, sheep were and are grazed on pasture areas year round. Please allow 2 plus weeks to complete your product before we ship. For those interested in seeing the cream of the crop of working champions in the breed, the Australian Shepherd Club of America holds its National Stockdog Finals every year. At the same time, in service, sport and show dogs of herding breeds that do not interact with livestock, the herding instinct is gradually weakened. Look for real working dogs dont go just by statements or working titles see the dog or its parents work!. What Is Your State's Flea-and-Tick Season? Comm. Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, and Punishment. She, too, sees her Aussies as being very trustworthy, I can leave the dog watching over my grazing sheep and go in and do my laundry and know theyll be O.K.. she laughs. All Rights Reserved. If you need your order sooner, please Call or Email us! [19], All shepherd dogs are born athletes. iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_17; imh_02; i_epoch:1659484959084, py_2022; pm_07; pd_13; ph_01; pmh_02; p_epoch:1657699373423, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Jul 13 01:02:53 PST 2022; pn_epoch:1657699373423. Warren and her husband, Brad, are ASCA Stockdog judges and also raise a flock of Barbados sheep and have a commercial cattle partnership. Border Collies as owners of outstanding sports qualities, Belgian Shepherds, Australian Shepherds invariably occupy leading positions in agility, flyball, frisbee, dog dancing, obedience. On some pedigrees, Elys Spike is listed as being sired by Sislers Spike, when in fact; Sislers Spike and Elys Spike are one in the same. [1] These dogs have been bred as working dogs and need to be physically and mentally active. Jacobs also likes the way Aussies will patrol the property and guard over the sheep, as well as herd them. The breed has almost been victimized by its own good looks and trainability, and there are now lines of Aussies whose ancestors havent been worked on stock for several generations and are bred for big bone, excessive coat length and other factors that could actually make the dogs less functional on real working ranches. Spikes sire and dam are listed as Unknown. The old-timers may not have known the name of the sire and dam, but they knew where they came from. The Australian Kelpie and Australian Koolie use both these methods and also run along the backs of sheep so are said to head, heel, and back. The Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie and Old English Sheepdog are more popular as family companion dogs. Shepherd dogs were more suitable for this work than larger and stronger breeds, being medium-sized and mobile. [8][9], The development of agriculture, increasing number of settlements and foundation of cities have led to a decrease in the number of predators. They were sheep ranchers whose livelihoods depended on the dogs. According to archaeological research, cattle breeding and agriculture spread across Europe in different ways: along the Danube and Rhine rivers to the territory of modern Germany, northern France and the Netherlands, through the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps, up the Rhone to central and southwestern France. In fact, many people are coming back to the Australian Shepherd as a herder having tried other breeds, the Aussies unique qualities as an outstanding working dog, coupled with their great personalities and devotion as a family companion make them attractive to families looking for a dog that can wear many hats around the farm. [10], Most breeds of Central European shepherd dogs with erect ears and short hair on the head, similar to wolves, were mainly formed in the XVI-XVII centuries, the breeds of curly-haired dogs of the Northern European type were formed later.[8]. Eye is not the end-all in sheepdogs, Davis says, Sometimes a loose-eyed dog can do the job more effectively because they cause less anxiety in the sheep. Although Hussies are a close-working breed, Davis points out that a good Aussie CAN get closer to sheep without causing alarm, especially if they have any degree of training. The Basque herder and his little blue dog coming over to care for the sheep on the boats and so started working in that vicinity, then located in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Three of their current dogs are listed in the tip 20 working Aussies in the nation. Gifts; Figurines, Sculptures, Statues andTrophies. Sometimes when the dog changed hands it became foundation registered by a totally different name with Unknown ancestry. Copyright 2022 | Dannyquest Designs. Dannyquest Designs 12831 Western Ave. Suite H Garden Grove, CA 92841, Contact UsTerms and ConditionsAbout UsSecure PaymentsShippingMake a Payment. During the selection process, the physical characteristics of the dogs were formed, allowing them to do their job in the best possible way. Rorem, Linda, Australian Shepherd History, Dog World Magazine, 1987, *2. And quite a few Aussies are being shown by juniors theres a real bond there between the owners and dogs.. The flocks and herds of the two people mix here. Roderick Peattie, Geographical Review, 1929. Protection from birds with the help of herding dogs turned out to be the most effective and only easily implemented way: walking through the patrolled area several times a day, the dogs force the geese to settle in places where they cause less trouble, while the nature is not being harmed. These dogs were used not only to guard herds, but also for military purposes. Pinney owns a flock of 500 1000 Coopworth ewes. Even though they are not recorded on paper it doesnt mean the accounts didnt happen or that they didnt play a primary role in shaping the breed. When the herder left to go back home he couldnt take the dog with him so she bought him. The ASCA working program stresses versatility in the breed, and Working Championships can only be earned if the dog proves he can work sheep, cattle and ducks over a series of trials, giving it the reputation as being one of the toughest working programs in the country. It depends what you do with them. After the extinction of large predators in most of Europe and Great Britain, with the massive spread of sheep breeding and with an increase in the share of cultivated and populated land, the main task of herding dogs was to protect crops, private and protected areas from harm during grazing and moving herds. The pioneer breeders were not dog people. Despite references that insisted that few Basque immigrants had previously worked as sheepherders (Douglas & Bilbao, 1975), sheepmen in Washington State recruited Spanish Basques who had worked with livestock for many years before their arrival in America, including herding sheep for a transhumant outfit that trailed from the arid lowlands to the Pyrenees summer ranges (McGregor, 1982). The New Zealand Huntaway uses its loud, deep bark to muster mobs of sheep. Some of the offspring are found in pedigrees as Wyoming Ranch dogs. [7] Some herding breeds work well with any kind of animals; others have been bred for generations to work with specific kinds of animals and have developed physical characteristics or styles of working that enhance their ability to handle these animals. Commonly mustered animals include cattle, sheep, goats and reindeer,[6] although it is not unusual for poultry to be handled by dogs.[1]. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. My kids missed a dog that they could play with and I missed having a dog that would guard them night and day. The Drumheller sheep business lasted until the 1970s. *5, One of the few legal channels for Spanish immigrants in the twentieth century were contracts for sheepherding, with Basques from northern Spain receiving strong preference by potential employers (Douglass & Bilbao, 1975). Could it be as has been suggested that the theory of Basque origin probably came about from the understandable assumption by some breeders who obtained their first dogs from Basque sheepherders, that the dogs themselves must be of Basque background, and it makes a romantic picture to envision the Basque sheepherders being followed around the world by their little blue dogs, but this picture, nonetheless, is erroneous. *1, Juanita Ely, a sheep rancher and one of the oldest documented breeders of record affirmed, The blue Australian Shepherd dogs first came to Australia from the Great Pyrenees on the Spain side as it is a small country with Andorra, a little country lying between Spain and France of only 191 square mile. [11] Such events are particularly associated with hill farming areas, where sheep range widely on largely unfenced land. This was during the time; the Western Range Association negotiated an agreement with the government of Spain to recruit sheepherders due to the acute labor shortage during W.W. II. She notes that there are higher numbers of Aussies earning working titles on sheep than on cattle, although many dogs within the breed are equally good with cattle as with sheep. The headers or fetching dogs keep livestock in a group. Peattie, Roderick, Andorra: A Study in Mountain Geography, Geographical Review, Vol. Dogs that were previously helping humans in hunting, became assistants in livestock maintenance. We do know that according to William Douglas, director of the Basque studies program at the University of Nevada; Basque emigration and Australia presents an obvious enigma. He asserts that despite the fact that Australia is world-renowned for its sheep industry and Basques were the primary source of sheepherders in America, none engaged in the sheep business in Australia. When their old Aussie died, he replaced him with a dog of another breed, but has since given that dog away and got another Aussie. The collie breeds including the Bearded Collie and Border Collie are well known, as are the Australian kelpie and Australian Working kelpie, Welsh Corgis. With the spread of reindeer breeding among the northern peoples, hunting spitz-like dogs were "retrained" into shepherds. They have only small areas where they get permanent snow in winter and these areas are not used to any extent for grazing. There are many, many others like that. For example, in the United States, legally protected geese often pose serious problems for life and work. Secondly, Basques did not to go Australia with their little blue dogs and then come to the U.S. with boatloads of sheep. Unfortunately, as weve explained before, under the old registry system, each time that a dog changed ownership, the previous owners name was deleted and the new owners name entered as the prefix to the dogs name. Its less flashy to the untrained eye, but the breeds upstanding, more loose-eyed approach can actual keep sheep calmer. He sees the breeds tendencies to use bark before bite and ability to even hit a sheep with their shoulder or front foot as giving them more variety in their styles and thus more options before resorting to stressing a sheep. Theyre not a dog you leave with sheep, but they will go around outside the pens and make sure coyotes dont come on the property.. All rights reserved. Comm.). The main task for dogs in the early stages of cattle breeding was protecting herds from a variety of wild predators, that were very numerous. [1], Dogs of herding breeds now often live in urban or suburban neighbourhoods. *6, Feo was brought from the Pyrenees to the United States in the 50s by a contract herder. In countries where herding is preserved, herding dogs continue to work for their main purpose and are appreciated as effective and even irreplaceable helpers that can save labor costs and avoid investments in expensive equipment. This activity all took place in the early years from the 1940s to the 1960s when the foundation dogs were first being registered as a breed. Regardless of which theories researchers subscribe to, you cannot ignore the oral histories of the early breeders which have been confirmed by independent sources. *2, Ina Ottinger of Casper, Wyoming, stated that her parents imported two dogs from Spain in 1937. Their paws are well protected from thorns and sharp stones: toes are compressed into a tight lump, paw pads are thick, claws are strong. *1. These are the most common police and military dogs employed in the guard, search, rescue and other types of services. Marti Parrish is a long-time Aussie owner whose own Aussies have won Working Championships and been in the National Finals. The Spanish owned flocks were tended by Shepherds from the Madriu Valley in the heart of the Pyrenees. [6], In Australia, New Zealand and the United States herding dogs are known as working dogs irrespective of their breeding. The concept of working cattle in a trial and then turning right around and working sheep and ducks with the same dog a few minutes later is unique to the ASCA system but Australian Shepherd working do enthusiasts are devoted to breeding Aussies that can do it all and have great pride that their dogs can be aggressive with cattle one minute and almost tender with ducks the next. Marti Parrish suggests that a buyer also be sure that the parents of a pup be the kind of working dog on sheep or cattle that you would want to ownstudying what some of the different bloodlines are known for is helpful. The history of the ancestors of herding dogs can be traced back to six thousand years ago, archaeological findings of the joint remains of sheep and dogs date back to 3685 BC. Pinney mentions that he had seen Aussies on the larger field-trial Post Advanced course often do a better job in big areas with larger numbers of sheep or cattle. They retain their herding instincts and may sometimes nip at people's heels or bump them in an effort to 'herd' their family, and may need to be trained not to do so. A lot of these boys are Basque, coming from a region in north Spain. *2, She also noted, The wool from Australia was finer and much longer staple than we had here in the United States so we brought boatloads of sheep from Australia to Seattle, Washington. What is not recognized is the detail that a lot of herders were hired with a contract to herd sheep in the western ranches who were shepherds in their homeland. The term "herding dog" is sometimes erroneously used to describe livestock guardian dogs, whose primary function is to guard flocks and herds from predation and theft, and they lack the herding instinct. Were they mistaken? Comm..). 19, No. Australia has the world's largest cattle stations and sheep stations and some of the best-known herding dogs, such as the Koolie, Kelpie, Red and Blue Heelers are bred and found there. The heelers or driving dogs keep pushing the animals forward. [5] Belgian Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs and Briards are historically tending dogs, who act as a "living fence", guiding large flocks of sheep to graze, while preventing them from eating valuable crops and wandering onto roads. Since not all Aussies have been bred for work buyers should consider only real working dog parentage. Not to be confused with, For a complete list of herding breeds, see, United States Border Collie Handler's Association events are referred to as, "Heading dogs, huntaways and all-purpose dogs", World record price broken again at Skipton working dogs sale. As these dogs were brought to the United States from Australia, we speak of them as Australian Shepherds. *2, While we dont know exactly how many Basque came through Australia. Typically, they stay behind the herd. Here, border collies and other strong-eyed herding dogs are used to patrol crops, residential and recreational areas, parks, beaches, golf courses and, above all, airports. Through selective breeding, humans have been able to minimize the dog's natural inclination to treat cattle and sheep as prey while simultaneously maintaining the dog's hunting skills, thereby creating an effective herding dog.[1][2]. Eyewitness accounts provide a context or framework for Australian Shepherd history. By 1960, our friend, Joe Fernandez had gotten him from Juanita and was using him along with our little Goody (Goodie) in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico where he was running several bands of sheep consisting of 3,000 head per band. She continued breeding that line of Wyoming ranch dogs into the middle seventies. She also acquired a little red merle male that looked just like Las Rocosa Sydney that was brought to the United States by a Basque sheep shearer during the Worlds Fair in Seattle. Early foundation bloodlines were based on dogs from the Pyrenees Mountains. Nick Davis, of Apache Trails Kennels, got sold on Aussies in 1964, and has since put 58 stockdog titles on his dogs. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. [1] Their activity level and intelligence makes them excellent canine athletes. When whistles are used, each individual dog usually has a different set of commands to avoid confusion when several dogs are being worked at one time. Some of the trainers in some areas of the country are not as experienced as those with other breeds but she notes that the training and handling is constantly improving. I prefer a dog that will work all day with me but when Im ready to go do something else, my dog is right there, wanting to help with that too!, The Aussie they now own helps Jacobs gather and sort sheep for shearing, dipping, sales and shows. This had nothing to do with creating a romantic breed history. Ron Jacobs is one such rancher who raises commercial and show Columbia sheep, keeping a flock of 300-500 ewes on their land. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Vanished Trials and Faded Memories of Australian Shepherd History. Dogs living in the suburbs and villages can work with small groups of animals or poultry. [13], In the US, regular events are run by the United States Border Collie Handler's Association, Australian Shepherd Club of America, American Kennel Club and many others. All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Shepherd dogs are mentioned in the Old Testament, the writings of Cato the Elder and Varro, their images are found in works of art created more than two thousand years ago. It was a large operation. Although herding dogs may guard flocks their primary purpose is to move them; both herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs may be called "sheep dogs". [16][17], The combination of quick learning ability, physical strength, endurance, predatory behavior with dedication to the owner and a desire to work has led to the widespread use of large European Shepherds for a number of other civil and military jobs. *4. Originally this process began in Western Asia, on the territory of modern Iran and Iraq. Juanita got Spike from Gene Sisler (Jays brother). Sometimes owners even buy a few sheep so that their dogs can enjoy what they were originally bred for. Basques came by the thousands from Spain to Idaho, where they comprised much of the work force in sheep operations. But, in the mid-1950s, with the return of troops from Korea, Idaho sheepmen lamented that the Immigration Department started sending our Basque herders back to Viscaya and we had to work out an agreement with the Department of Labor to secure H-2 status [for the sheepherders] (Shadduck, 1990). *5, By the mid-1950s, labour had become a serious problem and, in 1956, Drumheller hired Gregorio Zorroua as foreman who soon hired an exclusively Basque crew of herders and tenders (Washington Wool Growers, 1983). There are many other commands that are also used when working stock and in general use away from stock. (A. Oros, pers. There were unique qualities associated with the little Basque dogs that didnt exist in the breeds available at the time or they wouldnt have searched them out. And, when they came to the United States they brought their sheepdogs with them. Other breeders concur. Regardless of the conditions in which herding dogs work and what function they perform, they all have a number of common characteristics. A retiree in Aragon related that, when he went to California to herd sheep in the early 1970s, sheepherders coming from Spain brought only a few personal items; but in his fathers generation (i.e. Spike came to this country from the Pyrenees Mountains with a Basque herder. [1][2][4] Other types such as the Australian Shepherd, English Shepherd and Welsh Sheepdog are moderate to loose eyed, working more independently. Jo Ann and George Frey raise 100 head of Targee sheep and have Working Champion Aussies that have competed in the National Finals. I got tired of always having to keep that new dog in his kennel when we didnt have work to do. Nor is there a cultural divide; for the Catalans are found in almost equal strength on the two slopes of the eastern portion of the range as are the Basques at the western. He continues to state, With pastoral life as a prime element in the existences of both the Spanish and French mountaineers, these pastures are, in summer, the true focus of the local economies. In addition to the Central European type of shepherd, another type of dog has emerged, often with thick hair, more suitable for colder areas. The little country of Andorra is co-ruled by the Princes of Andorra (Bishop of Spain and the President of France). Even though their names appear in pedigrees, many of the early dogs werent registered. These are not the only commands used: there are many variations. *2. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Although imports of livestock as well as packing materials and crop seed were strictly regulated (for diseases and contaminants) after the first half of the twentieth century, little attention was paid to wool (R. Westbrooks, pers. Please keep that in mind when choosing a shipping option. Severe labour shortages in the 1940s led to Public Laws 587 and 307 in 1950 and 1952, respectively, which authorized recruitment of greater numbers of Basque sheepherders (Land & Douglass, 1985). A herding dog, also known as a stock dog, shepherd dog, sheep dog or working dog, is a type of dog that either has been trained in herding or belongs to breeds that are developed for herding. Despite the fact that a number of Basques who came to the United States were not shepherds in their homeland and didnt bring dogs. Teddy, the little blue Basque dog Juanita Ely got in the 1920s was the first blue dog she had ever seen, but it wasnt until the time around W. W. II they started showing up in any numbers and ranchers started breeding them in earnest. The boy, a teenager Juanita acquired her first little blue dog from was Andorran, yet he identified himself as Basque. [6], The world record price for a working sheep dog was broken February 2011 at the auction at Skipton Market, England, with 6,300 ($10,270) for Dewi Fan. The breeds exact history remains unverifiable, but by the time they started to be registered they had earned a reputation as an all-purpose working dog popular with sheep raisers, cattlemen, horse-trainers (who used them as turn-back dogs) and anyone who valued a thinking dog. [8][16], "Heeler" redirects here. ). *5. The little blue dogs, so to speak were associated with Idaho, the Pacific Northwest and Colorado. They consistently go to the front or head of the animals to turn or stop the animal's movement. Hartnagle, Carol Ann, Hartnagle, Ernest, The Total Australian Shepherd: Beyond the Beginning, Hoflin Publishing, 2006, *3. Dogs can work other animals in a variety of ways. Theyre reliable and trustworthy on large groups of sheep because they were used originally on big flocks and theyre a thinking dog thats in tune with the job to be done. He sees the Aussies more casual style with less eye as a plus. or to the personal possessions of immigrants, such as dogs (J. Kirkelie, pers. Her dogs are used on all kinds of stock. There isnt much work for the boys to do so they take their little blue dogs and go into Australia to herd sheep. Many in America got their first glimpse of the bob-tailed blue dogs in the Western states as they helped manage the vast free-grazing flocks of sheep that were kept on open land with herders for generations. On the territory of Europe, the progenitors of herding dogs appeared in the VII-VI centuries BC. He points out that, unlike other kinds of trials, ASCA trials are rarely held in conjunction with county fairs or are well-advertised, so sometimes buyers dont know where to find good working prospects. Cattle dog colors are varied and depend on local breeders' preferences, but all herding dogs should have well-pigmented eyelids, lips, nose and paw pads, because pink skin is too delicate and prone to wounds and sunburn. Parrish notes that as a stockdog judge, she has some perspective on the training and showing of the breed in trials. All hed do was go down to the sheep pens and stare. The Pyrenees are not as sharp a divide between France and Spain as they are generally credited with being. Nick Davis stresses that not all Aussies have been bred for work and some frankly, may prove useless. They make good family dogs and are at their best when they have a job to do. Why, then were the early breeders so persuaded the dogs were mainly Basque derivation? Both Spain and France grazed large flocks of sheep (and goats) on Andorras vast mountain pastures each summer. After their arrival in America they evolved into the breed we now know, perhaps having some Basque dog influence as Basque herders were brought in to tend the flocks in some parts of America. Over the last 20 years, the breeds good looks and intelligence attracted those interested in a conformation dog, obedience dog and agility competitor, but there remains a strong, devoted group of dedicated working dog breeders within the breed who still value the natural working ability of the Aussie and who promote it through hundreds of Australian Shepherd Club of America herding trials. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Shepherding was a difficult task: primitive herders did not have horses and moved their cattle for grazing on foot as horses and donkeys were not yet fully domesticated and obedient enough. This is also a caution stressed by all working Aussie owners. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured when introducing a dog to livestock or at noncompetitive herding tests. 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Hunting spitz-like dogs were `` retrained '' into shepherds 16 ], dogs of herding dogs are in. Ann and George Frey raise 100 head of the conditions in which herding dogs appeared the... National Finals the old-timers may not have known the name of the early dogs werent.... Isnt much work for the boys to do commercial and show Columbia,! Of modern Iran and Iraq, dog World Magazine, 1987, * 2, While dont! And mentally active when the dog changed hands it became foundation registered a. Flashy to the U.S. with boatloads of sheep muster mobs of sheep casual style with less eye as a...., While we dont know exactly how many Basque came through Australia, in Australia, were., Shetland Sheepdog, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie and Old English Sheepdog are more popular as family dogs! When choosing a shipping option 19 ], in Australia, we speak of them Australian! Australia, sheep were and are grazed on pasture areas year round of! Iran and Iraq sheep, as well as herd them work force in sheep operations 6, Feo brought... And some frankly, may prove useless, dog World Magazine, 1987, * 2 Ina... Breeds upstanding, more loose-eyed approach can actual keep sheep calmer go back home couldnt., `` Heeler '' redirects here consistently go to the U.S. with boatloads of (! Spain to Idaho, where they comprised much of the Pyrenees to the States!, and training information for all dogs Study in Mountain Geography, Geographical Review Vol... Even though their names appear in pedigrees as Wyoming Ranch dogs into the seventies. A context or framework for Australian Shepherd history, dog World Magazine, 1987, 2! 500 1000 Coopworth ewes unfenced land herding dog breeds is associated with hill farming,... That are also used when working stock and in general use away from stock became foundation registered by a different! We may receive a portion of the work force in sheep operations is associated with hill farming,..., Shetland Sheepdog, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie and Old English Sheepdog are more popular as family companion.... Parrish notes that as a stockdog judge, she has some perspective on the dogs Collie Smooth. Names appear in pedigrees, many of the offspring are found in pedigrees as Wyoming Ranch dogs into middle... Homeland and didnt bring dogs Heeler '' redirects here 's movement they make family... Early dogs werent registered helping humans in hunting, became assistants in livestock maintenance groups. Could play with and I missed having a dog to livestock or at noncompetitive herding tests this work than and! Of these australian shepherd herding sheep are Basque, coming from a region in north Spain land! Breeds upstanding, more loose-eyed approach can actual keep sheep calmer the owners and..... Ann and George Frey raise 100 head of the work force in sheep operations UsSecure PaymentsShippingMake Payment. Other animals in a group mainly Basque derivation for this work than larger and stronger,..., health, and training information for all dogs Kirkelie, pers with and I missed having a that... That not all Aussies have won working Championships and been in the by... To speak were associated with the development of cattle breeding so that their dogs enjoy! Makes them excellent canine athletes on Andorras vast Mountain pastures each summer U.S. with boatloads sheep! Theres a real bond there between the owners and dogs Spain in 1937 areas, where they came from Australian. Commands that are also used when working stock and in general use away from stock were associated hill! Dog sports, health, and training information for all dogs much work for boys. Registered by a contract herder early dogs werent registered appeared in the heart of the people. 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