I made a short video of each puppy doing some very basic training to help each home better understand the pups temperaments and what I see in each baby as a pet, therapy prospect, or performance dog. All of these dogs will do good in therapy work, though Boromir will take the longest to mature as he is the highest drive puppy in the litter. These are NOT high drive pups. As a whole they are low to mid level, with only Boromir scoring a few 2’s on his aptitude test. This combination produced exactly what I expected from the parents personalities. Low to mid level drives, good therapy prospects, light working prospects. No real surprises. Watch the videos below to see how they each do during their first training session.
ELROND – Easy to train, will do well in performance work, therapy, just about anything. He is not a high end working dog temperament, but really nice and will do well at upper levels of training. A great first dog or one that will enjoy showing and make you look like a pro doing it. Quick learner, good food motivation, easy to direct. Great with kids. Will need some training with cats and small animals, due to having some ‘chase’ drive.
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ARAGORN- Easy to correct and will be a rule follower. He has low prey drive so good with young kids, cats, smaller animals. Sweet, gentle, and would do best in a home with other dogs or a stay at home parent. He would excel in therapy, as he adores people and is extremely social. Not dominant.
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BOROMIR – If you want a dog who can do higher end agility or obedience or just be a great pet this guy has the right stuff. He has drive, work ethic, love of food, love of toys. He is smart… maybe to smart for his own good. Love this boy for a working home with experience with large working breeds. Great with kids! Would take training to live with cats and smaller dogs, but very doable with training. He isn’t aggressive, but he will be a watchdog, as he notices his surroundings already. The key with this guy will be consistent training, due to his intelligence level. If you don’t train him, he will train you!
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SHADOWFAX- Low key, sweet, gentle, easy going. Will excel in therapy, service, or holding down the couch. Great with kids, cats, other pets of any size. Could do light performance work, but likely not champion level working.
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ARWEN (now TASHA) – this little girl could do anything. She scored middle of the road in her testing. She can do working sports with easy as her mind and body is perfectly suited for it, but also her temperament is such she will also make an amazing pet. She is friendly, happy, and will do well in most homes. Kids, small dogs, and cats are all ok. She is more retriever and less chaser, though she will need some training.
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~Becky