MERLOT EARNS HIS CD TITLE in Obedience!!

Merlot was an Operational Search and Rescue dog.  He is fully trained in Wilderness Live Search though now he is in full retirement. 

At the age of 8 years Merlot earns his Therapy Dog International title!!  Such a great dog!

Merlot testing results:
OFA fair, CERF fall of 2001&2002&2004, Dec 2005
vWD DNA clear, SA skin punch fall 2001.  Thyroid, Kidney, and Liver Normal 2005
Valley Fever hit Merlot like a rock.  We almost lost him!  He had to have emergency neuter surgery to save his life.   He is no longer at stud to any females, but we hope to keep a couple of girls from his last litter to continue the line.

Info on Merlot:

1. TEMPERAMENT: Dominant male.  Not aggressive, but very pushy with other dogs or people he doesn't know or trust.  Protective of me, his home, any anything else he feels needs his attention.  High Drive with a good work ethic with his friends or family.  High Prey drive, Medium Play drive that can be motivated with Prey activities (Playing Tug a War, playing chase, etc).  High Retrieving Drive.  Extremely bonded to me and devoted to family.  He is my German Shepherd in Poodle Clothing. (bouncy poodle ness aside!)   :)

2. CONFORMATION: Middle Bone, old style wycliffe head, very nice pigment, top notch coat texture, ok tail set, fabulous feet.  Good depth of chest.  Things to Note:  A little Narrow chest and straighter shoulders than I like. 

3. SIZE: Right at 27 inches. 

4. HEALTH: OFA Fair, will only be bred to bitches OFA good or excellent.  Passed all other health test.  Moody <grin> but healthy.  Picky eater.

5. COLOR: Merlot is a Black, but carries white.  He can produce Blacks, Whites, and Creams.