Life with my new constant canine companion is proving interesting. It seems I learn something new about life with an Aussie almost daily. Sometimes Jake appears to have been put together like a doggy puzzle. Yes, know his papers say he is a miniature Australian Sheppard, but we have already established that at almost 50 pounds and more than 18 inches at the withers, a miniature he is not. Next, there is the question of his handsome long snout and his magnificently erect bat–like ears as well as some of his other doggly peccadilloes. These last characteristics have prompted us to do some research regarding Aussie heritage. We Googled and found that—depending upon the source one consults—the original Aussies were likely descended from a dukes mixture of Welsh Shepherds, Pyrenean Sheepdogs, ancient Bobtailed Rough Collies, and possibly the Australian Kelpie. Our Google research leads us to believe that some of Jake’s unique characteristics apparently hail back to his ancient heritage.

Collie face

Like his ancient Collie cousins, Jake is a handsome fellow with a long noble snout rather more prominent than his Aussie peers. This is never more evident than when he has engaged in some act of mischief and been caught red–handed. At these times he tilts his head downward and cuts his almond–shaped amber eyes up at the angry human very sheepishly as if to say he is sorry. We call this expression “Collie Face.”

Kelpie ears

Australian Shepherds are said to be descendants of the rough bobtailed collies that first came to America with the farmers and Basque shepherds. Somewhere along the way the bloodline must have involved a breed known as the Kelpie. The main identifying feature of the Kelpie is its large, pointed ears that stick straight up. Most Australian Shepherds have ears with flopped over tips, but Jake has the ears of a Kelpie, which he uses to great advantage as radar dishes to listen for noises that may indicate a threat to his flock. The cool thing is that he can do this wide awake or sound asleep. Bear butt

No, I do not mean bare butt because Jake’s ample rear has well feathered britches that fan out and frame his nub of a tail. Due to his red brown coloring when Jake trots away from you, he resembles a round bottomed bear cub and indeed he sometimes sounds like one with the assortment of growls, grunts, and moans he uses to communicate. This aside, I suppose this “bear butt” characteristic hails from his bob–tailed rough collie heritage, but I think his vocal talent may be a Kelpie trait because I hear rumors that Kelpies may have Dingo forbearers. I think it may be true because our bear–butted little Aussie is also as excellent a sneak

little Aussie is also as excellent a sneak thief as any self–respecting Dingo.

Fireworks freak–out

We figured out a long time ago the Chi (our chihuahua) was not fond of loud, sharp noises. From fireworks to thunderclaps, most big noises send her scurrying for cover. The jury was still out on Jake as he seemed apathetic towards thunderstorms and until recently had not been exposed to fireworks. However, Sunday being July 4th and the male members of the family being fond of explosions, Jake was exposed to fireworks for the first time. It was not a pleasant experience for him. Although, while indoors Jake found he could tolerate the bottle rockets, the firecrackers and artillery shells reduced him to a quivering lump of lap puppy. Throughout the onslaught of booms and bangs Jake was huddled against my mother shaking, panting, and whining. I am thinking it’s a good thing that sheep herders were more peaceful than their cattle herding counterparts. Otherwise, they may have found themselves without canine help to watch the sheep.

It is now late on a quiet Monday evening, and my canine companions are lounging comfortably in the safety of our home with their humans in clear view, grateful the fireworks are finished until at least New Year’s Eve. Until next month, we all bid you adieu and wish you a pleasant lazy July.