Today 20.06.2004  Zoot had his  3 year birthday 1 week ago.  I will write something about how he is today as an adult dog.

Zoot is a large dog, now around 75 kg and more than 80 cm at the withers, he have a tick wiry coat, with a pronounced mane and throusers, while his proudness is the bushy tail that he proudly carries in a ring over his back.  Zoot has god bone, a wonderful temperament,  eyes expressing wisdom and overall he gives the impression of strenght, power and intellegens.   "His wisdom is shining from his eyes" someone once commentet after meeting him.

Temperament:

Towards people:  Zoot is a nice dog.  He loves people, and even if there is mentioned in the breedstandard, that a CO should be reserved towards people, this dosen't fit with Zoot.  When he is with me, he is meeting all people in a friendly way.  Some may think he is saying hello, but actually, what he really does, is truly inspecting the person.   The exeption is when he is with me in the car, if anybody approaches the car from outside he will growl.   If left alone in the car, he just don't care about what is going on outside.  He is just quitely waiting for me to come back, not seeing the car as something he should guard.   When strange people are arriving in our yard, it varies a bit how they are met.  If I am home and outside with him, he may totally ignore them, not even bothering to get up.  But if there are friends arriving he will  welcome them in a grand and friendly way.  

Zoot is barking ofcourse if he is inside the house and people or cars are entering the property.  But only when I am at home.  If he is home alone, he will just keep his calm until someone are knocking at the door or a window.  One thing he don't like is if people are walking around the house and property outside, and he will make sure that the "intruder" are aware of his precense and dislike of the trespasser.  Zoot have never shown any sign of aggression towards people.

At one time Zoot stopped an "unstable" person from walking into the yard.  He did not attack the person, but walked around the person in a circle and when the person took a step towards the house, he went infront of the person blocking the way with his body.  The person took another step forward, and Zoot grabbed his arm, not biting, but firmly holding the person back.  As soon as the person reatreated in the direction away from the house he let go of the grip.  The person tried another approach, but again Zoot grabbed his arm, increasing the bite when the person tried to move forward, and letting go when he backed up.  In this case Zoot was showing the amazing intellegens of this breed, without any aggression, using only the strenght needet to stop the "intruder", but clearly telling the person that there is no way you are passing through here.

Behaviour towards other dogs:

I lived for a couple of years togheter with a man having two male dogs of small breeds, and Zoot was going well with these two Tex (Swedish Dachsbrache) and Truls (Dachs).  He is ofcourse the Alfadog in the house, and he have his own opinion about what is the rules in this house. But he is never aggresive towards the other dogs.  We had one episode here though, where Zoot was putting Tex in his place.  It was during feeding time and I had gone outside to get Zoot in the kitchen where I had his food ready, as we entered the kitchen I was suprised to see that Tex had left his bowl and started to eat out of Zoot's food.  Zoot looked suprised at first too, and was just standing there staring at Tex.  Then Tex attacked Zoot, and with the speed of lightning Zoot had Tex on his back in the opposite end of the kitchen, holding him down for about 15-30 secunds, then he let him of, Tex received not a scratch, but was never trying to attack Zoot again.  From this moment, all Zoot had to do when the smaller dogs are disobeying to house rules is giving a low growl, and they are immidiately obeying to his "command".  Wow, if we people could get the same result of our dogtraing...

I remember an incident when Zoot and I was out on a hike togheter with my boyfriend and Tex.  From out of nowhere two male german sheperd mixes came, and rushed straight at Tex attacking him.  I was standing only 5 meter away with Zoot.  My boyfriend managed to stop the fight, but after poor Tex had gotten his ears and neck all bitten up by the two dogs.  Now the dogs spotted Zoot, and came in our direction.  Zoot just stood there staring at them, not moving a muscle.  I see the dogs meeting the stare of Zoot, and their body positure changed immidiately, their back sank down, tail dropped, head dropped, they backe up, turned slowly, and ran like hell.  I wonder what Zoot was telling them with his eyes?

Zoot love our neighbours dogs, and it is always nice to go on hikes in the forest togheter with them.  When the females are in heat, he is behaving very good also. 

His behaviour towards other dogs varies a bit.  When we are at the dog club traing I find it convenient to keep a distance of 20-30 meter to the closest dog.  This because it is easier to get his full attention.  When close up to the females he is getting a bit distracted, anyway he have been "nosing" a little with a couple of them.  But the two females behaviour towards him was insecure and they attacked in his direction.  Zoot's solution to this was to lay down, and to make the playbow, this way telling the females that he was friendly.  During the exercise lay down and stay (together with all the dogs at the training) I feel there should be a female between him and the other males.  Otherwise he is doing well, and can stay for the 3 minutes the exercise last. 

A few times Zoot had visits from an adult male Welsh springer spaniel in the yard, and they seems to have fun together. 

When it comes to other strange male dogs, especially the medium to larger size breeds, we are just keeping out of their way.  Not because the CO is aggressive, but other dogs seems to react differently to the CO's than they do to other breeds.  And may go into an defensive attack towards the CO.

Towards other animals: 

I remeber an episode where I found a mice in my kitchen.  I got the idea that I should check out how Zoot would react beeing in a small room with the mice.  So I took Zoot and the mice out into the small hall, closed the door and sat the mice down on the floor.  Zoot watched the mice while it ran around for a while.  Then he softly touched the mice with his paw, nosing it also very softly, gave it a lick and let it go.  I let the mice out of the house, unharmed.  I should get a cat :-)

There is alot of deer living in the forest around our house.  Zoot know they ar there, but don't bother with them, except if they are trespassing into the yard.  Wich is fine with me, this way my flowers and plants will not be deer food.  Out hiking in the forest, Zoot may follow a deer, elk or rabbit track, but when seeing the deer has no interest in it, and will follow me on a loose lead.   Once a rabbit sat by the side of the road, but I thought it was a rock, until Zoot nosed at it, because then the rocked jumped away.. Zoot lost interest and we continued our walk.

There is alot of sheep around where we live.  They are in pastures or loose in the forest.  Up to now, Zoot has shown no interest in the sheep, one way or the other.  We have never had sheep on our farm, but he should be accoustom to the smell and sounds from his puppy time at the breeder.  And then see this as something natural.

Zoot grew up with cats, and even though we do not have a cat now, he is still indifferent towards them.  He may say hello to our neighbours old cat, but the younger ones are running from him.  Given the opportunity he may follow them some distance, but are soon losing interest.

Guarding abilities:

Somehow I feel that we are getting the dog we deserve, depending on the work, training and dedication we are putting into it.  Bringing up Zoot I have all the time been very carefull not to encourage or strenghten his guardian instinct. Still without any kind of encouragement I trust 100 % that he will protect when needen.  This is in his nature.

It has been important to me to raise his perception on what should be protected, to include only me (and only if I should be in real danger).  My dog don't need to protect the house, my car, his foodbowl, our garden etc.  Zoot know that it is normat that kids are passing here (not through the yard, but outside), walking, running or on a bicycle.  He also know that a pram with or without a rain cover  passing by is an regular thing.

In this time with all the laws and regulations towards dogs, and especially any dogs that may be perceived as dangerous, we need to take precaution.   In my country even a guard dog,  left alone in the house, doing it's job, biting the intruder, may be euthanized by authorities.  So,  my dogs are not expected to bite an intruder if they are left alone in the house.  They may ofcourse discourage the most persistent burglar, with their size, strength and loud bark.

So what are they allowed to do?  Well, they are allowed to stop by any means, any person posing violent attacks towards my person.

Growing up:

Day 1: 

On our way home, we stopped by some friends living at a farm, and Zoot was busy exploring the world.

From left:  Zoot and me, our first day together.  Zoot  out exploring the world on his own, pretty tough by a 7,5 week old puppy. 

On our way home, Zoot was sleeping in my lap, while I was driving the car.  Maybe not something to recommend thinking about road safety, but from the puppys point of view that was the best and safest place.

The next weeks: 

Zoot found his place in the house, right by the end of my bed and close to the door.  The coolest place in the house.  On weekdays Zoot came to work with me.  He was comfortable under my desk, and this way he was also socialized and got environmental training.  Everybody that came into my office wanted to see and pet the little puppy, and if Zoot was awake and in the mood for some new company they was allowed to do so.  Non dog friendly visitors to the office was througly ignored by Zoot. 

 Zoot in the office.                                      Zoot  and the cat.. 

When Zoot got a little older we started to go on hikes with Pål and his Poudle Troy.  It was a nice for Zoot to have a play mate, and we did go on regular hikes togheter during  most of Zoot's puppy period.

From left:  Zoot and Troy.  Zoot and the cat are sipping goat milk togheter.

Puppy class: 

We went to puppy class with Øyvind Oll, Akershus hundeskole.   It was 8 other puppies in the class, and Zoot was doing fine.  His behaviour at the puppy school was perfect,  and learning sit, down, walk on leash, walk in place and to come was easy going.   

Training home, and trips in the forest and fields: 

We started every walk with a repetition of training exercises,  like:  sit, stay, go in place, come  etc. Then we went on into the forest where Zoot was free to run an explore and have fun.  Sometimes I would jump in behind a three and hide when he was not keeping attention to me, and then he would come looking for me.  To keep his concentration on the fact that it was me and him together out there in the forest, I would also come up with some funny things to do, like fall down on my knees and start digging like crazy, then I would drop a snack down in there.  Zoot is always very eager when I do this,  also wanting to help me to dig for hidden "threasures".

On the left photo, Zoot is obeying to the command - Come. On the right he is playing rabbit or skippy.

Life is fun, fun, fun. 

Zoot's girlfriend:

In june 2002 Phoebe is moving in with us, and Zoot is getting a girlfriend. 

From left, Phoebe,  Zoot and Phoebe in the sofa, Phoebe and Zoot in the yard.

Zoot is pulling the Sledge, the cart and carrying his own backpack.

 Zoot  with the sledge.  Zoot with the cart, Zoot and Torjuss, Zoot and Alexa.

Showresults:

Always excellent

25.11.2007 Norwegian Winner Show, NKK, Hamar, Norway

Judge: Peter J.M. Moontfoort

Result: BOS, CACIB, CC and title Norwegian Winner 2007

The judge wrote:  6,5 years, Excellent type, size and substance.   Very good shape of scull, moderate stop, nice eyes, good bite, moderate powerful neck, strong body and bone, well angulated, very good mover.

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16.11.2006 Nordic Winner Show, NKK, Hamar, Norway

Judge: Ann-Christin Sultan, Sweden

Result: BOS, CACIB, CC and title Nordic Winner 2006

The judge wrote: Champion male excellent type and size.  Excellent head and expression.  Good neck, normal shoulder and overarm.  Suitable body and bone.  Angulations typical for breed.  Typical movement seen from the side, a little narrow hocks.  Typical quality of coat.

Champion hann av utmerket type/størrelse.  Utmerket hode og uttrykk.  Bra hlas, normal skulder/overarm.  Passende kropp og benstamme.  Rastypisk vinklet.  Typiske bevegelser sett fra siden, noe hase trang.  Typisk pelskvalitet.

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15.07.2006 Høgbo International Dogshow, Sweden

Judge: Peter Van Montfoort, Nederland

Result:  BOB, CACIB, CC 

The judge wrote:  5 years old, Excellent size & substance.  Very good powerful head.  Enough scull.  Good topline.  Enough bone.  Excellent coat & colour.  Complete scissors bite.  Very good mover.

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14.07.2006 Høgbo International Dogshow, Sweden

Judge:  Zvi Kupferberg, Israel

Result:  BOB, CC, CAC, CACIB,  Became Swedish Champion

The judge wrote: Correct size, Excellent type, Excellent head, Correct front and angulation, Correct chest, Excellent character, Good mover.  New champion.

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11.06.2006 Drammen, Arranged by:  Buskerud Hundeklubb, Unofficial, Match show

Judge: Tove Jensen, Norway

Result:  2 Best in Show

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14.11.2004 Kongsberg, Arranged by:  Kongsberg Hundeklubb

Judge:  Rodi Hübenthal, Norway

Result:  BOB   CC BHK1 CHK1

The judge wrote:  Very good type. Big and impressive, with a massive good head and nice expression.  Good neck and back.  Enough width in the front, correct angulation.  Very good movement.  Good coat.

Meget god type.  Stor og imponerende, med massivt bra hode og fint uttrykk.  Bra hals og ryglinje.  Tilstrekkelig bredde i front, korrekt vinklet.  Beveger seg meget bra.  God pels

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21.2.2004 Bø i telemark ,  Arranged by:  NKK

Judge:  Paul Stanton, Sweden

Result:    BOB  CACIB  CC CHK1 BHK1

The judge wrote:  Excellent size.  Powerful male.  Excellent powerful head.  Good pigmentation.  A little bit light eyes.  Strong neck, enoughg bone, nice paws, want a little more ang. b. Good body.  Tail a little to strong sircle.  Excellent coat and condition.  Good movement front, could havemore power behind.  Wonderful temperament.

Utmerket stoleik.  Kraftfull hann, Utmerket kraftfullt hode, bra pigmentering, noget lyse øyne, sterk hals, tilstrekkelig ben stamme, fine tassar, ønsker litt mer vink. p.b. Bra kropp, noget for hardt ringl. svans.  Utmerket pelskvalitet og kondition.  Bra framsteg. Kunne ha mer kraft i bak steg.  Herlig temperament.

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8.2.2004 Hellerudsletta, Arranged by:  NSBK avd. Oslo og Akershus

Judge:  Evgeny Rozenberg, Russia

Result:  CHK1

The judge wrote: Middle size with good bones and muscles.  Compact with very good temperament and excellent coat.  Head could be stronger.  Dark enough eyes.  Good neck position.  Chest and fore and hind quarters could be wider.  Good angulations.

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18.1.2004 Sandefjord,  Arranged by:  Sandefjord Hundeklubb

Judge:  Angel Garach Domech, Spain

Result:  BOB  CC BHK1 CHK1

The judge wrote:  Outstanding dog. Excellent head & front.  Good bone, Good topline & tail.  The coat is not in the best condition.  He moves very well.

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14.6.2003 Drammen,  Arranged by:  NKK

Judge:  Louis Pinto Teixeira, Portugal

Result:  BOS CACIB CERT AK1  VK1   BHK1   Champion of Norway

The judge wrote: Good size, Correct and compl. mouth.  Good colour of eyes. Broad scull.  Good front & Feet, prefer more w. on body.  A little weak in loins. Normal topline and regular behind. Prefer more heavy movement.

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23.11.2002  Hamar, Arranged by:  NKK

Judge:  Helge Lie, Norway

Result: BIR  AUK1 AUKK1 HP VK1 CERT BHK1 CACIB

(NORDV)

Kritikk: 16 mnd. av meget god type.  Kraftig meget velformet hode. Utmerkede mørke øyne.  Herlig uttrykk og kjønnspreg.  Velkroppet, velvinklet, god benstamme, utmerket pels, beveger seg litt trangt bak.

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5.10.2002 Fredrikstad, Arrangør NKK

Dommer Elke Peper, Tyskland

Premiering:  BIR AUK1 AUKK1 HP CERT VK1 BHK1 CACIB

Kritikk:  Very strong male, Correct type, Good head, well angulated. Very deep brisket. Correct coat. Moves fluently. Very close behind.

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25.8.2002 Rud Hauger, Arrangør KSS

Dommer Rafael Malo Alcrudo, Spania

Premiering: JK1 JKK1 HP VK1 CERT BHK2

Kritikk: Maskulin & typee. Correct head and expression.  Still must develop chest.  Could be a little more angulated in front & behind.  Free mover.

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27.7.2002  Nesparken Moss, Arrangør Moss og Omegn Hundeklubb

Dommer Hassi A Feyel, Tyskland

Premiering: JK1 JKK1 HP VK1

Kritikk: Good size, 13 months. Very good shape of head, flat scull. Good eyes and ears, well buildt body, good neck and topline, enough chest for the age, front could be better.  Well set and carried tail, movment close front and behind.  Good coat and temperament.

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15.6.2002 Årnes, Arrangør Nes Hundeklubb

Dommer Annemarie Thomassen, Sverige

Premiering: JK1 JKK1 HP CERT BHK2

Kritikk: Utmerket typ, vakker hann hund hode, mørke øgon, velplasserte øron, komplett saxbett, utmerket storlek, rør seg flytande effektivt & fjedrande, bra temperament, utmerket representant av rasen.

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27.4.2002 Stange, Arrangør NDK, Hedemark/Oppland

Dommer Marit Sunde, Norge

Premiering:  JK1 JKK1 HP VK1

Kritikk:  Herlig sjarmerende ung herre. Meget bra type.  Fin størrelse, Maskulint fint hode/uttrykk. Dog en anelse for langt snuteparti.  Tilstrekkelig vinklet. Bra kropp. Bra bevegelser når han vil, Tilstrekkelig pelskondisjon.  Herlig gemytt.

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Valpeshow 16.2.2002 Skedsmohallen, Arrangør NDK

Dommer Marit Sunde, Norge

Premiering:  BIR  1-1   Res. gruppevinner

Kritikk: En herlig trivelig ung herre m/fin helhet.  Fint utviklet hode for alderen.  Godt vinklet skulder. Tilstrekkelig utfyldt.  Bra kropp. Noe trang framme og bak. Tilstrekkelig pelskondisjon, Herlig temperament.

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21.4.2002 Eknes, Arrangør Norges Hunder Landsforbund

Dommer Kirsten Arnzholt, Danmark

Premiering: 1 premie HP UBU (Best in show Unghund)

Kritikk:  Godt kjønnspreg, Godt hode, Gode mørke øyne, Korrekt ansatt ører. Korrekt tenner.  Godt snuteparti. God robust kropp. Gode lige forben. Gode vinkler bakben. Flat velpleiet pels. Korrekt ansatt og båret hale, Gode poter, Gode bevegelser.

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10.2.2002 Lommedalen, Arrangør Norges Hunder Landsforbund

Dommer Anita Bruun, Sverige

Premiering: HP JK1 JKK1  BIS JK (Best in show junior)

Kritikk:  Meget god type, Maskulint kjønnspreg, kraftfullt hode, intelligente, stramme øyne, velansatte ører, vel tilbakalagd skuldra, lagom vinkler på bak, Tjock korrekt pels, Rätt ansatt hale, kraftiga välutvecklade poter, tilfredstillande bevegelser, dog noe trang bak.  Mycket gott temperament.

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Valpeshow 30.9.2001 Storsandtoppen, Arrangør NHL

Dommer Aud Eriksen, Norge

Premiering: 1 premie  BIS  (Best in show valp)