New member and his dog

[gman]

Hi, Mike here, from Virginia Beach. My fiancee', Paula, and I recently adopted a dog from Forever Home Sanctuary in Knotts Island NC. Although we are not certain, we believe he is at least partially Dutch Shepherd. We were told by the Sanctuary that he had been tested by the local police for possible police dog duty, and the cop told them he was part DS. I believe he was found as a stray and turned into the Norfolk SPCA, and was then rescued. Anyway, he has a tremendous ball drive and will chase and bring the ball back until he literally collapses. He also seems super intelligent and very obedient, although a little stubborn at the same time. We are probably going to take him to the Dock Dogs around here and try that with him since he has such a tremendous ball drive, and can run like the wind and jump really well.

Here is our new pride and joy, Gabriel. He is about 2 years old as best they can tell.

[Dutchringgirl]

He is beautiful!! Congratulations on your new family member !

[vneerland]

Welcome Mike, Paula and Gabriel! I love the rich brindle of your boy. If he had had standing ears, I bet you he would really have looked the part. Nice looking boy

[gman]

Thank you Lisa!

A lot of people say he has pit bull in him, which may be true, but his build is nothing like a pit. He maybe a little small for a DS, as he weighs about 45-50lbs.

Here is a video posted by the sanctuary of Gabriel when he first got there and he is the dog that chases the ball originally in the beginning. When you watch this you can see his DS-like build, and I think he kind of runs like a shepherd as well.

http://www.youtube.com/user/foreverhome ... 8VMD4OEc4s

[leih merigian]

Welcome, Mike and Gabriel!

You rock for adopting your new family member!

[gman]

Thanks, Leih! We got a lot in return: a happy, mostly trained dog who sleeps almost all night in his kennel, walks on a leash pretty well, and plays fetch like a champ! I give the Forever Home Sanctuary all the credit in the world for rehabilitating Gabriel to be so well adjusted!

So any clue if he has DS in him at all, or what he might be mixed with if he does? I was thinking DS and boxer or lab. His ears are actually DS looking if you hold them up; they are pointed instead of rounded. He also has the extra long tongue I have seen in pictures of DS's! Looks like it wouldn't fit in his mouth. He is also brilliant and we already have taught him to lie down on his bed while we eat, and he will stay there until we get done, which can be up to 15-20 minutes. Yesterday in the kitchen, I snapped my fingers and said "Go lay down" and he walked into the living room and did it. I hope I can keep up with his intellect!

[gman]

I made this little video this morning so you guys can see his look when he is moving. The one thing that makes me think he either has no DS in him, or is mixed with a smaller breed is that he only weighs about 45 lbs, and I have been reading that DS weigh in at 60+

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4u8AgizljA

[Kristie E]

Welcome! he lays like Gwen does with her back legs kicked out behind her.. she'll pull herself forward somehow and army crawl when she is supposed to be "Staying"....