Donald Charms the Crowds

It might seem improbable – but yes – his name is Donald, and he herds ducks.

It might seem improbable – but yes – his name is Donald, and he herds ducks.

Donald Stuart has been wowing crowds with his duck herding for 35 years.

This week he’s at the NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch with his four-year-old heading dog, Charm.

“Back in 1987, an old farmer gave me a pup called Glen. I told him I didn’t have any sheep, but he said, ‘use them for the ducks.’ So, I’ve been doing this ever since. It takes a while for the ducks to have confidence in the dog, but we get there in the end.

“It’s a bit of a novelty but everyone seems to love it. I just enjoy seeing the look on people’s faces, especially the kids.”

Donald, Charm and 20 or so Indian Ducks have travelled down from Marlborough for The Show and will be in action again tomorrow and Friday, 12.30pm at the Mighty Mix Dog Trial Arena.