Temperament Testing:
Using [A] for active response,
[N] for neutral and
[P] for passive based on:
1. Observation. Watching how she plays with other puppies, does she jump right into group activities [A], hanging in the midst of the activity [N], or submitting when approached [P].
Mr. Blue: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he active/very playful [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P].
Mr. Blue: N
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or wiggle and lick like crazy [A].
Mr. Blue: N
4. Call back. Using a treat or squeak toy and calling to the puppy while backing away, does he race after you while jumping at your ankles [A], follow happily with a trot and tail wag [N] or needs a moment to evaluate the situation before checking it out (praise helps) [P].
Mr. Blue: P
5. Tuck and pat. When kneeling/sitting on the floor, settle the puppy between your legs. Pet him in long gentle strokes as you praise him softly. Does he wriggle free confidently without giving up [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P].
Mr. Blue: N
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, Now go to your puppy and lean over to pet him. Your doing this may seem overwhelming to the pup because you're so large and he's so small. Does he jump up at your face playfully [A], crouch submissively with a passive tail way [P] or just relax and let it happen, nonchalantly [N].
Mr. Blue: P
7. Nose kiss. Cradle your puppy's face in your hands and kiss him on the nose. Does he bite you back [A], accept the smooch calmly or return the interaction with a kiss [N] melts in your arms, just letting it happen [P].
Mr. Blue: P
8. Toe squeeze. In this exercise, you're testing your puppy's reaction and sensitivity to discomfort. While petting the puppy, gently squeeze the skin between his toes. Does he attack your hand [A], lick or mouth gently [N], or whimper/appear anxious [P].
Mr. Blue: N
9. Startle sound. Take a bunch of keys and when your prospective puppy least expects it, rattle them above his head and gauge his reaction. Does he playfully "attack" the keys [A], give them a nonchalant glance [N], or crouch submissively and looks to you guidance [P].
Mr. Blue: N
10. Crash test. Stand and wait until your puppy is no longer interested in you. Suddenly fall to the ground as if you've tripped and yell "Ouch." Does the puppy race over and playfully pounce [A], comes to sniff or lick your face [N], or hangs back to observe what is going on before approaching [P].
Mr. Blue: N
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for at few seconds. Does he wriggle and mouth [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]? Does he "freeze" and wait for your next move[P]?
Mr. Blue: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is extremely bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time and an experienced owner is recommended. They can be extremely rewarding pets for someone who wants to have a highly trained companion or competition dog of some sort (Agility, dock diving, etc).
All N's: Easy going and contained, "All N" puppies will be pleasant and an ideal pet for most families. These middle-of-the-road pups are confident enough that they won't live for their owner's approval and guidance like a "P" puppy would (N pups can be stubborn at times) but they won't be as defiant as an "A" puppy can be.
All P's: This puppy has a weak self-esteem and needs your reassurance to feel safe. Without proper lessons and socialization, he'll be shy. With proper socializing, "P" pups can "built up" to make excellent family dogs and tend to be very attached to their owners.
Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show more impulse control when stimulated than an all "A" puppy. "A/N" puppies are great for loud/active families that want a pup with lots of personality and confidence, but that are not nearly as intense as "all A" puppies.
Mix of N and P's: This self-assured puppy will be easygoing and gentle yet with a stronger sense of self than a completely passive puppy. Because he's more composed, he'll be an ideal puppy for a calm household.
Using [A] for active response,
[N] for neutral and
[P] for passive based on:
1. Observation. Watching how she plays with other puppies, does she jump right into group activities [A], hanging in the midst of the activity [N], or submitting when approached [P].
Mr. Blue: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he active/very playful [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P].
Mr. Blue: N
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or wiggle and lick like crazy [A].
Mr. Blue: N
4. Call back. Using a treat or squeak toy and calling to the puppy while backing away, does he race after you while jumping at your ankles [A], follow happily with a trot and tail wag [N] or needs a moment to evaluate the situation before checking it out (praise helps) [P].
Mr. Blue: P
5. Tuck and pat. When kneeling/sitting on the floor, settle the puppy between your legs. Pet him in long gentle strokes as you praise him softly. Does he wriggle free confidently without giving up [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P].
Mr. Blue: N
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, Now go to your puppy and lean over to pet him. Your doing this may seem overwhelming to the pup because you're so large and he's so small. Does he jump up at your face playfully [A], crouch submissively with a passive tail way [P] or just relax and let it happen, nonchalantly [N].
Mr. Blue: P
7. Nose kiss. Cradle your puppy's face in your hands and kiss him on the nose. Does he bite you back [A], accept the smooch calmly or return the interaction with a kiss [N] melts in your arms, just letting it happen [P].
Mr. Blue: P
8. Toe squeeze. In this exercise, you're testing your puppy's reaction and sensitivity to discomfort. While petting the puppy, gently squeeze the skin between his toes. Does he attack your hand [A], lick or mouth gently [N], or whimper/appear anxious [P].
Mr. Blue: N
9. Startle sound. Take a bunch of keys and when your prospective puppy least expects it, rattle them above his head and gauge his reaction. Does he playfully "attack" the keys [A], give them a nonchalant glance [N], or crouch submissively and looks to you guidance [P].
Mr. Blue: N
10. Crash test. Stand and wait until your puppy is no longer interested in you. Suddenly fall to the ground as if you've tripped and yell "Ouch." Does the puppy race over and playfully pounce [A], comes to sniff or lick your face [N], or hangs back to observe what is going on before approaching [P].
Mr. Blue: N
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for at few seconds. Does he wriggle and mouth [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]? Does he "freeze" and wait for your next move[P]?
Mr. Blue: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is extremely bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time and an experienced owner is recommended. They can be extremely rewarding pets for someone who wants to have a highly trained companion or competition dog of some sort (Agility, dock diving, etc).
All N's: Easy going and contained, "All N" puppies will be pleasant and an ideal pet for most families. These middle-of-the-road pups are confident enough that they won't live for their owner's approval and guidance like a "P" puppy would (N pups can be stubborn at times) but they won't be as defiant as an "A" puppy can be.
All P's: This puppy has a weak self-esteem and needs your reassurance to feel safe. Without proper lessons and socialization, he'll be shy. With proper socializing, "P" pups can "built up" to make excellent family dogs and tend to be very attached to their owners.
Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show more impulse control when stimulated than an all "A" puppy. "A/N" puppies are great for loud/active families that want a pup with lots of personality and confidence, but that are not nearly as intense as "all A" puppies.
Mix of N and P's: This self-assured puppy will be easygoing and gentle yet with a stronger sense of self than a completely passive puppy. Because he's more composed, he'll be an ideal puppy for a calm household.
Hey Rachyl!
I have narrowed down 2 boys based on our conversation and the late June/early July time frame. I may have other options that are:
-somewhat older or younger
-somewhat larger
-females (littermates of below pups)
If you want more information about other possibilities just let me know. However, hopefully one of the below boys fits the bill!
I have narrowed down 2 boys based on our conversation and the late June/early July time frame. I may have other options that are:
-somewhat older or younger
-somewhat larger
-females (littermates of below pups)
If you want more information about other possibilities just let me know. However, hopefully one of the below boys fits the bill!
Penelope & Boone's Blue Boy
Anticipated Adult Size: 13-18lb
Coat/Color: Curly Blonde/Golden
I really think this is your boy if you are happy with his size, color, and coat. A little early to tell for sure, but his personality has really started to bubble out in the last few days and he definitely seems confident and interested in people. I think the size and a combination of the parent temperaments match what you are looking for. I suspect he will look quite a bit like his mommy Penelope- I will include her photo of her along with his.
Coat/Color: Curly Blonde/Golden
I really think this is your boy if you are happy with his size, color, and coat. A little early to tell for sure, but his personality has really started to bubble out in the last few days and he definitely seems confident and interested in people. I think the size and a combination of the parent temperaments match what you are looking for. I suspect he will look quite a bit like his mommy Penelope- I will include her photo of her along with his.
Dad's Name: Boone
Dad's Size: 14 Pounds/14.5" Tall Dad's Breed: Multigenerational Mini Goldendoodle Dad's Personality: Boone is totally trusting of any human (stranger or not). He will greet you like you're his best friend. Very cuddly, loves to be held upside down in your arms like a baby. He is abnormally good at matching what owner is doing- can stay in bed all day or can go on a hike. Boone is intelligent and trainable, but doesn't have to be kept busy all day (he can be quite the couch potato at times and is a snoozer). Quite athletic for his small size. He can keep up playing "big dog" games like fetch and isn't intimidated by water. Naturally more submissive nature, friendly and agreeable around other dogs. Boone has a very slim build- long legs and lean. He has straight/wavy non-shedding coat. His guardian owners have mild dog allergies and have never had any problems with Boone causing a reaction. |
Mom's Name: Penelope
Mom's Size: 14 Pounds/14" Tall Mom's Breed: Double Doodle Mom's Personality: Penelope is confident and friendly. Lives with her guardian home in Richmond, VA and is known by all vendors at her local farmers market (she is there every week saying hi to everyone). Independent enough that she doesn't sulk for hours when owner goes to work, and while she likes attention she doesn't have to be touching her person at all times (is happy on her dog bed nearby). Happy with her daily walk- her guardian owner is a runner and Penelope *can* go on runs with her but doesn't necessarily love a morning 5k... she would prefer to stay home. However she is a very intelligent and mentally active dog that adores treat puzzles and slow-release meal toys (she is literally a doggy IQ -game wizard) to break up the day. Penelope makes excellent eye contact with people and is very in-tune with her humans and surroundings. Gets along very well with other doggies (her guardian mom's family operates a doggy daycare... so she was immersed from a young age)! |
Scout & Rudy's Blue Boy
Anticipated Adult Size: 18-24lb (likely somewhere inbetween)
Coat/Color: Wavy, Red/Apricot with white markings
This boy is lovely- but a totally different vibe from the puppy above. He appears at this moment to be a very sweet, submissive and passive boy... there is NOTHING wrong with this, however, you will need to be prepared to do a lot of positive exposure to your busy surroundings and environment from an early age to make sure that he adjusts well to life in NoDa. A sweet, sensitive boy like this is an excellent option for a person who will struggle to set boundaries for a puppy. If you are someone who will never be able to tell the dog "no" or instill any rules/boundaries in the household, a confident puppy might walk all over you! If you would like additional information about this, let me know. Since you grew up with schnauzers in your home and have some basic dog experience/knowledge, I don't foresee this being a big problem.
I am going to give a shorter description of parents below as I suspect you may love Penelope's boy based on our correspondence! But happy to provide additional information if you want it-
Coat/Color: Wavy, Red/Apricot with white markings
This boy is lovely- but a totally different vibe from the puppy above. He appears at this moment to be a very sweet, submissive and passive boy... there is NOTHING wrong with this, however, you will need to be prepared to do a lot of positive exposure to your busy surroundings and environment from an early age to make sure that he adjusts well to life in NoDa. A sweet, sensitive boy like this is an excellent option for a person who will struggle to set boundaries for a puppy. If you are someone who will never be able to tell the dog "no" or instill any rules/boundaries in the household, a confident puppy might walk all over you! If you would like additional information about this, let me know. Since you grew up with schnauzers in your home and have some basic dog experience/knowledge, I don't foresee this being a big problem.
I am going to give a shorter description of parents below as I suspect you may love Penelope's boy based on our correspondence! But happy to provide additional information if you want it-
Dad's Name: Rudy
Dad's Size: 16 Pounds/15" Tall Dad's Breed: F1B Mini Goldendoodle Dad's Personality: Rudy is a tried and true producer for my program- Penelope is his daughter!!! Rudy is a very laid back, easy going, and submissive natured boy who lives in a guardian home with a retired couple in Asheboro, NC (and often travels to the beach of vacation). He is friendly with people and other puppies, but not extremely pushy for attention. He acts like a big dog- doesn't yap or jump around, just hangs out and wags his tail. Trainable but no so intelligent that he keeps you working all day to keep him busy. He tends to produce sweet and submissive puppies who thrive as long as their owners socialize them properly. |
Mom's Name: Scout
Mom's Size: 20 Pounds/17" Tall Mom's Breed: Double Doodle (75% GD & 25% ALD) Mom's Personality: Scout is a very cuddly and super loving dog. Everyone that meets her will say over and over again "wow, that is the sweetest dog." She sits happily for pets, and will paw at you gently if you stop. In certain settings it may take her a moment to warm up to everyone (no trying to flee or anything- she will just want to sniff your hand first rather than leap all over you). She enjoys fetch but isn't a nut for it like some dogs. Her guardian owner is a single woman that says Scout is the perfect dog for her, low key enough that she can leave her home alone without worrying about her, but always up for a walk downtown or a cuddle on the couch. Scout's loves to destroy stuffed animals to get the squeaker! Scout enjoys and gets along with doggy companions- but prefers her special human most. |