“Aquila”

Training engagement (low/medium/high):

High as a young puppy under 6 months. 6-12 months medium

Energy level (low/medium/high):

Medium. He’s got a lot of energy and endurance but isn’t hyper, and has a good off switch. 

Biddability (low/medium/high):

Medium. Perfectly independent and can and will make his own choices if left to his own devices. But he will also listen to what is asked of him most of the time.  

Vocality (low/medium/high):

Medium. In the house and yard he is generally quiet. Barks when people come and go for a brief moment and maybe when he sees a chipmunk outside through the window.  

Prey drive (low/medium/high):

Medium. He loves to chase and hunt, however he learns extremely fast what is off limits (cats, livestock, baby chicks, pet rabbit) and is trustworthy around them.

Human social (reactive, aloof, neutral, social):

 Very social. Loves all people with no hesitation.  

Dog social: (reactive, aloof, neutral, social):

Very social. Still displaying lots of puppy behavior and overexcitement when greeting other dogs but he loves them. 

Environmental sensitivity - (scale of 1-10, 10 being very reactive/unable to redirect and 1 being sleeping and/or completely engaged and able to ignore the world):

6- he’s improved immensely. We’ve worked very hard to being neutral in public and around other dogs, but it’s been tough and he had complete meltdowns in class and on walks often. We’ve recently made huge strides so I’m confident that number will continue to go down. But being neutral did not come naturally in the first year, he got very overstimulated easily and would lunge and bark and would not redirect well. 

Confidence level (scale of 1-10, 1 being afraid of the smallest change/shadow and 10 being completely unafraid in any scenario):

10- he is the most confident dog I’ve ever met. He loves new situations and is overexcited by them if anything. He’s been around fireworks, trains, loud traffic, farm animals, groups of children. I’ve never seen him waiver. He’s amazing in this regard.   

Velcro (scale 1-10, 1 being very independent and aloof and 10 being living in your skin at all times):

 5- he has the perfect amount of independence. He loves to run our property by himself, hang out with guests and different people aside from me. He likes to be in the same room as me but doesn’t like to be in my lap.

Affectionate (scale 1-10, 1 being not ever seeking or giving affection/attention, 10 being the most affectionate dog ever):

7- he’s not demanding but he likes to come up and sit and stare at wag his tail for some pets and love for a minute but don’t overdo the affection or he will leave.  

Problem solving skills/independent thinking: (scale 1-10, 1 being needs help with everything/can’t generalize, 10 being puzzle master):

9- I can hide toys (different ones each game) and have him find them and he rarely comes to me for help and will independently find them himself. He figured out all his puzzles way too easy. He’s a very good problem solver.   

Off switch?

The best off switch ever. He could be outside all day, hike and swim, and keep up. Or he could laze on the couch all day. He is truly an “up for whatever” type of dog.

Favorite activities:

Swimming, hiking in the woods, hunting for chipmunks, playing with his kids, fetch, FastCat, Barn Hunt   

Personality quirks?

Likes to howl when he hears certain noises.   

Pros?

The sweetest, most stable dog. He is so confident, happy, social, and unbothered by anything. He is 10/10 with children and truly enjoys being around them.   

Cons?

“Reactive” (barking incessantly, lunging, unable to redirect the behavior even with high value treats) traits as a puppy but we are quickly growing out of that. So in general, a little bit of a rougher puppyhood than I expected. 

Any additional comments?

He has been the perfect fit for our family. I really didn’t know if I would get a herding breed that meshed perfectly into family life but I did, and I’m so very happy I found this breed. Even if we’re just living a normal day, I think he feels fulfilled because our lifestyle even at a basic level with nothing extra going on, is something he really enjoys and loves. I feel lucky everyday I got placed with him because he’s everything I’ve wanted in a dog.